Of course DC United/Galaxy isn't until 10pm.
The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread
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Wow. I was only half paying attention most of it, but DC United really botched the second half...
A few observations from the day of crazy MLS action. All of this, of course, comes with a fair bit of caution that none of this is truly predictive of how the season will go.
Seba Can't Stop, Won't Stop
Sebastian Giovinco scored a penalty and had an assist in Toronto's season opener win vs NYRB, if he's aiming to repeat his MVP season this isn't a bad start to the attempt. Toronto FC looks good overall in their first match beyond Giovinco too, not a bad start. For a team that retooled to be more defensive this offseason, NYRB certainly don't look it, for their sake they better hope BWP fines his scoring boots next game.
Neagle Scores But LA Runs Rampant
Well, that's one hell of a spanking to open the season for LA. Sure they were at home, but this was a clear warning shot to the rest of MLS, don't underestimate the Galaxy this season. Offseason offensive acquisition centerpiece Lamar Neagle scored a goal for DC United, but it wasn't enough as LA scored 4 unanswered goals in the second half. If this is how DC United look without Bill Hamid then this could be a very long season.
Oniel Fisher's Red Card Was A Rookie Mistake
Up until he got the first MLS red card of the year, Oniel Fisher looked like he might be an amazing young right back talent for Sounders FC, but a rookie mistake saw him sent off with a red card just before the end of the half. To be clear, this was a 100% rookie mistake, when he got up you could see Fisher shouting "but I got the ball"; but you can't go in with studs up and both feet flying and you especially can't do that after MLS specifically announced that they were going to clamp down on that. Fisher will learn, but it's a harsh reminder of why so many teams prefer experience over youth. For Sporting KC, there has to be some real concerns about offense, despite playing a 4-3-3 against a 10 man Seattle their only goal came off a lucky deflection/bounce and they didn't really seem to know what to do against an opponent looking to play defensively. Rumor has it they are trying to add a designated player striker to help fix the offense issue, for their sake they better hope he performs.
The Impact Are Nacho Piatti's Team, Not Drogba's
For all the talk of Drogba, the Impact were without him due to playing an opponent on turf, which Drogba apparently doesn't want to do. No matter, because really the Impact are Nacho Piatti's team, not Drogba's team, Piatti scored a brace and got an assist on a sans Drogba Montreal Impact side in Vancouver to start the season, if you love to see big individual performances, I suggest you keep an eye on Ignacio Piatti. For Vancouver's part, the two goals have to be encouraging for a team that struggled to score last year, but if it comes at the expense of defense Vancouver is in for a rough year.
Seba Can't Stop, Won't Stop
Sebastian Giovinco scored a penalty and had an assist in Toronto's season opener win vs NYRB, if he's aiming to repeat his MVP season this isn't a bad start to the attempt. Toronto FC looks good overall in their first match beyond Giovinco too, not a bad start. For a team that retooled to be more defensive this offseason, NYRB certainly don't look it, for their sake they better hope BWP fines his scoring boots next game.
Neagle Scores But LA Runs Rampant
Well, that's one hell of a spanking to open the season for LA. Sure they were at home, but this was a clear warning shot to the rest of MLS, don't underestimate the Galaxy this season. Offseason offensive acquisition centerpiece Lamar Neagle scored a goal for DC United, but it wasn't enough as LA scored 4 unanswered goals in the second half. If this is how DC United look without Bill Hamid then this could be a very long season.
Oniel Fisher's Red Card Was A Rookie Mistake
Up until he got the first MLS red card of the year, Oniel Fisher looked like he might be an amazing young right back talent for Sounders FC, but a rookie mistake saw him sent off with a red card just before the end of the half. To be clear, this was a 100% rookie mistake, when he got up you could see Fisher shouting "but I got the ball"; but you can't go in with studs up and both feet flying and you especially can't do that after MLS specifically announced that they were going to clamp down on that. Fisher will learn, but it's a harsh reminder of why so many teams prefer experience over youth. For Sporting KC, there has to be some real concerns about offense, despite playing a 4-3-3 against a 10 man Seattle their only goal came off a lucky deflection/bounce and they didn't really seem to know what to do against an opponent looking to play defensively. Rumor has it they are trying to add a designated player striker to help fix the offense issue, for their sake they better hope he performs.
The Impact Are Nacho Piatti's Team, Not Drogba's
For all the talk of Drogba, the Impact were without him due to playing an opponent on turf, which Drogba apparently doesn't want to do. No matter, because really the Impact are Nacho Piatti's team, not Drogba's team, Piatti scored a brace and got an assist on a sans Drogba Montreal Impact side in Vancouver to start the season, if you love to see big individual performances, I suggest you keep an eye on Ignacio Piatti. For Vancouver's part, the two goals have to be encouraging for a team that struggled to score last year, but if it comes at the expense of defense Vancouver is in for a rough year.
Well, my Saturdays just got more interesting. Local Spurs supporters club is setting up a Spurs-themed side in the local rec league, and I'm joining up. Thrilled to be getting back on the pitch. Of course I've played one time in the last 15 years, so I'm sure my ball handling skills are absolutely terrible, but this is a rec side and all skill levels welcome. I'll probably get it back quickly with some practice.
So NOW Poch decides to prioritize the Prem. Bye Europa, it was fun while it lasted lol
Grannyknot
Well-Known Member
Nor can I. I normally trust Poch because when he makes a move I don't understand or agree with it seems to work out well. This time I just don't get it. Put out our strongest side for this, as Dortmund did. And then play the 2nd line against Aston Villa where we'll still make short work of them.
Though, even our better players on the pitch weren't good. This was absolutely dreadful. Completely and totally overrun.
And I wasn't even able to watch, just listen while at work.
Against another side I'd have (faint) hope we could reclaim it at WHL, but not against a side like Dortmund.
The bigger issue, this shows that while we've got good enough depth to do well in Europa as well as the league, we can't play our first team for everything and we are going to get slaughtered in the CL.
I hope I'm wrong, and I hope this was a fluke night. But it stings.
I hope I'm wrong, and I hope this was a fluke night. But it stings.
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
So how about that kid Cyle Larin? Two goals and an assist in two matches. I'd love to see a sophomore win the Golden Boot instead of falling into the typical slump.
However, as a homer, I'd much rather Magee or Keane win it.
However, as a homer, I'd much rather Magee or Keane win it.
Didn't watch as I was taking an exam/driving home from said exam, but at least DC United didn't get whomped this afternoon.
Also this.
YOU HAD ONE JOB
Also this.
YOU HAD ONE JOB
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carloscede2
Well-Known Member
Man how can you be professional and do that kind of sht
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
That hurts to watch...
A few thoughts on the week of MLS action:
New Season, Same Sounders Injury Problems
The Sounders' new season has opened with two losses and a lot of injuries, at a certain point you have to wonder why injuries continue to be such a major issue for the club; either it's due to coaching staff pushing too hard or training staff doing poorly, but either way they need to find a way to fix this. The season is young, but 6 dropped points can kill you come playoffs time. As a note, injuries in Saturday's match include Jordan Morris, who took a head-to-head clash with Chris Wingert that sidelined him, probably with a concussion, he may miss next week's match.
Are Houston That Good?
Houston's second game of the season is a 5-0 thumping of rivals FC Dallas, once again scoring a bucket of goals (their opener was a 3-3 draw vs New England), does this mean the Dynamo are a dangerous, offensive team now? Not necessarily, let's not forget that this is the start of the season, and that San Jose thumped two teams by multiple goals last year in a similar manner and missed the playoffs. Nonetheless, Owen Coyle has to be pretty happy about his progress in turning this team into an offensive force.
Patrick Vieira Had the Pirlo Problem Figured Out, Until He Didn't
NYCFC's coach through 40 or so minutes, seemed to have figured out the "Pirlo problem", dealing with a midfielder that couldn't or wouldn't defend. With a 3-4-3 formation that was really more of a 3-1-5-1 formation with David Villa as the lone striker up top, Vieira added a high press tactic to keep Toronto pinned into their own half, and it worked...for a while. But once Toronto figured out how to beat that high press, in part due to excellent passing from Michael Bradley and Giovinco, they scored 2 goals and looked (at times) likely to score another. It's possible this could be the formation of the future for NYCFC, and if they can tighten up at midfield then I think it could work.
New Season, Same Sounders Injury Problems
The Sounders' new season has opened with two losses and a lot of injuries, at a certain point you have to wonder why injuries continue to be such a major issue for the club; either it's due to coaching staff pushing too hard or training staff doing poorly, but either way they need to find a way to fix this. The season is young, but 6 dropped points can kill you come playoffs time. As a note, injuries in Saturday's match include Jordan Morris, who took a head-to-head clash with Chris Wingert that sidelined him, probably with a concussion, he may miss next week's match.
Are Houston That Good?
Houston's second game of the season is a 5-0 thumping of rivals FC Dallas, once again scoring a bucket of goals (their opener was a 3-3 draw vs New England), does this mean the Dynamo are a dangerous, offensive team now? Not necessarily, let's not forget that this is the start of the season, and that San Jose thumped two teams by multiple goals last year in a similar manner and missed the playoffs. Nonetheless, Owen Coyle has to be pretty happy about his progress in turning this team into an offensive force.
Patrick Vieira Had the Pirlo Problem Figured Out, Until He Didn't
NYCFC's coach through 40 or so minutes, seemed to have figured out the "Pirlo problem", dealing with a midfielder that couldn't or wouldn't defend. With a 3-4-3 formation that was really more of a 3-1-5-1 formation with David Villa as the lone striker up top, Vieira added a high press tactic to keep Toronto pinned into their own half, and it worked...for a while. But once Toronto figured out how to beat that high press, in part due to excellent passing from Michael Bradley and Giovinco, they scored 2 goals and looked (at times) likely to score another. It's possible this could be the formation of the future for NYCFC, and if they can tighten up at midfield then I think it could work.
Well, I didn't know you could do that. Portland Timbers just traded future allocation money to Vancouver for Darren Mattocks, apparently that's a thing you can do.
Darren Mattocks Trade
The trade gives Portland a maybe great maybe not striker who is fast as hell, but it also means they could need to really slim down the roster next season. Perhaps the Timbers are trying to win another cup this year before going into a rebuilding phase.
Darren Mattocks Trade
The trade gives Portland a maybe great maybe not striker who is fast as hell, but it also means they could need to really slim down the roster next season. Perhaps the Timbers are trying to win another cup this year before going into a rebuilding phase.
Anybody catch the Bayern Munich/Juventus match? I didn't watch any of the original 90 (that whistle blew as I was walking in my door, and I'd been listening to Barca make Arsenal look silly before that), but did watch the extra time. Sheer madness. Come back from trailing by two to win by two in extra time.
However, not good for the Premier League's coefficient. Chelsea is out, Arsenal is out, only Manchester City remains, and they're not in good form. Meanwhile at least one English club goes out of Europa tomorrow, probably two (as much as I'd love to believe we could overcome our own deficit against Dortmund, it's not gonna happen, and indications are that Poch plans to play the 2nd line again). Fortunately as long as we don't slump it in the Premier League, and finish first or second, we'll be in the Champions League no matter what. But it may spell bad news for Manchester City (unless by an odd stroke they win the whole thing in the Champions League) even if they finish 4th.
However, not good for the Premier League's coefficient. Chelsea is out, Arsenal is out, only Manchester City remains, and they're not in good form. Meanwhile at least one English club goes out of Europa tomorrow, probably two (as much as I'd love to believe we could overcome our own deficit against Dortmund, it's not gonna happen, and indications are that Poch plans to play the 2nd line again). Fortunately as long as we don't slump it in the Premier League, and finish first or second, we'll be in the Champions League no matter what. But it may spell bad news for Manchester City (unless by an odd stroke they win the whole thing in the Champions League) even if they finish 4th.
It's a shame, Juventus played their hearts out and played some quality football, for about 60 minutes then they completely lost steam and Bayern methodically broke them down. Great game though
Well, I spoke too soon. Juventus being eliminated secures a 4th Champions League spot for the Premier League. For now.
That went about as expected. Still didn't put the best line forward, still lost, but at least we put up a little fight this time and at least we scored a goal. But still in all ways outclassed. But I'm sure the experience can't hurt, as long as it's not a distraction from the league.
I figured this was the place to share the 'Dry Side Supporters' hop based logo. They're a sub-group of Emerald City Supporters who are based in the 'dry' side of the state, ie east/yakima valley etc.
Crazy comeback for Southampton today. Then Harry Kane scores in 43 seconds.
And seems it's now official that Howard is going to Colorado.
And seems it's now official that Howard is going to Colorado.
Make that a brace, 15 minutes in. We're walking all over the Cherries.
carloscede2
Well-Known Member
Cant believe barsa played so sh*t today and cant even believe Mathieu is still playing in there. Well,at least both Madrids are far from the top of the table anyways
So...Tim Howard now plays for the Colorado Rapids...yay?
Tim Howard Officially Signed by Rapids
The move all but guarantees Howard starting time, but I'm not sure it's a really good fit for either him or the Rapids. For the Rapids, they're spending a lot of money on a position they are pretty solid at, keeper. They've got one designated player "on loan", but if or when said player comes back they'll need to pay down their salary using allocation money of some sort, and they've already paid down Jermaine Jones' salary that way, so something will have to give.
On Tim Howard's side of things, while this does get him back between the sticks, the Rapids aren't exactly a marquee team and it's unlikely that getting the starting spot on the Rapids will get him back into things for the USMNT. That said, he was almost certainly on his way to being cut by Everton, so financially this does make sense.
I still think the Rapids are angling for a buyout.
Tim Howard Officially Signed by Rapids
The move all but guarantees Howard starting time, but I'm not sure it's a really good fit for either him or the Rapids. For the Rapids, they're spending a lot of money on a position they are pretty solid at, keeper. They've got one designated player "on loan", but if or when said player comes back they'll need to pay down their salary using allocation money of some sort, and they've already paid down Jermaine Jones' salary that way, so something will have to give.
On Tim Howard's side of things, while this does get him back between the sticks, the Rapids aren't exactly a marquee team and it's unlikely that getting the starting spot on the Rapids will get him back into things for the USMNT. That said, he was almost certainly on his way to being cut by Everton, so financially this does make sense.
I still think the Rapids are angling for a buyout.
USMNT roster for the next bunch of World Cup Qualifiers has been announced:
USMNT Roster
There aren't any big surprises here nor any real snubs, though a key addition to watch is Fabian Johnson who went off injured for his club. Altidore has also been battling an injury and might play. The roster can be changed between the qualifiers, as a note. The USMNT face Guatemala in Guatemala on the 25th before heading back home to Columbus, OH to face Guatemala again. The USMNT are currently in 1st with 4 points, winning both of these games guarantees they advance to the next round (aka the "The Hex").
USMNT Roster
There aren't any big surprises here nor any real snubs, though a key addition to watch is Fabian Johnson who went off injured for his club. Altidore has also been battling an injury and might play. The roster can be changed between the qualifiers, as a note. The USMNT face Guatemala in Guatemala on the 25th before heading back home to Columbus, OH to face Guatemala again. The USMNT are currently in 1st with 4 points, winning both of these games guarantees they advance to the next round (aka the "The Hex").
hoppyhoppyhippo
Well-Known Member
I wish Beckerman wasn't on the roster
He is old and slow. I wish Kitchen or someone else was on ther. Or just not have a true CDM
What I kind of want to see if Fabian is healthy (JK is probably jsut checking his health though) is a 3-5-2
Cameron-Besler-Brooks
Yedlin-Bradley-Mix-Fabian
Nguyen/Nagbe
Jozy/Dempsey
He is old and slow. I wish Kitchen or someone else was on ther. Or just not have a true CDM
What I kind of want to see if Fabian is healthy (JK is probably jsut checking his health though) is a 3-5-2
Cameron-Besler-Brooks
Yedlin-Bradley-Mix-Fabian
Nguyen/Nagbe
Jozy/Dempsey
A few thoughts on the week of MLS action in the week before the international break.
The Emerald City Sees Red
I'm trying not to harp on Seattle news too much, but in the first three weeks it seems there's always something going on with them. In this case, fans, players and commentators were all pretty angry about a dive by Bolanos that got his team a penalty. (Here at 0:52 if you want to see yourself Vancouver vs Sounders highlights) Referee Mark Geiger also made some pretty obvious gaffs outside of this call and the second penalty was questionable as well. The Sounders may have bigger things to worry about though, despite running an offensively-minded 4-3-3 none of the three star forwards have scored a goal yet, all of the offense has come long shots from midfielders; that shouldn't happen in a 4-3-3 so heavily balanced in favor of talent at the front. The Sounders are at 0-3-0 now, they'll have two weeks to regroup and they best use that time wisely or they could be in danger of remaining in the basement all season.
LA Soundly Win the First Leg of the Cali Classico
The Galaxy and the Quakes renewed their rivalry this weekend in the first leg of the Cali Classico that San Jose won last year. Simon Dawkins was sent off with a red that I thought was a little harsh, but not incredibly harsh early in the second half, and that loss of a man doomed the Quakes. The Quakes have other opportunities to get some revenge later in the season though and they do seem to be a better team than last year.
The Crew Can't Seem To Get Going
The Columbus Crew are another team that seemed to have strong offensive power coming into the season that seem to have fallen flat. Two goals in 3 games and still winless, if the Crew want to have a chance to make a return to MLS Cup they need to step up and start scoring goals, their defense isn't strong enough to keep them afloat without goals at the other end of the park. The good news is that they have two weeks to fix things, for their sake Greg Berhalter better figure out how to reignite that fire.
Sporting KC Are Perfect on the Season, But Are They Actually Good?
Sporting KC has 3 wins in 3 games and seems to be rolling along, but they've also done so off of some pretty odd circumstances. Their first two games saw the opposing teams get red cards in odd spots, and the second game saw a pretty badly missed offside call on their second goal. In their game tonight against Toronto the lone goal came off of a missed Brad Davis offensive foul, though the referee missing the call was understandable as it looked shoulder-to-shoulder in real time. Outside of playing a man up though, Sporting KC have looked downright average and their physical style will come back to bite them at some point in the season and almost did when Roger Espinoza saw red in the waning minutes of tonight's game. Of course, Sporting KC have been missing their main creator in Benny Feilhaber, who should return after the international break according to what he said on the broadcast today; that might make them look as dangerous as their place in the standings says they are.
The Emerald City Sees Red
I'm trying not to harp on Seattle news too much, but in the first three weeks it seems there's always something going on with them. In this case, fans, players and commentators were all pretty angry about a dive by Bolanos that got his team a penalty. (Here at 0:52 if you want to see yourself Vancouver vs Sounders highlights) Referee Mark Geiger also made some pretty obvious gaffs outside of this call and the second penalty was questionable as well. The Sounders may have bigger things to worry about though, despite running an offensively-minded 4-3-3 none of the three star forwards have scored a goal yet, all of the offense has come long shots from midfielders; that shouldn't happen in a 4-3-3 so heavily balanced in favor of talent at the front. The Sounders are at 0-3-0 now, they'll have two weeks to regroup and they best use that time wisely or they could be in danger of remaining in the basement all season.
LA Soundly Win the First Leg of the Cali Classico
The Galaxy and the Quakes renewed their rivalry this weekend in the first leg of the Cali Classico that San Jose won last year. Simon Dawkins was sent off with a red that I thought was a little harsh, but not incredibly harsh early in the second half, and that loss of a man doomed the Quakes. The Quakes have other opportunities to get some revenge later in the season though and they do seem to be a better team than last year.
The Crew Can't Seem To Get Going
The Columbus Crew are another team that seemed to have strong offensive power coming into the season that seem to have fallen flat. Two goals in 3 games and still winless, if the Crew want to have a chance to make a return to MLS Cup they need to step up and start scoring goals, their defense isn't strong enough to keep them afloat without goals at the other end of the park. The good news is that they have two weeks to fix things, for their sake Greg Berhalter better figure out how to reignite that fire.
Sporting KC Are Perfect on the Season, But Are They Actually Good?
Sporting KC has 3 wins in 3 games and seems to be rolling along, but they've also done so off of some pretty odd circumstances. Their first two games saw the opposing teams get red cards in odd spots, and the second game saw a pretty badly missed offside call on their second goal. In their game tonight against Toronto the lone goal came off of a missed Brad Davis offensive foul, though the referee missing the call was understandable as it looked shoulder-to-shoulder in real time. Outside of playing a man up though, Sporting KC have looked downright average and their physical style will come back to bite them at some point in the season and almost did when Roger Espinoza saw red in the waning minutes of tonight's game. Of course, Sporting KC have been missing their main creator in Benny Feilhaber, who should return after the international break according to what he said on the broadcast today; that might make them look as dangerous as their place in the standings says they are.
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Reno_eNVy
Well-Known Member
Reno 1868's supporter group now has an identity.
We are the Battle Born Brigade.
View attachment 1458605947008.jpg
We are the Battle Born Brigade.
View attachment 1458605947008.jpg
RIP Johan Cruyff.
The Cruyff turn is such an elegant move in it's simplicity. The man was a legend.
The Cruyff turn is such an elegant move in it's simplicity. The man was a legend.
