The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[Grannyknot]

2 great EPL matches this Sunday.
Merseyside derby (Liverpool v. Everton) on ESPN2 at 925est
Chelsea v. Man U on Fox Soccer at 12est

 

[BrewKnurd]

Pretty cool that the US will be hosting the Copa America in 2016.
Great chance to see some high quality south american teams field their best players on US soil.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/s...ost,-participate-in-2016-copa-america?cc=5901

Except, oh wait, turns out that CONCACAF and US Soccer had yet to agree.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1201852/2016-copa-america-in-u.s.-not-done-deal?cc=5901

Now, do I think that both CONCACAF and the US will end up coming to terms to get this done? Sure. I just think its kinda goofy that CONMEBOL went announcing it as a finalized deal when it wasn't.

 

[Grannyknot]

Watched 3 games this past weekend.
Worst weekend for ref decisions that I can remember.

Arsenal v. QPR ....unfortunately, my gunners should not have been awarded 3 pts for this one.
Merseyside derby....Liverpool robbed of a late suarez winner by a wrongly raised offsides flag.
ManU v. Chelsea....2 questionable reds to Chelsea, + the ManU winner by Chicharito was offsides.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

WOO! LA end the regular season on a high note against Seattle... probably the most exciting 1-0 match I've ever seen.

Look out, it's playoffs time! Knockout Round begins with CHI-HOU on 10/31 (ESPN2) and LA-VAN on 11/01 (NBCSN)

 

[Punity]

WOO! LA end the regular season on a high note against Seattle... probably the most exciting 1-0 match I've ever seen.

Look out, it's playoffs time! Knockout Round begins with CHI-HOU on 10/31 (ESPN2) and LA-VAN on 11/01 (NBCSN)

Go Van

 

[dwarven_stout]

Watched 3 games this past weekend.
Worst weekend for ref decisions that I can remember.

Arsenal v. QPR ....unfortunately, my gunners should not have been awarded 3 pts for this one.
Merseyside derby....Liverpool robbed of a late suarez winner by a wrongly raised offsides flag.
ManU v. Chelsea....2 questionable reds to Chelsea, + the ManU winner by Chicharito was offsides.

Suarez should have walked after that achilles stomp on Distin, so we can dispense with any talk about Pool getting "robbed".

I don't know how you call a last man hack by Ivanovic a "questionable red" whether or not Young embellished the heck out of it. Torres could easily have been shown straight red on his first card, though I agree the yellow for diving was soft. The goal did look offsides.

 

[Grannyknot]

Suarez should have walked after that achilles stomp on Distin, so we can dispense with any talk about Pool getting "robbed".

I don't know how you call a last man hack by Ivanovic a "questionable red" whether or not Young embellished the heck out of it. Torres could easily have been shown straight red on his first card, though I agree the yellow for diving was soft. The goal did look offsides.

To say that was an intentional stomp is a bit of a stretch. Was it a foul, yes.
When i think of a stomp, I think of some gutless player stomping on a defenseless player on the ground. Just my opinion. I'm not a liverpool fan BTW.

Ivanovic's foul on Ashley Young was reckless, I take back that one being called questionable. However, I question anything that appears to happen to Ashley Young. He goes to ground easier than anyone I've ever seen.

 

[lgilmore]

Yea, LA v SEA was a pretty good game last night. Each team had good opportunities to score and each team played pretty attractive soccer. Saunders, when he's on, is outstanding. He was a huge difference maker.

UP in Seattle for many, the season is over. Of course they've been saying that after every loss incurred. It gets comical because Seattle only lost 8 league games. But hey, nobody jumps on and off the bandwagon like Seattle fans.

 

[BainbridgeBrewer]

Season isn't over yet. I think Seattle has a great shot at this post season run. I didn't watch the game but listened to it on the radio. Sounded like they both had a lot of scoring chances. The announcers couldn't stop talking about Saunders' yellow card. I can't seem to find any highlights that show him grabbing the ball outside the box. I remember last year, I think, when Casey Keller had the ball hit his glove outside the box, he was given a straight red. Any idea why Saunders didn't get the same treatment? Keane was on it last night, I'm shocked only one goal was scored in the whole game. Hopefully EJ's hamstring isn't too bad. That'll hurt a bit.

 

[Punity]

Yea, LA v SEA was a pretty good game last night. Each team had good opportunities to score and each team played pretty attractive soccer. Saunders, when he's on, is outstanding. He was a huge difference maker.

UP in Seattle for many, the season is over. Of course they've been saying that after every loss incurred. It gets comical because Seattle only lost 8 league games. But hey, nobody jumps on and off the bandwagon like Seattle fans.

Who's jumping off? The best parts getting started.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Season isn't over yet. I think Seattle has a great shot at this post season run. I didn't watch the game but listened to it on the radio. Sounded like they both had a lot of scoring chances. The announcers couldn't stop talking about Saunders' yellow card. I can't seem to find any highlights that show him grabbing the ball outside the box. I remember last year, I think, when Casey Keller had the ball hit his glove outside the box, he was given a straight red. Any idea why Saunders didn't get the same treatment? Keane was on it last night, I'm shocked only one goal was scored in the whole game. Hopefully EJ's hamstring isn't too bad. That'll hurt a bit.

Keane was playing out of his mind... should have had a hat trick. Then again, Montero should have had a couple.

As for Saunders, he handled the ball outside the box when there was no clear scoring opportunity. By the Laws of the Game, that's a yellow.

 

[BrewKnurd]

Suarez should have walked after that achilles stomp on Distin, so we can dispense with any talk about Pool getting "robbed".

I don't know how you call a last man hack by Ivanovic a "questionable red" whether or not Young embellished the heck out of it. Torres could easily have been shown straight red on his first card, though I agree the yellow for diving was soft. The goal did look offsides.

From the replays I saw, it was more than the goal looked offsides. It was he was very clearly offsides, and it looked like he might have been behind the keeper as well.

 

[lgilmore]

I would say Saunders played out of his mind last night. He had an exceptional game. Keane was the Keane you'd expect to see night in and night out. Even Becks had a near miss. The post and
Saunders stopped two for Montero. His save on EJ was outstanding too. It was just a good game between two of the leagues better skilled teams playing some very good soccer. I thought both teams stringed together some good passing series and while the fans in the Seattle paper were screaming about the ref, I don't think he was a factor in the match. Could have ended differently and next time it might.

One thing I think people forgot when the lineups were announced is Arena and Schmidt are very competitive with each other. BOTH want to be known as the best coach in the MLS. Neither wanted a draw last night. It shouldn't hurt Seattle as I think they've figured out RSL. Actually I expect LA and Seattle to play again before this season's over.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

I'd say Saunders played out of his mind for 70 minutes. The first 20 minutes he scared the crap out of me... seemed unsure of himself and came out unnecessarily a couple times (including the yellow card play.) But that's probably just my bias based on desperately wanting to end the season strong and being a keeper for years. Saunders did have one great save in that first 20, though.

Good point on Sigi vs Bruce. They always seem to bring out the World Cup-quality strategy and motivation when they face each other.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Also, this shot of Bill Hamid....

... Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson meme....

 

[Reno_eNVy]

My playoff predictions. I'm only partially being a homer... I see LA getting to the finals but Sporting is too strong this year:

Knockout Round
LA v Vancouver -- 2-1
Chicago v Houston -- 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2 after 90 minutes)


Western Conference Semifinals
Salt Lake v Seattle -- 4-3 aggregate
San Jose v LA -- 5-7 aggregate

Eastern Conference Semifinals
DC v New York -- 5-6 aggregate
SKC v Chicago -- 5-3 aggregate


Western Conference Final
Salt Lake v LA -- 3-4 aggregate

Eastern Conference Final
SKC v New York -- 6-3 aggregate


MLS Cup Final
SKC v LA -- 2-1

 

[Punity]

My playoff predictions. I'm only partially being a homer... I see LA getting to the finals but Sporting is too strong this year:

Knockout Round
LA v Vancouver -- 2-1
Chicago v Houston -- 3-2 a.e.t. (2-2 after 90 minutes)

Western Conference Semifinals
Salt Lake v Seattle -- 4-3 aggregate
San Jose v LA -- 5-7 aggregate

Eastern Conference Semifinals
DC v New York -- 5-6 aggregate
SKC v Chicago -- 5-3 aggregate

Western Conference Final
Salt Lake v LA -- 3-4 aggregate

Eastern Conference Final
SKC v New York -- 6-3 aggregate

MLS Cup Final
SKC v LA -- 2-1

Agreed except sea takes the cup home this year but you were spot on

 

[lgilmore]

Knockout Round
LA v Vancouver -- 3-1
Chicago v Houston -- 1-2

Western Conference Semifinals
Salt Lake v Seattle -- 1-4 aggregate
San Jose v LA -- 4-5 aggregate

Eastern Conference Semifinals
DC v New York -- 5-6 aggregate
SKC v Houston -- 4-3 aggregate


Western Conference Final
Seattle v LA --4-2 aggregate

Eastern Conference Final
SKC v New York -- 3-5 aggregate


MLS Cup Final
Seattle v. NY -- 3-1

 

[Punity]

Knockout Round
LA v Vancouver -- 3-1
Chicago v Houston -- 1-2

Western Conference Semifinals
Salt Lake v Seattle -- 1-4 aggregate
San Jose v LA -- 4-5 aggregate

Eastern Conference Semifinals
DC v New York -- 5-6 aggregate
SKC v Houston -- 4-3 aggregate

Western Conference Final
Seattle v LA --4-2 aggregate

Eastern Conference Final
SKC v New York -- 3-5 aggregate

MLS Cup Final
Seattle v. NY -- 3-1

Now there's a guy who knows what's right

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Now there's a guy who knows what's right

Heh

It's just that Seattle have yet to advance to any stages in playoff history. I'm working on past experiences.

But NY losing in the finals would be brutal... they are still the only original franchise without any major hardware (i.e. MLS Cup, Supporters Shield, CCL) and to come so close would just be heartbreaking. And also a great story to remember the season by

 

[Pappers_]

I'll be in LA tomorrow and may want to watch the Fire -Dynamo game with others - any soccer pub recommendations?

 

[Reno_eNVy]

I guarantee you The Olde Ship Pub will be full of soccer fans watching the playoffs. It's the official Angel City Brigade pub. You can also try The Off-Campus Pub (OCP) right across the street from the Home Depot Center.

 

[Pappers_]

I guarantee you The Olde Ship Pub will be full of soccer fans watching the playoffs. It's the official Angel City Brigade pub. You can also try The Off-Campus Pub (OCP) right across the street from the Home Depot Center.

Thanks

 

[mrgstiffler]

I need to start watching some Premier League. Anyone have arguments to sway me to their side?

 

[BrewKnurd]

I need to start watching some Premier League. Anyone have arguments to sway me to their side?

Why not just start watching and see which side sways you themselves?

 

[mrgstiffler]

Why not just start watching and see which side sways you themselves?

I've been doing that but I find no special connection with any club. The only exciting exposure I've had with the Premier League was an fun match between the Timbers and Aston Villa. My favorite teams in other sports are all local-ish: Timbers, Blazers, Ducks, Seahawks, Winterhawks, Mariners... I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to international soccer but I've seen every USA Men's and Women's match broadcast for the past 3 years or so. With Fox broadcasting every Premier League match, I've decided that it's time for me to branch out. The biggest obstacle I've found is that I'm not invested in any club. I love watching all the MLS, NFL, NBA and NCAAF games because they affect my teams in some way. I just don't feel that excitement with Premier League matches, even though I find the quality of play to be exciting itself.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Just don't go looking for EPL on Fox Soccer next season. NBC picked it up. But I can't decide if that's good, bad, or neutral for MLS coverage and ratings...

 

[mrgstiffler]

Just don't go looking for EPL on Fox Soccer next season. NBC picked it up. But I can't decide if that's good, bad, or neutral for MLS coverage and ratings...

Yeah, I mixed them up. NBC is carrying every Premier League match this season. Not Fox.

 

[BrewKnurd]

Yeah, I mixed them up. NBC is carrying every Premier League match this season. Not Fox.

Next season, you mean. . Still Fox soccer this year.

Apparently NBC plans to show 6 live matches every week. Pretty solid.

 

[Grannyknot]

The NBC deal is solid. Plus, most people with basic cable should be able to see all the EPL games.
I got sick of having to pay for digital cable + a sports package just to watch EPL games.