The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[Qhrumphf]

shame nobody could have warned spurs about that sort of behavior before they signed him.

Oh, you mean that part where Manchester City was so eager to unload him that they were paying his wages for a while after we signed him? Gee, why does that sound familiar.

 

[Grannyknot]

Oh, you mean that part where Manchester City was so eager to unload him that they were paying his wages for a while after we signed him? Gee, why does that sound familiar.

yes, or any of the other stupid crap he has done.

 

[Qhrumphf]

yes, or any of the other stupid crap he has done.

I was being facetious. If it were up to me, would have ended the loan spell and that would have been it. Alas, it's not up to me (which is probably a good thing, because Erik Lamela would have been offloaded long ago, when fortunately people who know more than I do were smart enough to keep him around and it's paid off).

But what can you do. Hindsight is 20/20. At least he's (mostly) gone (except for that portion of his wages we still pay).

 

[Talgrath]

Last Friday I covered the east, well let's talk about the west now. Disclaimer: I'm an unabashed Sounders fan, I'll try to keep any vitriol out of my breakdown, but fair warning that I have some biases.

The West
Colorado Rapids
Hooboy. There's a lot to unpack here. Let's start with Marco Pappa, the big offensive acquisition of the winter for the Rapids almost immediately got himself in trouble while still living in Seattle after the trade, getting stabbed in the abdomen by the now former Miss Washington who was described as his girlfriend in a police report; Pappa was still married at the time, whoops! Still, a Pappa-Savras partnership in midfield could have been great...except Savras was traded to DC. The Rapids then tried to pick up Alejandro Bedoya...and failed when Nanes turned them down flat; oddly now they're reportedly trying to pick up Tim Howard despite having a perfectly fine keeper in Zach MacMath and really defense wasn't their problem last year. So what's happening here? Well, either the Rapids' front office has no idea what they're doing (very possible) or they're looking to sell the team. A USMNT player like Tim Howard shows the team has "value" and could add valuable dollars to the price of the Rapids. Either way, I don't see the Rapids doing much of anything positive this year unless recently acquired Designated Player Shkelzen Gashi happens to have a Giovinco-style season.

Real Salt Lake
At one point, under coach Jason Kreis and GM Garth Lagerway, Real Salt Lake was a force to be feared in the west. With Kreis setting up his much-dreaded diamond passing formation and a defense bolstered by a top of their games Beckerman and Rimando, nobody overlooked the team from Mormonland come playoff time. Those days, unfortunately for RSL fans, are long gone; Kreis has since moved to NYCFC and been fired, and now seems to be the tactics man for the USMNT. Garth Lagerway is working his roster sorcery in Seattle. Kyle Beckerman is now old and slow and Nick Rimando might never be the same after meniscus surgery, and the current management doesn't seem to have ready replacements. The only potential bright spark this season is Yura Movsisyan, a highly competent Armenian American striker currently "on loan" from Spartak; he's lit up teams in eastern Europe and could be the offensive spark RSL need. I think RSL will return to the playoffs if Movsisyan can match his production in Russia (which he should).

Houston Dynamo
Houston had a pretty lousy first season under Owen Coyle, but there were some positive signs. Coyle abandoned the defensive philosophies of his predecessor, by and large, and tried to play possession oriented footie. Probably the most important offseason acquisition for the Dynamo was Christian Maidana, the former Philadelphia playmaker, Maidana is almost certainly the aging Brad Davis' replacement at Houston. For me though, there's one player that I think is more important, Erick "Cubo" Torres. The young striker tore it up for Chivas USA in their last year, but his trip to Guadalajara was marred by controversy (charges of rape that were later dropped) and failure, and Owen Coyle seemed largely uninterested in fielding the striker after his return to MLS midseason; only putting him on as a late game sub. As an MLS team, you cannot leave that much money on the bench, Houston either needs to trade Torres to a team that wants him or field him and hope he recaptures 2014.

San Jose Earthquakes
San Jose's first year under Dominic Kinnear, the man who always seemingly snuck Houston into the playoffs at the last moment, didn't manage to do the same for the Quakes, but he did manage to do better than his predecessor. San Jose have long relied on one of MLS's most prolific strikers in Chris Wondolowski, but as age has caught up to the veteran striker they seem to have slowed down, they need a replacement for Wondo, and sooner rather than later. San Jose brought in precious few reinforcements this offseason though, so it all hinges on the young guns this year. Fatai Alashe, Tommy Thompson and JJ Koval are all supposedly good, young players with potential San Jose will need them to step up if they want to get back to the playoffs.

Sporting Kansas City
Sporting's first season back in the west ended in Portland in an agonizing 11 round shootout that included a shot bouncing off of both posts. But for cruel fate it could have been Sporting KC holding aloft that cup...in theory. In reality, Kansas City barely got in to the playoffs and was lucky to be there, with Zusi out most of the season and not looking like himself, it was up to Benny Feilhaber and Dom Dwyer to get the Wiz back into the western playoffs, they managed to, but just barely. The reality is that Sporting KC can't cruise into the playoffs via a weak eastern conference anymore, and they need better talent to be a real power in the west, unfortunately they added virtually no one in the offseason. Last season, an MVP caliber year from Feilhaber dragged Sporting into the playoffs, this year I don't think they're quite so lucky and they'll miss out.

LA Galaxy
Credit to the Galaxy, they are thinking outside the box. While the rest of the league went younger, LA went older, much older. Their starting line-up only has two people under 25 on it, Zardes and Emmanuel Boateng. The Galaxy's bench isn't much better in terms of age either. LA made no effort to get more young players either, trading away their only draft pick for allocation cash. Bruce Arena has long been known for his ability to get the most out of veteran players, but this seems like overkill and it's hard to see them being able to sustain these salaries and the injury and age issues that will pop up with a veteran roster like this one, so what's going on? Putting on my tin foil hat, I think this is Bruce Arena's last year; the team is loading up on veteran talent to make one last push to get another Cup victory before the old man retires. I could be wrong, I probably am...but it's not that crazy of an idea. Anyway, this team is good enough to get to the playoffs, but I'm skeptical of the idea that it can survive with few enough injuries to win the cup.

Seattle Sounders FC
As a Sounders fan, I could tell you all about the offseason drama of Jordan Morris' signing and Oba's trade to China, but realistically here's all you need to know: Sigi Schmid is still the coach. As long as Schmid is the coach, the following will occur:
1. At some point, the Sounders will look unbeatable, like they could win the EPL.
2. At some point, the Sounders will look like your local rec league team.
3. The Sounders will make the playoffs.
4. They won't win MLS Cup.
Time is a flat circle.

Portland Timbers
The MLS Cup champions smartly offloaded Maxi Urruti in the offseason like I recommended and picked up the much more affordable (and roughly as effective) Jack MacInerney from their recently defeated foe Columbus Crew. The biggest change to win them the cup was moving Nagbe to center mid though, a move that surprised Sporting KC and kept their playoff foes off balance. This season, Nagbe and the Timbers won't have the luxury of surprise, still they're likely to do well in the west, I just don't see a repeat in their immediate future.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Vancouver was one of the teams leading the MLS youth movement last season and were one of the better teams in the regular season. Their ignominious exit from the playoffs against the Timbers was due, in no small part, to a lack of consistent striking. Vancouver should have fixed that problem now, they added Japanese striker Masato Kudo, a 25 year old with a prodigious scoring rate in the J1; shoring up their midfield is the veteran Christian Bolanos of Costa Rica. I fully expect Vancouver to be one of the scarier teams in MLS this season, expect to see them in the playoffs.

FC Dallas
The other "young guns" team was arguably the strongest team in MLS in the regular season (NYRB had an easier schedule) and it looks like they're doubling down on youth. Most of their veteran players are gone, and their starting line up doesn't have anyone over 30 in it. The most intriguing acquisition is Maxi Urruti from the champion Timbers. Urruti in Portland was a decent scorer, but far overpriced; if Oscar Pareja can unlock Urruti's potential then this could be one hell of a great season for Dallas, as all they were missing was a great consistently quick striker. If nothing else, Dallas should be an exciting team to watch this year, young, fast and lean. I expect Dallas to be a great western conference team again, expect to see them back in the playoffs.

So that's it! Some MLS teams get their first competitive game tomorrow in CONCACAF Champions League action, but for the rest of the league the season starts March 6th.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

So, the Copa America draw is done and we have our groups. Here's how I see each group shaking out:

Group A
USA
Colombia
Costa Rica
Paraguay

I already covered this pretty thoroughly above, theoretically anyone can come out of this group, but on paper this should be Colombia in first and team USA second.

Group B
Brazil
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru

Brazil must be salivating over this group. The only real dominance threat here is Ecuador, but even that isn't all that scary. Anything other than winning this group is a huge slip up for Brazil. Haiti and Peru should be sheep to the slaughter and Ecuador should wind up second.

Group C
Mexico
Uruguay
Jamaica
Venezuela

If there is a group of death in this tournament, I'd say group C is it. Uruguay are monstrously good, Mexico is the current Gold Cup champion and Jamaica is no slouch, Venezuela is theoretically the punching bag here, but if they can sort out their interpersonal issues (the players protested due to a recent spate of bad results) then they could be a surprise threat. That said, on paper this should be simple, Uruguay annihilates everyone else and then Mexico picks up the scraps to take second place.

Group D
Argentina
Chile
Panama
Bolivia

Anyone wanna bet against a team with Lionel Messi getting out of their group? I didn't think so. After that, I think Chile, who are scary fast and almost entirely ignore defense in favor of offense, will take second. Bolivia is just happy to be here and are probably the punching bag. The only way Panama has a chance here is if their defense is absolutely 100% perfect against Chile and they can counter attack effectively against Chile's 3 man defense and then beat Bolivia too.

I kind of agree.

Group A - I think Columbia is the best team. It's IMO down to US vs Paraguay. Costa Rica could surprise. But USA and Paraguay should be the 2nd and 3rd battle. Columbia not getting out of the group would be awesome though. Would love for USA and Costa Rica to get out of a CONMEBOL competition as group victors.

Group B - Brazil should walk away with 9 points and not break a sweat. Easily the weakest group, Only pot Brazil didn't get the worst team from was Pot D but getting anyone buy Paraguay from Pot D is pretty weak. Though Peru is rising pretty well. I would guess Brazil and Ecuador should walk through this group, Brazil with 9 and Ecuador with 6

Group C - Pretty weak group, Mexico and Uruguay should advance, Venezuela is probably the worst team in the tournament, Jamaica will be looking to stun, but they'll likely struggle.

Group D - Most interesting group after A, Argentina and Chile should walk out as they're 2 of the best countries in the world right now. Panama is weak as is Bolivia. They should get out but the battle for first will be interesting.

For the US what concerns me is that the US plays better vs European teams than CONMEBOL opponents. I think that will be their Challenge. Can they play well vs Paraguay and Costa Rica to get the points they need to get out of group. I assume COlumbia rolsl through the group, James Rodriguez will score a buttload of goals.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Here's a question, probably covered before I joined this thread but don't feel like digging back.

I'm assuming most of you play and/or played. What is/was your position? I was always left midfield, usually more of a holding role, sometimes more forward, but in reality usually pretty box to box. I played center back and striker a couple times and was alright, but was never my cup of tea, but preferred CB to striker. Tried keeper in a pinch, and was terrible at it. As I've been getting back into shape, I'm looking to start playing again.

 

[Grannyknot]

Here's a question, probably covered before I joined this thread but don't feel like digging back.

I'm assuming most of you play and/or played. What is/was your position? I was always left midfield, usually more of a holding role, sometimes more forward, but in reality usually pretty box to box. I played center back and striker a couple times and was alright, but was never my cup of tea, but preferred CB to striker. Tried keeper in a pinch, and was terrible at it. As I've been getting back into shape, I'm looking to start playing again.

Right Wing up until I was about 15, then Sophmore->Senior year of HS played Right Back. In adult league, I typically play right wing, but have played everywhere except GK, CF, & CB.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Here's a question, probably covered before I joined this thread but don't feel like digging back.

I'm assuming most of you play and/or played. What is/was your position? I was always left midfield, usually more of a holding role, sometimes more forward, but in reality usually pretty box to box. I played center back and striker a couple times and was alright, but was never my cup of tea, but preferred CB to striker. Tried keeper in a pinch, and was terrible at it. As I've been getting back into shape, I'm looking to start playing again.

Started playing when I was 4 but was a keeper by 9 or 10, occasionally playing fullback. Never liked playing keeper indoor, though.

 

[stillamarine]

Started around 6 or 7. Played midfield until middle school and started playing keeper. Loved playing keeper. Freshman and sophomore year played indoor and outdoor (in Iceland). Was in talks with a Florida university before I was hurt my senior year. Played in the Marine Corps. Started a high school team and coached it for two years before the administration hired the principal's cousin who knew nothing about soccer. Both years I had them they went to the playoffs even though only 2 had ever played soccer.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Here's a question, probably covered before I joined this thread but don't feel like digging back.

I'm assuming most of you play and/or played. What is/was your position? I was always left midfield, usually more of a holding role, sometimes more forward, but in reality usually pretty box to box. I played center back and striker a couple times and was alright, but was never my cup of tea, but preferred CB to striker. Tried keeper in a pinch, and was terrible at it. As I've been getting back into shape, I'm looking to start playing again.

I don't know how old I was when I started playing like everyone else. It was pretty young ike probably 4 or 5. It was basically once I was old enough to play as the field was just a short walk away. For positions I was pretty mch predominately a goal keeper. Being the tallest and slowest kid on the team it's pretty much the natural progression to head there. I also was one of the smartest kids so I learned the angles and was really good at it. Aside from goalkeeper I also played some CB, some central mid, and an odd game at striker. What I lacked in speed I made up for in intelligence which is why I was usually paired with someone faster to handle the straight breaks. My whole playing career I only scored one goal, it was on a free kick from the edge of the box as I curled a low shot aroudn the wall and in, I probably couldn't have done it agian if I tried. Probably the reason I was so poor at finishing (aside from not being a forward by trade of course) was my flair for the dramatic as I was a big fan of outside the foot shots that I was hoping would just whiz inside of the post. I stopped playing at about 12. I had a disk in my hip start slipping. I thought I pulled a groin muscle at first but after my first game that year when I couldn't even run (still held a shutout in my half in the net) we went to the doctor, I had the surgery, but the age group I was in was settled out. As a 6 foot something 200 something pound kid in highschool I opted for Football. I wouldn't have likely hacked it in soccer without taking diet more seriously so I don't really regret my choice, but it's fun to think about what may have happened if I was determined to play soccer.

For my general best moment playing, it came the year before I hurt myself, it was the best I was, I was smart and had fast reflexes, and better than 20/20 vision and I used all of those things to dominate my league. My team and 2 other teams were the ones destined to the final. We hit one of them in the semis and went to penalties where I saved 2 and conceded 1. en-route to a 3-1 victory (one other kid missed, I like to think my spastic movement on the line got in his head haha) That PK was probably the best sporting thing I did in my life. Only thing that could have topped it was I almost saved a penalty that would have won us the Championship. But alas I was confused on the rule about leaving the line and that may have been the difference between a save and a goal. Not to take anything away from the kicker, he put the ball in theside netting, I just read him perfectly and almost got there.

And that's my way too long details on my playing career haha.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Started playing when I was 4 but was a keeper by 9 or 10, occasionally playing fullback. Never liked playing keeper indoor, though.

I loved being keeper indoors. But then again I loved being goalie in street hockey and it's very similar. My favorite part of being an indoor keeper was taking pot shots at the opponents net. Never actually got a goal but I got close a few times.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I'm a lefty, and have always had very powerful legs and a massive boot. Plus I used to be nasty on the tackle, and had a reputation as being just short of dirty- opponent always went down but I almost always got the ball first. Did get a share of yellows but never a red (which in a youth league I guess is still pretty extreme). But I did put it in the back of the net from half field once or twice.

 

[Talgrath]

I played from about age 5 to age 14. Generally played keeper or left or right wing defender. Spent some brief time at CDM and nearly had my lone goal at that position. But quite honestly, my reflexes are too slow to be keeper and I've got lousy stamina when it comes to running; just not built for soccer, still love the game though.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I don't know how old I was when I started playing like everyone else. It was pretty young ike probably 4 or 5. It was basically once I was old enough to play as the field was just a short walk away. For positions I was pretty mch predominately a goal keeper. Being the tallest and slowest kid on the team it's pretty much the natural progression to head there. I also was one of the smartest kids so I learned the angles and was really good at it. Aside from goalkeeper I also played some CB, some central mid, and an odd game at striker. What I lacked in speed I made up for in intelligence which is why I was usually paired with someone faster to handle the straight breaks. My whole playing career I only scored one goal, it was on a free kick from the edge of the box as I curled a low shot aroudn the wall and in, I probably couldn't have done it agian if I tried. Probably the reason I was so poor at finishing (aside from not being a forward by trade of course) was my flair for the dramatic as I was a big fan of outside the foot shots that I was hoping would just whiz inside of the post. I stopped playing at about 12. I had a disk in my hip start slipping. I thought I pulled a groin muscle at first but after my first game that year when I couldn't even run (still held a shutout in my half in the net) we went to the doctor, I had the surgery, but the age group I was in was settled out. As a 6 foot something 200 something pound kid in highschool I opted for Football. I wouldn't have likely hacked it in soccer without taking diet more seriously so I don't really regret my choice, but it's fun to think about what may have happened if I was determined to play soccer.

For my general best moment playing, it came the year before I hurt myself, it was the best I was, I was smart and had fast reflexes, and better than 20/20 vision and I used all of those things to dominate my league. My team and 2 other teams were the ones destined to the final. We hit one of them in the semis and went to penalties where I saved 2 and conceded 1. en-route to a 3-1 victory (one other kid missed, I like to think my spastic movement on the line got in his head haha) That PK was probably the best sporting thing I did in my life. Only thing that could have topped it was I almost saved a penalty that would have won us the Championship. But alas I was confused on the rule about leaving the line and that may have been the difference between a save and a goal. Not to take anything away from the kicker, he put the ball in theside netting, I just read him perfectly and almost got there.

And that's my way too long details on my playing career haha.

I was never top scorer but had a few. But i was the "secret weapon" lol. Our keeper was bloody brilliant (went to high school with him, he was starter varsity as a freshman). I wasn't quite good enough to reach the club league, but was in the top tier of the competitive city league. Our keeper was good enough, not sure why he chose not to. Perhaps the travel. Another mate played striker, and he was damned good and in that club league. Best footballer I ever personally knew. I know he went on to play in college and could have gone pro, but chose to focus on academics instead.

Our team was good. But second to another. Just about every year we made the final, and so did they. So many second place medals lol. We did take win the "cup" once though.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Not a good night for MLS in CCL. DC losing 2-0 and Seattle drawing 2-2. They need a win or draw with more goals in Azteca. Won't be remotely easy.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I watched most of the DC United match. Disappointment.

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Like others. I began playing around age 6-7. I mainly played behind the ball. RB, LB, CB and CDM. Played through hs and into college. I left the competitive game because the daily visits to the training room got really old. After college, I played some pick up/adult league games in my 20s.

Currently, I'm a USSF licensed club coach and referee. I got into coaching when my kids began to play and discovered I enjoyed teaching the game, so I went through the license process. (in the process of getting my D licence.

Best team I ever played on was between my Sr hs year and frosh college. A bunch of great guys who just played for fun. We had a blast playing and socializing afterwards. Best team name ever: "The Moisture Missiles".

 

[jspain3]

I started playing rec ball at age 5. Throughout my career, I was always the shortest player on the field so virtually every coach I had would initially try to play me at midfield somewhere. However, the position I was best at was sweeper. Despite being small, I had a great vertical and could defend much taller strikers. I was very good at anticipating plays, and as sweeper, I could position myself and my fellow defenders to restrict the offense as much as possible or bait them into passes that could be intercepted. When I was 12, I was invited to try out for a local travel team and made it. I played with them until I was 16 or so. I also played for my high school and my junior year we made it to the state semifinals. My senior year sucked because we graduated 13 Seniors the year before and replaced them with inexperienced underclassmen. I led the team in scoring with 1 goal...as sweeper if that tells you anything. I played a little in college but pretty much haven't played much since.

I didn't start following soccer again until about 2010 or 2011 when NBC started showing more EPL games. I mostly followed ManU because that was the main team they showcased. However, in 2012, I decided that I needed to choose one team to follow so I would have a more vested interest in the outcomes. After watching several teams, I felt drawn to Chelsea, so that's who I picked.

 

[Talgrath]

Not a good night for MLS in CCL. DC losing 2-0 and Seattle drawing 2-2. They need a win or draw with more goals in Azteca. Won't be remotely easy.

Of the two, I think DC has the easier path, they'll be back at home and Queretaro isn't as good as Club America. Sure they need 2+ goals to have a chance to win, but at home that should be feasible. For the Sounders well, sure they've pulled off a win in Mexico before...but Estadio Azteca is a whole different beast and Club America is a very different team from CF Monterrey.

 

[Talgrath]

Jozy Altidore has yet another hamstring injury, this one picked up during Toronto FC preseason training. He'll be out until March 13th at least, which could mean he may not be match fit for the USMNT next set of World Cup qualifier games.

Altidore Injury

 

[Qhrumphf]

I'm curious what the strategy and lineup is going to be for our second Europa leg tomorrow. Hugo and Coco are back, but Mous and Harry are out (Mous may be out as far as the NLD which is worrisome, but Harry seems to be more precautionary and he should be back v. Swansea, let the rumors abound about what Harry's mask is going to look like, I'm partial to the mask of his own face, and Batman), so I'm wondering who fills the 9 spot. I'm guessing Son, popular suggestions are Son or Chadli.

Given that we're at home, and a clean sheet means we advance regardless if we score, I expect many managers would opt to park the bus. But I don't see Poch going that route.

 

[Talgrath]

Oof, rough first half of the quarter finals all around for MLS teams. Clint Dempsey remains the only MLS player to have scored for an MLS team in this round and the Sounders are unlikely to get out of the round. Of the remaining teams, LA probably has the best chance though, a 0-0 tie at home has to be disheartening, but a single away goal could be all they need to reach the next round against Santos Laguna, a team that they really should be doing better against. On paper the Sounders have the next easiest path, but beating Club America in Estadio Azteca? That's tough. DC and Real Salt Lake are both down 0-2, but they do head home for the next step, but I'd say DC United are the more likely of the two.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Chadli it is. First half draws to a close, we're looking strong and dominant, and up by one. Another goal should put this round to bed.

Meanwhile, my money says if Manchester United are knocked out of Europa by Midtjylland that LVG will finally be served his walking papers. And given that Midtjylland has scored twice (albeit once in their own net), and Man U failed on a penalty to even up the aggregate, not looking good for Louis Van Gaal.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Complete opposite of our FA Cup tie with CP where the official said play on to everything. Official blowing the whistle constantly, cards left and right. Bullsh** yellow card to Dele Alli for embellishment (he was clearly knocked over, terrible call) meaning a suspension. Ugh.

But a Fiorentina own goal cements it, I'd say. Justice for being knocked out by them last year. No way they muster 3 goals in 7 mins remaining.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Oh, and LVG may have some hope yet. ManU has righted the ship, it seems.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Oh, and LVG may have some hope yet. ManU has righted the ship, it seems.

Well, they beat a team they were supposed to beat. I wouldn't call that righting the ship. The fact they lost 2-1 away and fell down 1-0 early may have lead to LVG being sacked in the morning without a rally. He can Thank Memphis Depay for the time he bought him. Depay was a beast. Only thing I wish they did was let Rashford take the penalty instead of Ander Herrera. Obviously Herrera is a superior taker as that was a brilliant PK, but it would have been nice for him to get a hat trick.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Well, they beat a team they were supposed to beat. I wouldn't call that righting the ship. The fact they lost 2-1 away and fell down 1-0 early may have lead to LVG being sacked in the morning without a rally. He can Thank Memphis Depay for the time he bought him. Depay was a beast. Only thing I wish they did was let Rashford take the penalty instead of Ander Herrera. Obviously Herrera is a superior taker as that was a brilliant PK, but it would have been nice for him to get a hat trick.

It seems a perfectly fitting analogy to me in this context, but to each their own. It was a side they were supposed to beat that they almost didn't.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

"We are Reno 1868 FC"

Eh. This sounds like a bunch of market researchers trying to cram multiple soccer names into one. I'm also not a huge fan of FC. It's not entirely wrong of course, bt this is America, it's called soccer. Soccer is an English shortening of Association Football.

To me it's way better to go with OCSC or Columbus Crew SC than say NYCFC.

 

[Qhrumphf]

"We are Reno 1868 FC"

Eh. This sounds like a bunch of market researchers trying to cram multiple soccer names into one. I'm also not a huge fan of FC. It's not entirely wrong of course, bt this is America, it's called soccer. Soccer is an English shortening of Association Football.

To me it's way better to go with OCSC or Columbus Crew SC than say NYCFC.

Blast fax kudos, then revolutionize some paradigms outside the box.

 

[carloscede2]

The 2016 Copa Centanario pots have been announced and the US seems to be in a good spot to get a winnable draw for the group stage. You can find the info on the draw here. Group 2 will bring the most potential pain for the US, with Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Uruguay, no easy matches there. Group 3 and 4 are largely composed of old rivals that shouldn't be too tough, but one does stand out: pot 4 includes Paraguay which could be a nasty threat to the USMNT. A worst case scenario would probably be USA, Uruguay/Colombia, Costa Rica/Jamaica and Paraguay, while the best case is probably USA, Chile/Ecuador, Haiti/Panama and Bolivia/Peru.

I dont seee Venezuela in there bud! We will probably qualify I know (who am I kidding we are only good for baseball and rum lol)