The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[Pappers_]

Wow, how did Crystal Palace get into fifth place? That would be crazy if we ended up with Leicester, Tottenham and CP in the top four. Wow.

Which is all fine as long as Arsenal ends up #1

 

[Qhrumphf]

Wow, how did Crystal Palace get into fifth place? That would be crazy if we ended up with Leicester, Tottenham and CP in the top four. Wow.

Which is all fine as long as Arsenal ends up #1

The old question, "would you rather Spurs finish top 4, but Arsenal takes the title, or finish 17th but Arsenal gets relegated".

To which I respond that either is fine by me

Although I would like, just one year, for there to be no St. Totteringham's Day

 

[Pappers_]

The old question, "would you rather Spurs finish top 4, but Arsenal takes the title, or finish 17th but Arsenal gets relegated".

To which I respond that either is fine by me

Although I would like, just one year, for there to be no St. Totteringham's Day

Like a lot of N. American fans who began rooting for Arsenal as an adult, non-Londoners in other words, I've never gotten into the whole rivalry. I despise Man U. much more than Spurs. Head to head, of course I'll root for the Gunners, but I'm not rooting for Spurs to get relegated. I'll save that for Man U. and Chelsea ; )

 

[Qhrumphf]

Like a lot of N. American fans who began rooting for Arsenal as an adult, non-Londoners in other words, I've never gotten into the whole rivalry. I despise Man U. much more than Spurs. Head to head, of course I'll root for the Gunners, but I'm not rooting for Spurs to get relegated. I'll save that for Man U. and Chelsea ; )

I have no specific hate for Man U. And like many Spurs fans, if Arsenal moved back home to Woolwich I'd hate em a lot less

Chelsea on the other hand, I'm pretty sure anyone who's not a Chelsea supporter wants to see them relegated.

Man City I'm not fond of, simply because like other sides (Chelsea, PSG, etc), I'm not fond of moneyball and teams who buy their success. Even the historical greats (Man U and Liverpool) struggle to compete against that. But they're not the cheating, lying, diving, poor sports that Chelsea are, Diego Costa in particular (and Mourinho was, but not any more).

 

[Talgrath]

Ashley Cole, the 35 year old legendary English left back, is rumored to be heading to the LA Galaxy.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/66/united-states/2015/12/28/18793362/englands-ashley-cole-reportedly-close-to-signing-with-la?ICID=SP

While it certainly would be a "prestige" sort of signing that puts butts in seats, I don't think this one really makes sense. First, realistically, the Galaxy appear to be cash-strapped, they didn't let Omar Gonzalez walk just for funsies; and there's no way Cole is coming in cheap, even if it is his last chance to play a league that English people actually watch, he'd almost certainly command at least a league max salary. Finally, the Galaxy seem pretty happy with Robbie Rogers at left back and with Sebastian Lettget at left mid, replacing one of them so Cole can have one last hurrah seems really silly. Given that Cole is out of contract and all that, I suspect this is some nonsense put out by his agent to try to raise his price at the place he's really trying to go.

 

[RustyHorn]

Ashley Cole, the 35 year old legendary English left back....

...even if it is his last chance to play a league that English people actually watch

I don't know anyone in England that follows MLS. With so many leagues of our own and good quality European leagues, there isn't much time for it. MLS is a place where has-beens go for a final pay-packet.

 

[RustyHorn]

Like a lot of N. American fans who began rooting for Arsenal as an adult, non-Londoners in other words, I've never gotten into the whole rivalry.

Now, now, behave yourself. You have lot's to learn.
Here's a chant we use to display how we feel. It's call and response and is very English in terms of politeness.
What do we think of Tottenham? (Sh*t!)
What do we think of sh*t? (Tottenham!)
Thank you (that's quite all right)

 

[Qhrumphf]

Now, now, behave yourself. You have lot's to learn.
Here's a chant we use to display how we feel. It's call and response and is very English in terms of politeness.
What do we think of Tottenham? (Sh*t!)
What do we think of sh*t? (Tottenham!)
Thank you (that's quite all right)

We really are a polite people

I'd post my favorite anti Gooner chant in response but even in good fun it's probably too close to a threat lol

 

[Qhrumphf]

http://www.football365.com/news/premier-league-winners-and-losers-16

The first two, Spurs and Poch.

In the space of three days their title odds have been halved from 22/1 to 11/1. If it were any of the Premier League’s five more dominant forces sitting four points from the Premier League summit with the best defensive record in the division, those odds would be closer to 3/1. There is a cynicism about Tottenham but if ever a season should eradicate cynicism, it is this one. If Leicester can have reasonable hopes of finishing in the top four, if Crystal Palace can realistically target the top six, if Watford can rationally believe that the top half is not beyond them, then Tottenham should be viewed as title contenders. Without a s******. Without a smirk. Without caveats.

They did not have to be brilliant against Norwich and they were far, far from brilliant against Watford. But when two games in three days produces six points, five goals and four different goalscorers, respect is deserved and should be handed over generously. Lads, it’s Tottenham, and they are really bloody good.

Still dumbfounds me that even the press is praising Tottenham.

As we head into 2016, here's my prediction for how it all finishes.

1 Arsenal
2 Manchester City
3 Tottenham Hotspur
4 Leicester City
5 Manchester United
6 Crystal Palace
7 Liverpool
8 Chelsea
9 Watford
10 West Ham United
11 Stoke City
12 Southampton
13 Everton
14 West Bromwich Albion
15 Swansea City
16 Norwich City
17 Bournemouth
18 Newcastle United
19 Sunderland
20 Aston Villa

Hate to say it, but Gooners have been consistently strong, and I think will take the title. City has been strong as well, but more inconsistent. I'd like to see Spurs move into 1 or 2, but we too are too inconsistent, but I think we have what it takes to at least take 3rd. We all know that Leicester is going to fall (and their finally getting blanked by Liverpool may be the catalyst), but I don't think they'll fall far (especially if both Vardy and Mahrez aren't sold/injured and remain in form, but if either or both are sold or injured, that may change). Man U's slide won't keep going. Either LVG will go, or he'll right the ship, but won't be able to fully recover. Palace has just been impressive, but not impressive enough to climb higher. Liverpool is showing signs of life again, as is Chelsea, and I think both will climb, but again are too far down to recover for a serious contention for top 4. Watford has done very well in terms of numbers, but mainly due to other giant clubs being out of form, and even if they keep it up, if other sides return to form they will slip. The lower mid table I think is predominantly up for grabs, so mostly guesses there . I don't think anyone will argue that Aston Villa is (sadly) going to finish last and be relegated out of the Premier League for the first time since its inception. They're not showing any signs of improvement. Sunderland I think will cleanly fall next in line for relegation. And then I think it's a tossup between Newcastle and Bournemouth for the last to go, but I think Cherries have shown a lot of heart (moreso than the Magpies) so I hope they just make it.

 

[Talgrath]

I don't know anyone in England that follows MLS. With so many leagues of our own and good quality European leagues, there isn't much time for it. MLS is a place where has-beens go for a final pay-packet.

MLS pulls in respectable numbers given that it's on Sky Sports 3 in the late night slots, about 36K for the home opener and they've gone as high as 55k when they're on Sky Sports 1.

http://mlsgb.com/2015/03/16/mls-tv-views-in-the-uk-top-european-games/

Admittedly, those aren't crazy, gang busters numbers, but given that from what Google could dreg up for me in the US, the top rated Christmas week show brought in 5.31 million viewers and one of the top ten brought in 633K viewers, that seems like pretty good numbers for MLS.

As for your assertion that it's a retirement league, admittedly in the past it has been, but more and more you see players coming in from overseas in the prime of their careers. Additionally, any player thinking they can come in to MLS and dominate at an old age without effort is kidding themselves, just ask Lampard and Pirlo how that idea worked out for them so far. That's not to say there are no older players looking for one last gasp of glory, (see: Drogba, Didier) but the league is improving and more and more those old European stalwarts are finding less success in MLS.

 

[RustyHorn]

Poorly written blog link

I still maintain that the people I know don't follow MLS. I know a lot football fans all across the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, as well as Ireland and Europe. TV ratings are not an accurate measurement; I'd happily watch a Chinese league game if it was on TV. People don't follow MLS, or at least, that I know of.
A retirement league is a bit harsh, but it is a long way from being a Premier League or a La Liga. I'm not criticising it, it's just fact. And the truth is, has-been's go for a final pay packet. It's not easy for them because they are past their best!

 

[Talgrath]

Oh, I'm well aware MLS is not as popular in the UK as say, La Liga or EPL, but it has enough of a following to get some TV time on Sky Sports (admittedly in what is probably a dead time for them, 9 and 11 pm). Sorry if I over-reacted there, but a lot of people in the US (so-called "Eurosnobs) mean retirement league in a derogatory way, saying that anyone from Europe can come over for a pay day and easy games. To be certain, a lot of players do come over for one last hurrah from Europe, but many of them learn pretty quickly that you aren't on vacation and if you want to do well you have to put in the effort and time. Nobody, at least nobody sane, believes MLS is equal to EPL or La Liga or the Bundesliga.

 

[Pappers_]

Nobody, at least nobody sane, believes MLS is equal to EPL or La Liga or the Bundesliga.

100% agree with your points. Those are the three best leagues in the world (or maybe Serie A). Just because the Mexican professional league isn't among the very best in the world doesn't mean it isn't good football and fun to watch. Fans in Colombia or Brazil get to root on for their home teams in their leagues. Its a good thing, same with MLS.

 

[RustyHorn]

100% agree with your points. Those are the three best leagues in the world (or maybe Serie A). Just because the Mexican professional league isn't among the very best in the world doesn't mean it isn't good football and fun to watch. Fans in Colombia or Brazil get to root on for their home teams in their leagues. Its a good thing, same with MLS.

Completely. That's why I also enjoy watching the mighty Kingstonians (non-league). The standard is still very high.

 

[Talgrath]

In USMNT news, it looks like Jordan Morris is probably going to go pro. The young team USA striker won the NCAA championship with Stanford and a lot of folks think he's going to get the Hermann Trophy (soccer's equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy), so he's basically done everything he can at the college level. Most everything I've read says that he's heading to the Sounders for the largest ever Homegrown Player contract in MLS history so far. It's hard not to get a bit hyped to see this potentially good striker finally head to the pros, but keep in mind that an awful lot of supposed soccer saviors for team USA have ended up as duds (Freddy Adu, anyone?). Heading to the Sounders is probably good for his development, the roster has a couple of senior players on it in Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans that Morris should already be familiar with and a lot of U-23 and U-20 players he may have met in the past as well. Hopefully this all goes well and Morris is on his way to a bright career that eventually sees him in Europe like Deandre Yedlin.

Jordan Morris to Go Pro

 

[Reno_eNVy]

In USMNT news, it looks like Jordan Morris is probably going to go pro. The young team USA striker won the NCAA championship with Stanford and a lot of folks think he's going to get the Hermann Trophy (soccer's equivalent of football's Heisman Trophy), so he's basically done everything he can at the college level. Most everything I've read says that he's heading to the Sounders for the largest ever Homegrown Player contract in MLS history so far. It's hard not to get a bit hyped to see this potentially good striker finally head to the pros, but keep in mind that an awful lot of supposed soccer saviors for team USA have ended up as duds (Freddy Adu, anyone?). Heading to the Sounders is probably good for his development, the roster has a couple of senior players on it in Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans that Morris should already be familiar with and a lot of U-23 and U-20 players he may have met in the past as well. Hopefully this all goes well and Morris is on his way to a bright career that eventually sees him in Europe like Deandre Yedlin.

Jordan Morris to Go Pro

Good for him. I'm going to be tentative for now but I think he has the potential for a bright future with the USMNT. Can we please not crush this one with overblown expectations?

 

[Qhrumphf]

This is worth a chuckle. http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...-by-the-worst-team-in-the-world-a6792771.html

 

[Talgrath]

An interesting article from Grant Wahl about some rumors about the January USMNT camp, if true:

USMNT January Camp Rumor

For those not interested in reading the whole thing, the highlights (and my observations):

-No veteran players such as Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans, except Michael Bradley.
-Veteran players complained the camp was too long, prompting US Soccer to change it, a year ago I think they would have told them to take a hike, a sign that Klinsmann may have lost his bullet proof status with US Soccer.
-Klinsmann decided to leave the vets off the roster after the complaints, retaliation or a warning shot, perhaps?
-The final roster will include a lot of young prospects from MLS, including Wil Trapp and Ethan Finlay. Luis Robles is also going to get a shot and maybe his first cap.

All of this makes me wonder if Klinsmann might have to call on his younger guys sooner rather than later, he's always done a lot of his best work with young players anyway.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

An interesting article from Grant Wahl about some rumors about the January USMNT camp, if true:

USMNT January Camp Rumor

For those not interested in reading the whole thing, the highlights (and my observations):

-No veteran players such as Clint Dempsey and Brad Evans, except Michael Bradley.
-Veteran players complained the camp was too long, prompting US Soccer to change it, a year ago I think they would have told them to take a hike, a sign that Klinsmann may have lost his bullet proof status with US Soccer.
-Klinsmann decided to leave the vets off the roster after the complaints, retaliation or a warning shot, perhaps?
-The final roster will include a lot of young prospects from MLS, including Wil Trapp and Ethan Finlay. Luis Robles is also going to get a shot and maybe his first cap.

All of this makes me wonder if Klinsmann might have to call on his younger guys sooner rather than later, he's always done a lot of his best work with young players anyway.

Eh, it's Camp Cupcake. It's not unusual to see lots of youngins come in while veterans continue their off-season.

 

[Talgrath]

So...this is weird and creepy. According to recently public court documents, Peter Nowak hazed rookie players while coaching the Philadelphia Union by dipping his hand in ice water and spanking them. Yeah, you read that right. The entire article of accusations is worth a read, in particular since this forced MLS to step in and tell the Union to fire Nowak.

Peter Nowak Spanking Accusations

 

[Talgrath]

So, the roster for the January Camp officially hit, here it is:

GOALKEEPERS (2): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)

DEFENDERS (7): Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Eric Miller (Montreal Impact), Tim Parker (Vancouver Whitecaps FC), Marc Pelosi (San Jose Earthquakes), Matt Polster (Chicago Fire)

MIDFIELDERS (8): Fatai Alashe (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Mix Diskerud (New York City FC), Jermaine Jones (Unattached), Darlington Nagbe (Portland Timbers), Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution), Tony Tchani (Columbus Crew SC), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC)

FORWARDS (6): Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC), Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew SC), Jerome Kiesewetter (VfB Stuttgart), Jordan Morris (Unattached), Khiry Shelton (New York City FC), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy)

Note: Originally the roster also included Jesse Gonalez of FC Dallas, but after receiving an offer from Mexico he decided to go with them (Boo!).

There's a few interesting selections in there:

Khiry Shelton: The young striker for NYCFC spent much of last season injured and was also mostly used as a sub when he was healthy, so it's a little surprising to see him get a shot. Then again, Shelton showed a lot of promise before his injury, if that skill translates to the national level he could be a great asset. So far, Shelton's skills failed to get him any goals for the U-23 or U-20 teams, so I'm not sure if it will.

Lots of Columbus Players: Ethan Finlay, Wil Trapp, and Tony Tchani are all getting a full look from Klinsmann. In a major way this makes sense, as the dynamic attack of Columbus is exactly the sort of thing Klinsmann ultimately wants to do. I'll be curious to see how much playing time they get and if they can translate what they've learned under Greg Berhalter into international goals.

Luis Robles: The New York Red Bulls long time keeper had an excellent season in New York and was named keeper of the year by MLS (somewhat controversially). There's little doubt that he's a solid keeper and can probably translate that into being a decent shot-stopper for the USMNT, but he's 31 and he's unlikely to unseat Howard or Guzan in the starting spot, so why bring him in? The only thing I can think of is that Klinsmann is looking for a new Nick Rimando (who significantly regressed this year), a solid veteran keeper that can be the third string when better keepers are sidelined.

New Defenders Everywhere: If you don't pay much attention to MLS, virtually every name in defense on this roster is going to be new to you. Virtually every name on this list is under 23, promising defenders from MLS, in fact only one player, Matt Besler, could be considered "veteran". I suspect Klinsmann is trying to give these young kids a taste of international play, expect to see a lot of defensive subs.

Overall, I like a lot of the players involved in this camp from the perspective of getting people experience and training, my lone complaint is Jermain Jones presence. I know he's there to pass on his experience and because he currently has no club to train with, but age is not being kind to the central midfielder and I don't think he'll make it to the next World Cup.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I'm guessing Shelton is on the team to train for U-23s. Klinsmann is using this camp for young guys, especially in MLS, to get reps before the important March Home/Away.

I do think Robles is the new Rimando. The 3rd or 4th man who is there when injuries/senior team keeps Howard or Guzan out of play. Hamid will compete with him now, but is a better long term play.

What's not mentioned is Jesse Gonzalez got cold feet. He was called up and accepted but declined and it's rumored that's why the roster was announced so late was to try to get him on. Klinsmann can still name a few more too if he wants.

Also with no Feilhaber, I really now believe he was one of the ones who was dissenting against Klinsmann, as well as Bocanegra.

 

[Talgrath]

Eh, I'm not so sure. Feilhaber has looked very good this year for Sporting KC, but he's gotten plenty of looks with Klinsmann (just about a year and a half ago, for example) and hasn't impressed Klinsmann (or me). I just don't think his skills translate well to the international game.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I don't think he's that good personally. Mainly because he can't play defense and he isn't a striker. It's acceptable for Dempsey nto to play defense, but it wouldn't be acceptable for Mix not to play defense.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

So...this is weird and creepy. According to recently public court documents, Peter Nowak hazed rookie players while coaching the Philadelphia Union by dipping his hand in ice water and spanking them. Yeah, you read that right. The entire article of accusations is worth a read, in particular since this forced MLS to step in and tell the Union to fire Nowak.

Peter Nowak Spanking Accusations

Wow, the Nowak saga continues. I wonder if Philly would be more stable by now if Peter hadn't spent his time actively dismembering the club.

 

[Talgrath]

I'd be willing to accept Feilhaber not defending very much...except he hasn't added offensive firepower in his time with the USMNT to balance it out. In 41 appearances for the USMNT, including starting for Bradley frequently, Feilhaber has 2 goals and 2 assists. If you're an offensive minded midfielder, 2 goals and 2 assists in 41 games is abysmal. Somehow, Feilhaber fans and rabid MLS supporters seem to forget that Feilhaber has had plenty of chances to show how amazing he supposedly is, and he hasn't done so.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

I'd be willing to accept Feilhaber not defending very much...except he hasn't added offensive firepower in his time with the USMNT to balance it out. In 41 appearances for the USMNT, including starting for Bradley frequently, Feilhaber has 2 goals and 2 assists. If you're an offensive minded midfielder, 2 goals and 2 assists in 41 games is abysmal. Somehow, Feilhaber fans and rabid MLS supporters seem to forget that Feilhaber has had plenty of chances to show how amazing he supposedly is, and he hasn't done so.

That's another thing, and he's not young either.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Just a guess. Tchani, Trapp, and Alashi fight for the future 6. Trapp and Alashi are also there because of U-23s. Hopefully someone kciks Beckerman from that role

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Results from the USL Reno supporters survey. These are combined results from the Supporters Facebook group, /r/Reno, /r/USLPRO, and the "Reno USL expansion thread" on BigSoccer

 

[Qhrumphf]

Biggest Little City Brigade has a nice ring to it. Looks like the MLS schedule is out, but I haven't paid much attention to it.

We got lucky today. Great first half, defensive mistakes cost us though. Second half we looked like complete rubbish. Saving grace was Kane leveling it on a penalty that honestly shouldn't have been a penalty, and now we add another fixture to an already heavy schedule. And that's bringing on normal starters that were supposed to get rested (Alli and Kane), where neither Vardy nor Mahrez were on for the Foxes (Vardy for injury, Mahrez as an unused sub). Ugh. It wasn't pretty, but a draw beats a loss.

Other than that, few FA cup results to turn heads. Liverpool didn't do well, but very much playing the lads. Swansea lost to a lower division team. And Man U didn't look to hot for the first 2/3 of theirs, although I didn't get a chance to watch the rest.

On to midweek league fixtures.

COYS!