The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[Pappers_]

The Fire play their home opener against Sporting KC this weekend, but it's supposed to be cold and possible snow flurries. I don't know if I want to go in that, but I have missed live soccer.

On another topic - Wales v England for Euro 2012 qualifying tomorrow morning. I wouldn't mind seeing the upset here!

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

Yeah, that's the Fire I was talking about... The website doesn't load, maybe it is something weird on my end?

I looked at the section 8 stuff. That would be a blast, but with two small kids I don't think i could make use of their INCREDIBLE offer. $200 for season tickets! wow.

 

[Boerderij_Kabouter]

I just watched the videos from Chad's workouts. It is super weird seeing him humble and talking like that. WAY different than his football persona.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Huh, that's odd that it's not loading for you. And yes, keep the young ones out of Supporters Sections in general. Inside the masses it's rowdy, loud, boozy and vulgar. Perfect atmosphere if not for the kids

Televised soccer today:

Seattle Sounders FC vs Houston Dynamo (7pm PT; 10pm ET; Fox Soccer Channel.)

The Sounders are looking for their first win after two disappointing results. There is the possibility of them missing out on their star midfielder, Steve Zakuani. And of course, they let go of Designated Player Blaise Nkufo due to disagreements off the pitch.

Houston, while losing their home opener against Philly, look good and can provide a real threat for Keller and the Rave Green's back-line.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Holy crap... I feel like I burned my eyes out. Literally watch soccer all day yesterday, from 11am until 9pm. The longest break was like 15 minutes before the USA v Argentina match.

But wow, what a weekend. This season is looking to be quite different from 2010. Some clubs have made some real changes for the better... others look excellent on paper but are having rough starts.

First off, though, USA Yanks vs Argentina La Albiceleste: 1-1
I'd like to start of by saying I loved seeing New Meadowlands packed for a friendly, and the American Outlaws were loud and offered great support. Also, those are some slick-ass new kits!!!

But down to the action. Oh.... my.... GOD, Argentina was spectacular. If they had played like that throughout WC2010 they would have won. But unbelievable amounts of kudos to the Yanks for keeping them from scoring until the 43' considering the huge number of chances they got. Oh, and speaking of that... I want to have Tim Howard's love-child. WHAT A BEAST! And of course the youngster Agudelo having an amazing rookie year, both for the USMNT and NYRB.



Toronto FC vs Portland Timbers: 2-0
PDX is having a rough start. Silly mistakes on defense cost them and, despite having several chances, TFC's backline stayed strong.



Chicago Fire vs. Sporting Kansas City: 3-2
What a shootout! It seems like Sporting can't stay away from high scoring games. The officiating was terrible, though, allowing Chicago to get the advantage when SKC's Omar Bravo was sent off with a red.

On a side note, Ochocinco got his trial extended until Monday where he will actually be playing in a Sporting Reserves match. I know Reserve League matches aren't supposed to be televised but I'm really hoping this one is.



Philadelphia Union vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 1-0
Recently-expanded club hosting the new expansion club. Philly looked great and, as usual, the fan atmosphere was stellar. Of course the result was aided by the fact that the Caps were playing a man-down for a lot of match.

On a side note, #1 SuperDraft pick Omar Salgado has been approved by FIFA to play for the Whitecaps prior to turning 18.... that should really help them add depth to the attacking side.



Columbus Crew vs. New York Red Bulls: 0-0
A tough fought game. NYRB held on strong, especially considering they were missing a lot of signature players due to national team call-ups.



New England Revolution vs. D.C. United: 2-1
Worst officiating I've seen in a looooooong time. Both of the Revs goals were the result of crap calls: first one was right after a blatant handball in the penalty box, the second a PK (resulting from a yellow card) given for what should have been a no-call. Luckily Davies was able to dig DC out a little with a late PK (also keeps him in the lead for the Golden Boot runnings.)



Real Salt Lake vs. LA Galaxy: 4-1
Good lord that was painful to watch. I wanted to turn it off after the third goal in the first half but I have to support my LAG through the crap. The defense was sloppy, confused and slow. Omar Gonzalez needs to healthy friggin fast because Leonardo is pissing me off. Now, I'm not saying the loss was all LA's fault; RSL played spectacularly. Their possession in the midfield made it so LA's middies just disappeared for long periods of time. I could talk about this match forever and how unbearably frustrating it was but there are still others to cover.



FC Dallas vs. San Jose Earthquakes: 0-2
Chris Wondolowski (SJ), after a rough start against RSL last week, netted two nice goals to keep himself competitive in the Golden Boot running. Dallas may have lost but it definitely wasn't for a lack of trying... they definitely had their opportunities but just couldn't finish.

On a side note, Pizza Hut Park was friggin empty. I had higher hopes for Dallas when their home-opener drew ~19,000.... but 11,000 is just unacceptable.




Chivas USA vs. Colorado Rapids: 0-1
Well, LA may have lost but at least I can take solace in the fact that the Goats still don't have any points. Chivas had their chances but never finished. I wouldn't say Colorado had a severe advantage but they were able to capitalize on goal opportunities better.

On a side note, also a pathetic showing by Chivas fans.... 13,000 is poor at best, but pathetic considering the 27,000 seat capacity of the Home Depot Center.

 

[Pappers_]

I was at the Fire v. Sporting KC game, in the supporters section, it was cold but outstanding. Marco Pappa had a great goal, and one of the new forwards, Chavez from Uruguay, now has two goals in two games.

My favorite chant of the day was:

You are still the Wizards!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

My favorite chant of the day was:

You are still the Wizards!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

mmmmmmm. Funny football chants. It's what separates this game from many of the others.

 

[Pappers_]

mmmmmmm. Funny football chants. It's what separates this game from many of the others.

There were many you would appreciate, LGI, most of which involving "#$%^@" or "&*^%*"

 

[Reno_eNVy]

There were many you would appreciate, LGI, most of which involving "#$%^@" or "&*^%*"

Those are usually the best kind :rockin:

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Also:

 

[Ace_Club]

Any of you watching USA v. Paraguay

 

[McGarnigle]

I am. US has lots of chances, but can't connect passes when it counts.

 

[Ace_Club]

Yep. They're playing well, but just aren't finishing. Jones and Chandler are both looking good. Should be good additions to the team in the future.

 

[Pappers_]

US Open Cup tonight (Wednesday) - Fire v. Rapids watch it live streaming at http://www.chicago-fire.com/news/2011/03/live-stream-fire-rapids

 

[KarlCBL]

Beer geeks love football. I just got back from the craft brewers conference and was absolutely amazed how many football jerseys I saw, representing countries, European teams and especially MLS. I didn't see any American football, baseball or basketball shirts all week. Surprised and pleased that our community follows the beautiful game! Go on Liverpool!

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Great showing by Chicago in the US Open Cup match. I missed the 45 yard goal because they don't do replays (I was cooking) so I'll be eagerly awaiting the highlight reel.

They play the winner of POR-SJ.

 

[dwarven_stout]

Stood in the nonstop rain to watch the Timbers win their US Open match against Chivas with a 35 or 40 yard skipper from Jewsbury. We hadn't even stopped cheering when he assisted the second goal off of a corner a couple minutes later.

Alhassan was everywhere- I think his workrate surpassed anyone else in green. He'll be a good player for the Timbers if he sticks around.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Stood in the nonstop rain to watch the Timbers win their US Open match against Chivas with a 35 or 40 yard skipper from Jewsbury. We hadn't even stopped cheering when he assisted the second goal off of a corner a couple minutes later.

Alhassan was everywhere- I think his workrate surpassed anyone else in green. He'll be a good player for the Timbers if he sticks around.

Luckyyyyyyyyyy! I'm sure it was nice to smell those wood slices being cut..... smelled like victory

Gleeson was fantastic. Helluva performance for a young keeper.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Oh and there's a link to the highlight video on the front page of TheCup.us... try to find yourself, dwarven_stout. And I don't mean that in an existential way, I mean try to identify your drenched self in the stands

 

[dwarven_stout]

Oh and there's a link to the highlight video on the front page of TheCup.us... try to find yourself, dwarven_stout. And I don't mean that in an existential way, I mean try to identify your drenched self in the stands

Nope. We were in that student seating (the game was at the tiny 5000 seat UP stadium), but we were just off the touchline on the other side of the half. The touchline ref on that side was horrible- several times (for both teams) he would run to catch up to the line of play, then decide that the player had been offside. He also managed to flag offsides for a poor back header that Portland almost scooped up.

Gleeson was fantastic. You could also actually feel the mood on-field shift as Captain Jack came on. Chivas should have gone a man short even earlier than they did- that defender was playing an elbow to the head on every long ball. They started playing 9 men behind the ball after that, but they were still putting in some risky, questionable tackles.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Nope. We were in that student seating (the game was at the tiny 5000 seat UP stadium), but we were just off the touchline on the other side of the half. The touchline ref on that side was horrible- several times (for both teams) he would run to catch up to the line of play, then decide that the player had been offside. He also managed to flag offsides for a poor back header that Portland almost scooped up.

Right, because I'm sure he had suuuuch a nice angled-view of the offside line he couldn't see

Gleeson was fantastic. You could also actually feel the mood on-field shift as Captain Jack came on. Chivas should have gone a man short even earlier than they did- that defender was playing an elbow to the head on every long ball. They started playing 9 men behind the ball after that, but they were still putting in some risky, questionable tackles.

Oh yeah, I was reading an article where Spencer was saying his players were at risk for having their legs broken.... on more than one occasion!!!

 

[dwarven_stout]

Oh yeah, I was reading an article where Spencer was saying his players were at risk for having their legs broken.... on more than one occasion!!!

There was a moment in the second half in which 3 Timbers players were lying on the ground (2 after slide tackles), and the play was still moving downfield.

Advantage, I guess?

 

[Reno_eNVy]

New ad featuring Kasey Keller and few of the other Sounders.

http://theoffsiderules.blogspot.com/2011/04/kasey-keller-is-keeper-not-dancer.html

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

Just a bit of fun. I had to watch this as a part of my job.

Edit: it's Zidane BTW against some poor amateur sap in training.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

And here's a preview of the match tonight. I'll follow up with a full weekend preview later.

vs

Columbus Crew vs FC Dallas -- Fox Soccer Channel 4:30 Pacific Time

The Pioneer Cup rivalry begins as the Crew host the Hoops in what should be a well-played match, considering the sides. Things should get interesting as this is Jeff Cunningham's first match against Dallas, his old club.

I haven't found any links to the match on the intarwebz yet but they usually turn up closer to kick-off.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Just a bit of fun. I had to watch this as a part of my job.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8AL8tHcz9E

Yeah, that's a sweet video. But, as they say, what goes around comes around:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QniXJlqwLTc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Reno_eNVy]

And here's a preview for Saturday, April 2nd:

*Broadcasts listed are only the nationally available ones. Check local listings for your clubs' match
**All matches on MatchDay live also available on Direct Kick
***Both Chicago and Salt Lake have a bye this week

vs

Toronto FC vs Chivas USA -- MatchDay Live 10:00am Pacific Time
The goats have been been struggling so the rebuilt TFC should have no problem with them at home

vs

Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Sporting Kansas City -- MatchDay Live 4:00pm Pacific Time
Both clubs are trying to "find themselves" so to speak. The Caps DP Hassli is suspended for a red card while Sporting will also be missing their DP Bravo on a red card.

vs

New England Revolution vs Portland Timbers -- MatchDay Live 4:30pm Pacific Time
Though Portland has been struggling in MLS season play, they are coming off a big US Open Cup qualifier victory.... I'm sure that woody scent in Jewsbury's room has him pumped for more! But they'll have to do some work as the Revs have gone through some serious off-season work and it's showing.

vs

New York Red Bulls vs Houston Dynamo -- MatchDay Live 4:30pm Pacific Time
Each club has had a less-than-typical start to the season, with NYRB at least staying unbeaten. This week NY will see a full squad as their internationals are back from national club duties.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

And this is a two-part post because I'm only allowed 10 images per post

vs

San Jose Earthquakes vs Seattle Founders FC -- MatchDay Live 7:30pm Pacific Time
Both squads are looking solid, though have had slow starts. There is a chance Seattle's Freddy Montero will be out due to a minor wrist surgery but it's still questionable. They should be worried more about their defense, though, as 2010 Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski is hitting his stride again with two goals last week.

vs

Los Angeles Galaxy vs Philadelphia Union -- MatchDay Live 7:30pm Pacific Time
While LA has been working all week to work out minor issues that caused them to get wrecked by RSL last weekend, Philadelphia are having a great start to their sophomore year. Hopefully Omar Gonzalez will be back to be the backline general to put more pressure on "El Pescadito."

 

[Pappers_]

Dammit, West Ham! Up 2-0 at the 45th against Man U, then loses 2-4?!?!? I didn't see the game, must have been a horrible last 45.

 

[dwarven_stout]

Dammit, West Ham! Up 2-0 at the 45th against Man U, then loses 2-4?!?!? I didn't see the game, must have been a horrible last 45.

Two penalties. United should have won 4 or 5 to 0.