2009-10 Premier League/European soccer thread

[Lime]

France can only score off handballs or in whorehouses these days...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/apr/20/frank-ribery-sex-scandal-france

[HawkLax6]

Ribery just got red carded so he will have more time to go to a whorehouse.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Bayern Munich 1 Olympique Lyonnais 0

Ribery escorted off in the 37th. Lyon decides that a 1-man advantage is too much for them, so Jeremy Toulalan picks up 2 yellows in 3 minutes to even it out. Wasted opportunity for Lyon.

[HawkLax6]

Marcus Hahnemann "americanizes" Cross Bar Challenge.

KQmH0hAzRDM

[Lime]

The Canadian Soccer League (considered 3rd division or equal to USL-2 here) is probably one of the more interesting leagues in the world, an odd semipro blend of academy sides, local teams, and throwback ethnic clubs.

This year's lineup includes:

- Toronto FC's academy
- Impact de Montreal's academy (replacing their reserve team)
- Brampton Lions (three cities, four names since 2002)
- North York Astros (originally called North York Atletico Argentina Soccer Club)
- London City (roots in 1973)
- St. Catharines Wolves (odd fascination with AS Roma)
- York Region Shooters (formerly Italia Shooters)
- Hamilton Croatia (around since 1957, just joined league)
- Serbian White Eagles (around from 1968 before joining in 2006)
- Toronto Croatia (amusingly share a stadium with Serbia)
- Portugal FC (rather blunt with this one)
- Milltown Football Club (new)
- Brantford Galaxy SC (new)

quite the mix.

http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=263569
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Soccer_League#Complete_Team_List

[Lime]

so I think ESPN associates U2 with international soccer...


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[roseboundhawk]

Everton-Fulham is on espn2 tommorow. Dempsey should start...

[HawkLax6]

Everton-Fulham is on espn2 tommorow. Dempsey should start...

You are going down rose........

Actually, I fully expect Everton to win since Fulham should be resting some guys for their Europa League match on Thursday.

Also, Fulham hasn't won at Goodison Park since the FA Cup in 1975 and hasn't even picked up a point there in a long time.

[roseboundhawk]

Never a doubt.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham played like shit. They also only had three regular starters in the lineup.

But they never had any real good chances and their lone goal was gifted by Everton.

[HawkLax6]

OZeUOLet0SU

[HawkLax6]

Random weekend musings:

* Jozy got a stupid red card.

* U-20 Tony Taylor scored his first career goal in Portugal's second division.

* Chelsea put a hurting on Stoke City (7-0) and it could have been a lot worse. Malouda had a miss that might rival Landon's for the worse miss of the season.

* Maurice Edu was in the starting lineup as Rangers won their 53rd Scottish league title. Rangers or Celtic has won every title since 1985-86.

* Ricardo Clark made his debut at Eintracht Frankfurt and went the full 90 minutes.

[HawkLax6]

So Portsmouth and Burnley are going to be relegated.

And Hull City is more-than-likely as well. In order to stay up, they have to both their last two games, have West Ham lose both of their games and make up a 24 goal differential. Not going to happen.

I also thought I read something that Hull City was planning to buy Jozy from Villarreal if they stayed up, but that does not look to be the case right now. Should be interesting to see where he ends up next year.

[Lime]

So Portsmouth and Burnley are going to be relegated.

And Hull City is more-than-likely as well. In order to stay up, they have to both their last two games, have West Ham lose both of their games and make up a 24 goal differential. Not going to happen.

I also thought I read something that Hull City was planning to buy Jozy from Villarreal if they stayed up, but that does not look to be the case right now. Should be interesting to see where he ends up next year.

I have heard Everton, Fulham, and Birmingham (on loan) as possible destinations.

[HawkLax6]

So Portsmouth and Burnley are going to be relegated.

And Hull City is more-than-likely as well. In order to stay up, they have to both their last two games, have West Ham lose both of their games and make up a 24 goal differential. Not going to happen.

I also thought I read something that Hull City was planning to buy Jozy from Villarreal if they stayed up, but that does not look to be the case right now. Should be interesting to see where he ends up next year.

I have heard Everton, Fulham, and Birmingham (on loan) as possible destinations.

Even on loan, his price tag might be too high for Fulham unless they decide to unload Bobby Zamora while his stock is really high.

[HawkLax6]

Also, Hull City is in so bad of debt that they were getting an advance last week on their parachute payments before they officially got relegated.

[Lime]

So Portsmouth and Burnley are going to be relegated.

And Hull City is more-than-likely as well. In order to stay up, they have to both their last two games, have West Ham lose both of their games and make up a 24 goal differential. Not going to happen.

I also thought I read something that Hull City was planning to buy Jozy from Villarreal if they stayed up, but that does not look to be the case right now. Should be interesting to see where he ends up next year.

I have heard Everton, Fulham, and Birmingham (on loan) as possible destinations.

Even on loan, his price tag might be too high for Fulham unless they decide to unload Bobby Zamora while his stock is really high.

price is why I never expected Jozy to stay at Hull unless they extended his loan, Villarael is going to want their $10M back or at least close.

[HawkLax6]

So Herculez Gomez finished tied for first in the Mexican league scoring title for the 2010 portion of the season, the first time an American has won a scoring title in Mexico.

The craziest part:

Johan Fano - 10 goals in 15 starts (16 total games - 1172 total minutes)
Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez - 10 goals in 10 starts (11 total games - 893 total minutes)
Herculez Gomez - 10 goals in 6 starts (14 total games - 718 total minutes)

Edit: Found the total minutes.

[HawkLax6]

David Beckham =

kI6MWZrl8v8

[HawkLax6]

Dempsey's 10 minute segment from E:60:

wJhScEftw-0

[BBK]

Can we have a separate board for soccer?

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Can we have a separate board for soccer?

I'm down, as long as they do one for baseball too.

[HawkLax6]

Eddie Johnson scored twice today (the first goal was assisted by Freddy Adu) as Aris won 2-0 in the Greek League playoffs.

lmTMf5ZnxhQ

[Lime]

the special one stuns the defending champs, it's Inter vs. Bayern for the final.

[HawkLax6]

The home jerseys for the World Cup were officially announced.

http://www.socceroverthere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/homejersey.jpg

http://www.socceroverthere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/donovan.jpg

http://www.socceroverthere.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/dempseyad.jpg

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I realize that it's neither Premier League nor European, but did anyone else catch the Cruz Azul/Pachuca match last night? Helluva goal in the 2d (of 3) minute of stoppage time to win it for Pachuca.

[Lime]

I realize that it's neither Premier League nor European, but did anyone else catch the Cruz Azul/Pachuca match last night? Helluva goal in the 2d (of 3) minute of stoppage time to win it for Pachuca.

No, missed it although I saw that Jose Francisco Torres will be going to his 2nd Club World Cup for Pachuca.

I later edited it to "Global Soccer Thread" although that only appears on the first page.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham is going to the Europa League Final!

YCzYwXx7HCc

[HawkLax6]

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid is pretty crazy right now in extra time in the other semifinal.

[roseboundhawk]

Liverpool are out! Yay!

[HawkLax6]

Dempsey will become the first American to play in an European final.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Marseille can all but seal the Ligue 1 crown today with a win @ Auxerre.

[Lime]

Marseille can all but seal the Ligue 1 crown today with a win @ Auxerre.

<Insert "Seven Nation Army" chant>

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

A Leeds win at Charlton tomorrow, coupled with a Millwall loss at Tranmere, promotes Leeds to the Championship.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Marseille can all but seal the Ligue 1 crown today with a win @ Auxerre.

0-0. Marseille up 5 over Auxerre with 3 games to go.

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

It's about time to roll- Becchio and Beckford are both scoring today

[HawkLax6]

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XI06Jim5CTE

q4uHAb6Fw7k

[Lime]

Spurs/City de facto Champions League playoff just started. on ESPN2, in fact.

[HawkLax6]

Spurs/City de facto Champions League playoff just started. on ESPN2, in fact.

Or you could watch a meaningless game between Fulham-Stoke City on Fox Soccer Plus.

[Lime]

Spurs/City de facto Champions League playoff just started. on ESPN2, in fact.

Or you could watch a meaningless game between Fulham-Stoke City on Fox Soccer Plus.

I am attending the Drake-Des Moines Menace exhibtion on Friday, so I've got my meaningless match quota filled for the week, thanks.

[Lime]

City dominating possession and shots but no score at the half.

[Lime]

these are supposedly the new puma kits for newly repromoted newcastle united. awful if true.

http://www.nufcblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/newcastel-new-strip-6.jpg

http://www.nufcblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/new-strip-400x400.jpg

[HawkLax6]

That road kit is beyond awful.

I have also heard rumors that Fulham is switching from Nike to Kappa next year. I really hope this is not true.

[Lime]

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Mata ahoo Hima de
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Himitsu wo Shiri tai

[Lime]

Spurs to the Champions League! First time in their history, first club outside the Big Four to qualify since Everton made it in 2005 (although this came at the expense of another non-Big Four club, City).

[Lime]

for du hawk:

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/leeds-united-10-11-macron-home-kit.jpg

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Ya I saw that this week - eh, I'm not sure they needed a new home kit.

Big game against Bristol tomorrow morning - if they win, they go up. If they lose or draw, they're going to need some help to avoid a chance at another playoff disappointment.

[Lime]

any others in DSM (I think Aloha is the only one who posts in this thread) going to Menace-Drake tomorrow night? Laurie Calloway (played for Blackburn and was first manager of the San Houston Dynoquakes) is back as head coach...

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

My weekend schedule won't allow for a Saturday night game.

[Lime]

so I think ESPN associates U2 with international soccer...


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[Malickfan]

So I just read Soccernomics. It was very interesting. Anyone else read it?

[HawkLax6]

So I just read Soccernomics. It was very interesting. Anyone else read it?

A co-worker just gave it to me and I plan to read it next. I have heard decent things about it.

[Lime]

So I just read Soccernomics. It was very interesting. Anyone else read it?

Soccernomics was awesome. Great read. If you haven't read it yet, read Kuper's Soccer Against the Enemy next, it's even better (and way better than Franklin Foer's shameless rip-off, How Soccer Explains the World).

[Malickfan]

Yeah, I read the whole thing in two days. I'm not so sure about Iraq becoming a world soccer power but I could agree with most everything else.

I also learned that the cheapest season tickets for Arsenal are $1,700? Fuck!

[HawkLax6]

I read How Soccer Explains the World last year and liked that so I will have to check out Soccer Against the Enemy as well.

[Malickfan]

Soccernomics was awesome. Great read. If you haven't read it yet, read Kuper's Soccer Against the Enemy next, it's even better (and way better than Franklin Foer's shameless rip-off, How Soccer Explains the World).

What does it get into? I liked Soccernomics because it was a mix of Freakonomics and Moneyball. I eat that shit up when it comes to analyzing how teams should pick players.

I thought it was interesting how they explained why the major cities in Europe (London,Paris, Rome, Berlin) haven't had any Champions League success and why that could change soon. Then I was surprised to see today that Roma has pretty much clinched 2nd place in Serie A...seven points better than AC Milan.

[Lime]

Soccernomics was awesome. Great read. If you haven't read it yet, read Kuper's Soccer Against the Enemy next, it's even better (and way better than Franklin Foer's shameless rip-off, How Soccer Explains the World).

What does it get into? I liked Soccernomics because it was a mix of Freakonomics and Moneyball. I eat that shit up when it comes to analyzing how teams should pick players.

I thought it was interesting how they explained why the major cities in Europe (London,Paris, Rome, Berlin) haven't had any Champions League success and why that could change soon. Then I was surprised to see today that Roma has pretty much clinched 2nd place in Serie A...seven points better than AC Milan.

Soccer Against the Enemy, he basically traveled around the world off and on for three years and compiled stories from like 20-25 different countries about how soccer has interacted with the culture and politics there.

How Soccer Explains the World was a good read, but I felt like Froer was sort of just drawing cliched caricatures that a non-soccer fan would understand. You could tell which was written by a someone who grew up with the game and which was written by someone who didn't. Plus, I thought it was ridic the degree to which you could tell it was basically Froer trying to Americanize a previous idea.

Kuper writes a Friday sports column for the Financial Times, it's always a good read

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Yeah, I read the whole thing in two days. I'm not so sure about Iraq becoming a world soccer power but I could agree with most everything else.

I also learned that the cheapest season tickets for Arsenal are $1,700? Fuck!

For 19 games, that ain't all bad. Does it include the pre-season action?

[Lime]

Yeah, I read the whole thing in two days. I'm not so sure about Iraq becoming a world soccer power but I could agree with most everything else.

I also learned that the cheapest season tickets for Arsenal are $1,700? Fuck!

For 19 games, that ain't all bad. Does it include the pre-season action?

What about Champions League or League/FA Cup matches?

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Despite a terrible call in the 1st half that took Gradel off, Leeds is up 2-1 in the 63rd minute at Elland Rd. right now

[Malickfan]

For 19 games, that ain't all bad. Does it include the pre-season action?

What about Champions League or League/FA Cup matches?

Not sure but it did say it was quite a bit more than what Barcelona charges for their most EXPENSIVE season ticket.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

For 19 games, that ain't all bad. Does it include the pre-season action?

What about Champions League or League/FA Cup matches?

Not sure but it did say it was quite a bit more than what Barcelona charges for their most EXPENSIVE season ticket.

Barca has a Green Bay Packer-like ownership style, which might account for some difference between them and the Gunners.

[HawkLax6]

For 19 games, that ain't all bad. Does it include the pre-season action?

What about Champions League or League/FA Cup matches?

Not sure but it did say it was quite a bit more than what Barcelona charges for their most EXPENSIVE season ticket.

I am thinking it does not include Champions League or FA Cup. They are allowed to buy the extra tickets and are given first action at buying them before they go on sale to others.

When I bought tickets for Fulham-Chelsea, I had to become a Fulham ticket membership, which is in between a season ticket holder and general public. Season ticket holders get first dibs at tickets then like 24-48 hours later, ticket members get to buy then 24-48 hours after that the general public gets next.

And certain matches, like Chelsea and Man U, tickets don't even go on sale to the general public. I know for their Europa League final, Fulham was allotted like 12,500 tickets which sold out in seven hours by the season ticket holders and didn't even reach the ticket member level.

[Lime]

My weekend schedule won't allow for a Saturday night game.

Softball practice getting in the way again?

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

LOL. I think a Venn diagram of Softball Guy and Soccer Fan looks a lot like 0 0.

[Lime]

24th-minute goal sends Drake past Des Moines, 1-0. Would have been 1-1 but the official missed a goal in the 88th (Drake keeper seemed to catch a shot behind line). Ref was one of two people (along with the keeper) to think it wasn't a goal.

[/post on exhibition between 4th-division side and out-of-season college team]

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

I don't know why this is the best set of highlites I can find, because the game was televised. Gradel had every right to be pissed for being sent off. It's a good thing Leeds and Grayson didn't sell Beckford to Newcastle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYnyM_nYV48

[HawkLax6]

Of the teams I saw live this year or went to their stadium:

Chelsea: Won the EPL
Inter Milan: Won Coppa Italia, on the verge of winning Serie A and could win the treble by winning those two things and winning Champions League.
Fulham: Made the Europa League final
Tottenham: Made Champions League for next year for the first time in 40+ years
Millwall: Made the League 1 promotion playoffs

So if any team wants me to pay me to fly to Europe next year to watch their team, I am open for it.

[HawkLax6]

My predictions:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Liverpool
4) Arsenal
5) Man City

Relegated - Burnely, Hull City, Birmingham City

Fulham - 10th-12th place

Actual:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Arsenal
4) Tottenham
5) Man City

Relegated - Burnley, Hull City, Portsmouth

Fulham's finish -12th

I did pretty well in my predictions.

[Uff Da]

SPURS!!

My first season following Soccer/Premier League and my team makes the Top 4. Crouch's goal against Man City last Wednesday was awesome.

[Lime]

My predictions:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Liverpool
4) Arsenal
5) Man City

Relegated - Burnely, Hull City, Birmingham City

Fulham - 10th-12th place

Actual:

1) Chelsea
2) Man U
3) Arsenal
4) Tottenham
5) Man City

Relegated - Burnley, Hull City, Portsmouth

Fulham's finish -12th

I did pretty well in my predictions.

I was horrible but don't really care.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

In the Non-Johnny Come Lately Division, Blackburn ended up 10th, ahead of Fulham, while Newcastle rejoins the Premiership after winning the Coca-Cola Championship. I win.

Of course, Fulham blowing their wad on the Europa League helped.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

1) I wish one could be relegated to the Champions League.

2) Their season opener next year is at Blackburn Rovers.

1) Touche. They are in the Championship.

2) You expect that much out of Newcastle?

2a) I am suggesting Blackburn Rovers will be joining the Colaship.

2b) Strictly speaking, Newcastle should roll to promotion, because they have the CCC outclassed on talent.

2c) Unfortunately, they are such a mess that I still say they are more likely to pull a Leeds.

One out of three ain't bad.

[Lime]

1) Touche. They are in the Championship.

2) You expect that much out of Newcastle?
h
2a) I am suggesting Blackburn Rovers will be joining the Colaship.

2b) Strictly speaking, Newcastle should roll to promotion, because they have the CCC outclassed on talent.

2c) Unfortunately, they are such a mess that I still say they are more likely to pull a Leeds.

One out of three ain't bad.

Chris Hughton has been a godsend, Ashley has quit meddling, and they dumped some overpriced egos (Owen, Duff, etc.)

[HawkLax6]

h
2a) I am suggesting Blackburn Rovers will be joining the Colaship.

2b) Strictly speaking, Newcastle should roll to promotion, because they have the CCC outclassed on talent.

2c) Unfortunately, they are such a mess that I still say they are more likely to pull a Leeds.

One out of three ain't bad.

Chris Hughton has been a godsend, Ashley has quit meddling, and they dumped some overpriced egos (Owen, Duff, etc.)

And Fulham gladly accepted Duff, although he seems to be running out of gas in recent weeks.

[Lime]

One out of three ain't bad.

Chris Hughton has been a godsend, Ashley has quit meddling, and they dumped some overpriced egos (Owen, Duff, etc.)

And Fulham gladly accepted Duff, although he seems to be running out of gas in recent weeks.

Bastage scored the own goal to ensure relegation.

[HawkLax6]

This should cheer you up, Lime.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/10/newcastle-united-premier-league

[Lime]

This should cheer you up, Lime.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/may/10/newcastle-united-premier-league

they have already been making it clear that they won't be targetting any players older than 26, so this is not a surprising next step. There is good young talent coming out of the academy right now (Haris Vučkić, Shane Ferguson, Andy Carroll, Nile Ranger) so they be able to rebuild on the cheap. if you read Soccernomics you'll learn that transfer fees are not efficient anyways.

Much of the debt that they have is to Ashley which isn't bad as long as he doesn't sell it. They shaved the £70 million wage bill for 2008-09 (highest outside the Big Four) to £40 million with only losing two really good players (Sebastien Bassong and to a lesser extent Oba Martins). The talent there even without transfers is still far ahead of West Brom and the playoff winner, there really is no excuse Newcastle can't compete for 10th-12th next year.

[roseboundhawk]

I don't know why this is the best set of highlites I can find, because the game was televised. Gradel had every right to be pissed for being sent off. It's a good thing Leeds and Grayson didn't sell Beckford to Newcastle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYnyM_nYV48

Looks like Beckford is on his way to Everton next season. Do you think he has what it takes to be a top premier league striker?

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

He's good enough to be a sub, but his best skill is in stretching a defense out with his speed. He disappeared for the better part of the last 3 months at the most important part of the season, and Becchio and Gradel had to pick up the slack. He's got a penchant for scoring big goals.

I haven't heard much about him going to Everton since January. Newcastle and Leeds couldn't come to an agreement on price at the transfer window, so Newcastle must be interested too. There's a lot of talk about him staying at Leeds, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it happen.

[roseboundhawk]

Yeah, some interesting things going on.

http://www.clickliverpool.com/news/local-news/129048-ken-bates-in-drunken-everton-slur.html

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Leeds fans don't like Bates. They've been paying premiership prices to watch a League One team for the last few years, and they outdrew 6 premier league clubs this year. Bates has no excuse to not open up the pocket book to sign players this summer.

[HawkLax6]

The BBC decided to avoid using U2 in their promos.

OEdm7n0-6AQ

[Lime]

Terry's possibly out for the Cup with a broken foot.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Wayne Bridge's whereabouts when that happened?

[Lime]

Dempsey is on as the first American in a European final. 1-1 in the 60th minute.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Sorry Lax.

[Lime]

Sorry Lax.

So I see Big Sam's bitter towards his old employer...

[HawkLax6]

That sucked, but it was a hell of a run. I thought Atletico Madrid were generally the better team today, but it was there for the taking. Fulham had nothing going once Zamora was subbed out, but his ankle was not going to let him play much longer.

Sergio Aguero is fast and very good.

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/14052010/2/soccer-preston-north-end-face-winding-order.html

Preston North End can't pay its bills.

Leeds are going to have a hell of a shot at promotion again next season since only a handful of the Championship clubs can pay their bills right now. Pompey, Hull City, and Burnley won't have a chance at promotion either.

It's been rumored that Leeds has offered Beckford 16k/week for 3 years to stay at Elland Rd., which is a LOT for a Championship striker. I doubt he takes it, but he'll be a January loan out to a Championship side after being the 5th striker at Everton.

[HawkLax6]

I doubt he takes it, but he'll be a January loan out to a Championship side after being the 5th striker at Everton.

It could change, but Everton played a lot of 4-4-1-1 too with only one true striker and an attacking midfielder playing behind Saha (or whoever).

[Lime]

http://www.fannation.com/si_blogs/grant_wahl/posts/97801-americans-travel-globe-in-search-of-pickup-soccer

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-B5WxyGkDao&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-B5WxyGkDao&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

in KC on 5/17
http://www.pelada-movie.com/screenings/index.html

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f7/Olympique_Marseille_logo.png

[HawkLax6]

I stopped by the Montalban Theater out here in LA today. It is a Nike store on weekends where they sell limited edition stuff. They are also going to do World Cup viewings with free food and drinks for some of the games so I might have to hit it up for one of the games.

It also has an awesome rooftop basketball/mini-soccer court. A pretty cool place.

http://www.leftcoastenvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/montalban12.jpg

http://www.leftcoastenvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/montalban22.jpg

http://www.leftcoastenvy.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/montalban32.jpg

[HawkLax6]

I hope this is a fake, but Inter Milan's road jersey for next year looks awful.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/10/11-kits/inter-milan-10-11-nike-away-shirt.html

[HawkLax6]

Random factoid: There are only two teams in South Africa that do not have a single footballer playing its club football outside its borders. One is North Korea. The other is England.

[Lime]

Random factoid: There are only two teams in South Africa that do not have a single footballer playing its club football outside its borders. One is North Korea. The other is England.

North Korea has two players in Japan and one in Russia.

[HawkLax6]

Random factoid: There are only two teams in South Africa that do not have a single footballer playing its club football outside its borders. One is North Korea. The other is England.

North Korea has two players in Japan and one in Russia.

Fuck EPL Talk then.

[Lime]

Random factoid: There are only two teams in South Africa that do not have a single footballer playing its club football outside its borders. One is North Korea. The other is England.

North Korea has two players in Japan and one in Russia.

Fuck EPL Talk then.

The EPL Talk network sucks. EPL talk is even worse than MajorLeagueSoccerTalk which sucks.

[Malickfan]

So why is Mourinho unhappy in Italy? Does he not like the style of play there?

[JD720]

Ballack to miss the World Cup:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hevzupvBngLJcbB9ttdIKujTts6wD9FOIV180

[HawkLax6]

Gooch signed a one-year extension with AC Milan, but he asked not to be paid for the final season since he missed most of this season.

A gutsy move on his part.

[Lime]

Interesting read for those of you have like the Soccernomics-type stuff.

http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/17/team-usa-and-the-state-of-the-soccer-nation/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PitchInvasion+(Pitch+Invasion

over half of the US 30-man roster have an immigrant parent.

[HawkLax6]

I wonder if they had to do a lot of digging around to find out Michael Bradley's dad's occupation?

[Lime]

I wonder if they had to do a lot of digging around to find out Michael Bradley's dad's occupation?

I can't believe they couldn't find Bornstein's dad's information, I'm sure the Honduran media would know.

[HawkLax6]

I wonder if they had to do a lot of digging around to find out Michael Bradley's dad's occupation?

I can't believe they couldn't find Bornstein's dad's information, I'm sure the Honduran media would know.

I think he drives the Chivas truck around to pass out tickets to season ticket holders. I could be wrong.

[HawkLax6]

1jOKzBInDzc

[HawkLax6]

Man U decided they wanted an uglier road jersey next season than Inter Milan.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/manchester-united-away-10-11-nike-shirt-leaked.jpg

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

FIFA changes the PK rules ahead of South Africa 2010.

Penalty-takers will no longer be allowed to halt at the end of their run-ups to try to fool the goalkeeper. The International Football Association Board has decided it is "unsporting behaviour" and made it a yellow card offence in time for the World Cup.

I don't like the "do-over" if you score a goal on a PK w/feint under these new rules. I think the Ref should put the ball down once all are set and the kicker has 3 seconds to shoot.

[Lime]

FIFA changes the PK rules ahead of South Africa 2010.

Penalty-takers will no longer be allowed to halt at the end of their run-ups to try to fool the goalkeeper. The International Football Association Board has decided it is "unsporting behaviour" and made it a yellow card offence in time for the World Cup.

I don't like the "do-over" if you score a goal on a PK w/feint under these new rules. I think the Ref should put the ball down once all are set and the kicker has 3 seconds to shoot.

This is a change from FIFA's usual standard of changing the rules as they go along.

[HawkLax6]

Nike always makes legit soccer ads.

idLG6jh23yE

[HawkLax6]

bwxahXW-Erk

[Lime]

Pitch Invasion is running a different type of World Cup preview, again more of the Soccernomics style

Group A >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/15/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-a/

Group B >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/18/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-b/

Group C >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/21/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-c/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PitchInvasion+%28Pitch+Invasi on%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

[HawkLax6]

The World Cup trophy has an interesting story.

http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-world-cup-trophy-20100522,0,7084858.story?track=rss

[HawkLax6]

Herculez Gomez will be playing for Pachuca with Jose Torres next season.

[Lime]

Blackpool and their 12,000 seat stadium are moving up to the Premier League.

[HawkLax6]

If Curt Menefee says something cool during the pre-game show on FOX, it was my stats. If not, that was some other guy helping him.

[HawkLax6]

Inter Milan looks like they are going to be your 2009-10 Champions League Champions. Their first CL title in 45 years.

Milito's second goal was pretty nice. He really twisted up that defender.

[HawkLax6]

Newcastle's rumored jerseys for next year. Much better than that one from a couple pages ago.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/newcastle-united-10-11-puma-shirts-leaked.jpg

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Rumors are starting to swirl around Leeds that its owners (and a handful of other clubs) have been paying their players for the last 3 years like Rangers have been and HMRC are starting to snoop, http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/glasgow/Huge-tax-bill--could.6298287.jp

[HawkLax6]

JK4GQeu8OFc

[Lime]

Cape Verde brings some life to the Group of Death with a 0-0 friendly draw against Portugal.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham signed a new deal with Kappa to make their jerseys. Yuck.

[Lime]

Pitch Invasion is running a different type of World Cup preview, again more of the Soccernomics style

Group A >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/15/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-a/

Group B >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/18/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-b/

Group C >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/21/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-c/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PitchInvasion+%28Pitch+Invasi on%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Group D >>> http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2010/05/25/a-world-cup-miscellany-group-d/

[HawkLax6]

J19-ROSfwY8

[BBK]

bump

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Leeds have signed Kasper Schmeichel on a 2 year contract after being linked to Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Spurs.

[HawkLax6]

www.socceroverthere.com was named as ESPN's SportsNation Site We Like for today. Got a plug on the tv show today. Pretty damn cool.

[roseboundhawk]

Cool. Congrats Lax.

[Lime]

www.socceroverthere.com was named as ESPN's SportsNation Site We Like for today. Got a plug on the tv show today. Pretty damn cool.

by the way, I would like to pretend that this is due to my occasional posts but lax provides the content, i provide the ten percent filler.

[HawkLax6]

I am now BFF with Michelle Beadle.......

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Do you have any data on increased visits to the site, Lax?

[HawkLax6]

Do you have any data on increased visits to the site, Lax?

Yeah. The three biggest days for traffic so far have been:

1) US announced its 30-man camp roster.
2) US announced its 23-World Cup roster.
3) Michelle Beadle said the website's name on national TV.

Actually #2 brought in the most traffic.

[Lime]

Do you have any data on increased visits to the site, Lax?

Yeah. The three biggest days for traffic so far have been:

1) US announced its 30-man camp roster.
2) US announced its 23-World Cup roster.
3) Michelle Beadle said the website's name on national TV.

Actually #2 brought in the most traffic.

Is Clarence Goodson the biggest draw?

[HawkLax6]

Do you have any data on increased visits to the site, Lax?

Yeah. The three biggest days for traffic so far have been:

1) US announced its 30-man camp roster.
2) US announced its 23-World Cup roster.
3) Michelle Beadle said the website's name on national TV.

Actually #2 brought in the most traffic.

Is Clarence Goodson the biggest draw?

Goodson and Bedoya have probably brought the most traffic from the "marketing scheme".

[HawkLax6]

7yc8LIjoGDQ

[Lime]

"Write the Future" is cool, but this one has more spirit.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vAX1UCpLBoA&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vAX1UCpLBoA&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[Lime]

commercial for USA Bid for 2022

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[roseboundhawk]

Everton are going to have a hot pink away jersey next year. I may haveto find a new team...

[HawkLax6]

World Cup Bracket Challenge -> http://www.socceroverthere.com/?p=1583

Winner gets a free t-shirt.

[Lime]

Everton are going to have a hot pink away jersey next year. I may haveto find a new team...

newcastle!

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6g2TMGfc0D4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6g2TMGfc0D4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

[stagflation]

It's nice to see NUFC back in the bigs. Now if Leeds can get back up from the champ, that probably makes all the "biggest" clubs in the top flight.

[HawkLax6]

Giuseppe Rossi didn't make Italy's World Cup roster.

Suck it!

[Lime]

Giuseppe Rossi didn't make Italy's World Cup roster.

Suck it!

I don't hate Rossi, but I'm not going to lie and say this doesn't amuse me.

[Malickfan]

What am I missing here on Rossi?

[Lime]

What am I missing here on Rossi?

His parents are Italian immigrants. His mother teaches Italian at a high school in New Jersey, his father (recently passed) was a soccer coach. When he is 13, papa moves back to Italy with Giuseppe to play in Parma's youth system, he later goes to Manchester United's youth system, plays on loan a bit before landing as a starter at Villarrael (ahead of Jozy, interestingly).

He made it clear pretty early that he wanted to play for Italy, I think he received an offer to come to camp from Bruce Arena once but turned it down. He has made about a dozen appearances for Italy now, scored twice against the USA in the Confederations Cup group stage last year and irked some people by celebrating.

It sucks that he chose Italy, because he would start for the USA (33 goals in 91 matches in La Liga over the past three years). Having Rossi (23), Altidore (20), and Charlie Davies (24) for the next two cycles would be awesome and give the US the potential for a world-class forward line. As it is, he never really tried to lead anyone on from the US, he always identified with his parents' nation and has lived/played over there for quite a while. It doesn't really bother me (although I don't root for him), but some of the more jihadic fans hate him.

[HawkLax6]

Yeah, I am more amused by the hatred some US fans have towards him.

[stagflation]

Yah, I don't hate the dude, but he's not like other American players when I watch a game. I dont find myself pulling for him. He reminds me of the kid in HS who switches schools to play football. It's a douchey move, but nothing I'm going to lose sleep over. We could use him, and apparently he could have used us. He'd have gone to at least 3 cups as an American.

[JD720]

We only want players who want to be Americans.

[Lime]

We only want players who want to be Americans.

Edgar Castillo/Stuart Holden= must-gets, IMHO

[Lime]

This isn't likely to end well.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/02/newcastle-debt-banks

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

This isn't likely to end well.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/02/newcastle-debt-banks

Correct, and they're not the only one.

[roseboundhawk]

Rafa sacked.

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

This isn't likely to end well.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/02/newcastle-debt-banks

Common sense has to come into play at some point for some of these clubs. It was beat into Leeds' head in a hard way, and it should have put some clubs on notice.

There are some big clubs in England that still don't get it - Forest, Wednesday, Southampton, etc.

[HawkLax6]

I saw Beckford finally signed with Everton.

Hopefully that means some more playing time for Mike Grella.

[Lime]

This isn't likely to end well.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jun/02/newcastle-debt-banks

Common sense has to come into play at some point for some of these clubs. It was beat into Leeds' head in a hard way, and it should have put some clubs on notice.

There are some big clubs in England that still don't get it - Forest, Wednesday, Southampton, etc.

Not even Liverpool or Manchester United going into crisis would wake clubs up. Rule changes are going to be needed.

[HawkLax6]

Here you go Rose, you can put in your order soon.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/everton_lecoqsportif_10_11_away_1.jpg

[ganjaman]

Rafa was a tactical mastermind who will be missed at Merseyside soon enough. They will be adrift mid-table for the next several seasons now.

[roseboundhawk]

good times.


http://cdn.cloudfiles.mosso.com/c54102/x2_1834aac

[Malickfan]

Here you go Rose, you can put in your order soon.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/everton_lecoqsportif_10_11_away_1.jpg

One year tops. There's no way they bring that back next season.

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Is that Liverpool supporters playing the victim card again?

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Freddy Adu is being linked to a Southampton move

[HawkLax6]

Fulham gets Philippe Senderos from Arsenal, which leads me to believe that Brede Hangeland (probably him) or Aaron Hughes could be on their way out.

Mark Schwarzer is also rumored to be going to Arsenal, which I hope is not true. He is still damn good at 37-years-old.

[HawkLax6]

Arsenal's 2010-11 road jersey:

http://cdn.epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/arsenal-new-away-jersey1.jpg

[HawkLax6]

Looks like David Villa is signing with Manchester City.

I am guessing they keep Tevez and say bye-bye to Santa Cruz.

[Lime]

Looks like David Villa is signing with Manchester City.

I am guessing they keep Tevez and say bye-bye to Santa Cruz.

David Villa has joined FC Barcelona. David Silva is joining City.

[HawkLax6]

Looks like David Villa is signing with Manchester City.

I am guessing they keep Tevez and say bye-bye to Santa Cruz.

David Villa has joined FC Barcelona. David Silva is joining City.

I can't read.

[Lime]

should technically retire this thread tomorrow since UEFA Champions League begins tomorrow, but here is the 2010-11 OM road kits for Aloha and myself

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/marseille-10-11-away-adidas-kit.jpg

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Tres bien!

[HawkLax6]

Fuck.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8721942.stm

And we probably could start a 2010-11 thread soon.

[The Drake]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

[roseboundhawk]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

www.wikipedia.org

i support everton.

[Uff Da]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

Spurs.

[HawkLax6]

Me = Fulham
Lime = Newcastle United
Aloha = Blackburn Rovers
Rose = Everton (or he at least picked them in January when Lando came over)

You can scroll the first 10 pages in this thread if you are bored as Lime/myself tried giving advice to some others. We usually always suggested Everton/Aston Villa/Fulham.

[Du Hawk Du Mich]

Man City, Spurs, and Arsenal are the most entertaining Premiership teams imo

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

For the love of all that is holy please don't pick ManU, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea. If you do, just join a Yankees or Cowboys website while you're at it.

[Lime]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

my guide to Premier League teams:

Arsenal Pros: Arsene Wenger is cool, they may add Donovan or Bradley. Reasonably fun to watch.
Arsenal Cons: not a very creative pick, in fact rather bandwagony. Look what happened to the kid that liked Arsenal in Eastern Promises do you want that to happen to you? Biggest owner is Stan Kroenke, who sucks at ownership (Rapids).

Aston Villa Pros: multiple Americans (Brad Friedel, Brad Guzan, Eric Lichaj), cool uniforms, American owners
Aston Villa Cons: multiple teams use same uniform, have a history of choking down stretch, owned by owner of Cleveland Browns

Birmingham City Pros: unique logo, I guess. Not bad (9th) last year
Birmingham City Cons: boring, spends a lot of time in 2nd division

Blackburn Rovers Pros: Aloha Mr. Hand likes them
Blackburn Rovers Cons: Aloha Mr. Hand likes them

Blackpool Pros: you'll be their only American fan
Blackpool Cons: stadium comparable in size to smallest MLS stadiums

Bolton Wanderers Pros: Stuart Holden, they air replays of matches on some obscure CW affiliates, Owen Coyle
Bolton Wanderers Cons: weird logo, basically only exist because of Reebok

Chelsea Pros: owned by Russian oligarch with mob ties
Chelsea Cons: zero history until mobster bought them, have succeeded recently so it's a massive bandwagon. many frail players (like half of them missed the WC)

Everton Pros: Tim Howard, not a major bandwagon, Landon Donovan might be back, Landon Donovan Jr. will be in the academy soon and joining first team in 2030
Everton Cons: awful road uniforms, ultimately 2nd in own city

Fulham Pros: cool stadium with bar named after America's own Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey, long history of American players
Fulham Cons: you're coming in post-peak (Europa League final)

Liverpool Pros: You'll Never Walk Alone used to be cool
Liverpool Cons: YNWA ruined by awful Proctor & Gamble tribute to moms, rather uncreative option, Steve Gerrard is a bitch, Steve Gerrard quite mediocre without Xabi Alonso to make him look good, lots of debt due to bad American owners

Manchester City Pros: sweet uniforms, might have Donovan
Manchester City Cons: attempting to be new Chelsea, still the Clippers of Manchester

Manchester United Pros: will have fans to talk to in every city on planet, shirt will go well with Cowboys tattoo, Yankee hat, UNC shorts, and Laker car flag
Manchester United Cons: very uncreative, lots of douchey fans, massive bandwagon, have to live with Berbatov

Newcastle United Pros: awesomeness, defending (2nd division) champions, sweet uniforms, vertical stripes are slimming, awesomeness, Andy Carroll, Steven Taylor, shirt of legends, Alan Shearer, me as a fan, awesomeness, no longer have James "I'm Steve Cherundolo's Bitch" Milner, more awesomeness
Newcastle United Cons: awful ownership, have had like 10 managers in 4 years, were relegated one year ago, terrible ownership, massive debt, sweet stadium might be renamed for sponsor, history of chokes, zero first-division or cup titles in 80 years, once had two guys redcarded for fist-fighting each other

Stoke City Pros: very little debt, well-run club
Stoke City Cons: uncreative logo, unlikely to ever finish above 11th

Totenham Hotspur Pros: broke into Champions League last year, decent history, named after Shakespeare character
Totenham Hotspur Cons: rooster-and-ball jokes

West Bromwich Albion Pros: my buddy from England's local team
West Bromwich Albion Cons: yo-yo club

West Ham United Pros: decent history, the black guy from Harry Potter liked them, Jonathan Spector, Robert Green's an American legend
West Ham United Cons: Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Elijah Wood

Wigan Athletic Pros: Roberto Martinez has done a nice job for ESPN
Wigan Athletic Cons: more people in its area like rugby

Wolverhampton Wanderers Pros: usually called Wolves, Marcus Hanehman
Wolverhampton Wanderers Cons: previously-referenced buddy says that they are "pure evil"

[HawkLax6]

Another con for Liverpool.....they are ditching Carlsberg as their sponsor. Their uniforms look really weird without it.

[The Drake]

So I've decided to take the plunge and start really trying to follow both MLS and the Premiership. Which sides across the pond do you guys all support? Where can I go to research which side I should declare my allegiance to?

TIA

For the love of all that is holy please don't pick ManU, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea. If you do, just join a Yankees or Cowboys website while you're at it.

Please, I may be new to throwing full support into the league, but I'm not a total rube.

my guide to Premier League teams:

West Ham United Pros: decent history, the black guy from Harry Potter liked them, Jonathan Spector, Robert Green's an American legend
West Ham United Cons: Robert Green, Jonathan Spector, Elijah Wood

Is it bad that this entered into my head as a "pro" because I like the movie? In my defense, I did dismiss it almost immediately due to preposterousness of that as a reason.

[roseboundhawk]

Manchester City Pros: None


Had to fix one, but otherwise well done, i loled.

[HawkLax6]

Everton's home kit & goalie jersey.

http://www.footballshirtculture.com/images/everton-10-11-le-coq-sportif-home-kits.jpg