2009-10 Premier League/European soccer thread

[Lime]

Seems that soccer has some followers here. Big European leagues are kicking off over the next couple of weeks, with the biggest of all kicking off tomorrow. Figured we could have a catchall thread for the Premier/Champions/Bundes/La Leagues.

General predictions:
1. Liverpool
2. Chelsea
3. Manchester United
4. Manchester City
5. Arsenal

Relegated: Burnley, Portsmouth, Birmingham City
Promoted: Cardiff City, Ipswich, Sheffield United

Apparently, ESPN and Fox Soccer haven't finalized their contract yet, so Chelsea-Hull will not be on ESPN2. Yet.

Other matches this weekend:

Fulham @ Portsmouth
Wolves @ West Ham
Blackburn @ Man City
Bolton @ Sunderland
Villa @ Wigan
Stoke @ Burnley
Everton @ Arsenal

Man United @ Birmingham
Spurs @ Liverpool

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Go Blackburn!

[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

I will post some photos when I get back into town next week from the games I will be at next week: Millwall-Oldham Athletic, Fulham-Amkar Perm (Europa League), Fulham-Chelsea, Random Craven Cottage pictures and a Stamford Bridge tour.

[JD720]

Is ESPN going to broadcast the EPL and La Liga? Should we expect many games on ESPN/ESPN2 or is this going to be more of a Deportes or 360 deal?

[HawkLax6]

Is ESPN going to broadcast the EPL and La Liga? Should we expect many games on ESPN/ESPN2 or is this going to be more of a Deportes or 360 deal?

ESPN is in the process of buying two games from Setanta Sports. I think it is the 7:45 AM Eastern Saturday game and the afternoon Monday game. Both would end up on ESPN2.

La Liga will have like 100+ games on Deportes and 360, but I think it was 20 or 22 games on ESPN2 this season.

[JD720]

Is ESPN going to broadcast the EPL and La Liga? Should we expect many games on ESPN/ESPN2 or is this going to be more of a Deportes or 360 deal?

ESPN is in the process of buying two games from Setanta Sports. I think it is the 7:45 AM Eastern Saturday game and the afternoon Monday game. Both would end up on ESPN2.

La Liga will have like 100+ games on Deportes and 360, but I think it was 20 or 22 games on ESPN2 this season.

Well that's good news, but i can forget about getting anything done on Saturdays this fall. I'll have two EPL games before 11 and college football all day after that.

[Lime]

Is ESPN going to broadcast the EPL and La Liga? Should we expect many games on ESPN/ESPN2 or is this going to be more of a Deportes or 360 deal?

ESPN is in the process of buying two games from Setanta Sports. I think it is the 7:45 AM Eastern Saturday game and the afternoon Monday game. Both would end up on ESPN2.

La Liga will have like 100+ games on Deportes and 360, but I think it was 20 or 22 games on ESPN2 this season.

ESPN has also been working on a deal with GolTV to bring Bundesliga matches to ESPN2, although that hasn't been officially announced either.

http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/17/check-your-local-listings-for-us-mexico-qualifier/

[HawkLax6]

Here is the TV schedule for this weekend (all times Eastern):

SATURDAY



9:30am- GolTV- Hamburg SV vs. Borussia Dortmund



10am- FSC- Stoke City vs. Burnsley



10am- Setanta Sports- Fulham vs. Portsmouth



10am- Setanta Sports- Blackburn vs. Manchester City



10am- FSC, FSE- Aston Villa vs. Wigan Athletic



12:20pm- Setanta Sports- Newcastle United vs. Reading



12:30pm- GolTV- FC Koln vs. VfL Wolfsburg



12:30pm- FSC, FSE- Everton vs. Arsenal



3pm- Setanta Sports- Toulouse vs. Saint-Etienne



4pm- Direct Kick, Telefutura- D.C. United vs. Toronto FC



5pm- GolTV- Palmeiras vs. Botafogo



5pm- Setanta Sports- West Ham vs. Wolves



6pm- FSC, FSE- Real Salt Lake vs. Houston Dynamo



6pm- Telemundo- Monterrey vs. CD Toluca



7pm- Direct Kick- Columbus Crew vs. FC Dallas



7pm- MSG- New York Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA



7:30pm- GolTV- Millonarios Bogota vs. Nacional Funchal



8pm- Telemundo- Chivas Guadalajara vs. Queretaro FC



9:30pm- GolTV- Medellin vs. Envigado



9:45pm- Telefutura- Pachuca vs. San Luis



11pm- Direct Kick- Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders

SUNDAY



3:30am- FSC- Sydney FC vs. Adelaide United FC



4am- Setanta Sports- Portsmouth vs. Fulham



6am- FSC- Blackburn vs. Manchester City



8:30am- Setanta Sports- Manchester United vs. Birmingham City



11am- FSC, FSE- Tottenham vs. Liverpool



11am- Setanta Sports- Nice vs. Rennes



11:30am- GolTV- Schalke 04 vs. VfL Bochum



1pm- FSE- Morelia vs. Indios



1pm- Telemundo- Pumas UNAM vs. Tigres UANL



1pm- Setanta Sports- Olympique Lyon vs. Valenciennes



2pm- Setanta Sports- Marseill vs. Lille



2:30pm- GolTV- Napoli vs. Salernitana



3pm- Telefutura- Kansas City Wizards vs. Chicago Fire



4:30pm- GolTV- Gremio vs. Flamengo



5pm- Telefutura- Santos Laguna vs. Cruz Azul



5pm- Univision- America vs. Atlas

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I thought Setanta was in bankruptcy?

[Lime]

I thought Setanta was in bankruptcy?

Setanta's GB Division went into administration back in June. Setanta's USA division is alive and kicking yet.

http://www.bci.ie/news_information/press230.html

Meanwhile, it's breaking just now that ESPN has worked out a deal with Fox to bring the Premier League to ESPN2, starting with Hull City- Chelski tomorrow. Most speculation I've seen has Jozy starting up top for the Tigers.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/08/breaking-espn2-to-show-chelseahull-city.html

[Malickfan]

Meanwhile, it's breaking just now that ESPN has worked out a deal with Fox to bring the Premier League to ESPN2, starting with Hull City- Chelski tomorrow. Most speculation I've seen has Jozy starting up top for the Tigers.

That's awesome. I wouldn't mind if they replaced poker and nascar coverage with soccer.

[Lime]

This is supposed to be ESPN2's Premier League schedule through November:

Saturday, August 15:

* Chelsea v Hull City, 7:45am, ESPN2

Monday, August 24:

* Liverpool v Aston Villa, 3pm, ESPN2

Saturday, August 29:

* Chelsea v Burnley, 7:45am, ESPN2

Saturday, September 19:

* Burnley v Sunderland, 7:45am, ESPN2

Saturday, September 26:

* Portsmouth v Everton, 7:45am, ESPN2

Monday, September 28:

* Manchester City v West Ham United, ESPN2

Monday, October 5:

* Aston Villa v Manchester City, 3pm, ESPN2

Saturday, October 17:

* Aston Villa v Chelsea, 7:45am, ESPN2

Monday, October 19:

* Fulham v Hull City, 3pm, ESPN2

Saturday, October 24:

* Wolves v Aston Villa, 7:45am, ESPN2

Saturday, October 31:

* Arsenal v Tottenham, 6:45am, ESPN2

Monday, November 9:

* Liverpool v Birmingham City, 3pm, ESPN2

Saturday, November 21:

* Liverpool v Manchester City, 7:45am, ESPN2

[HawkLax6]

Jozy apparently twitted this tonight:

"Bad news guys still in the states trying to sort things out with my work permit. There is a lil more work that has to be done. :("

AND

"Make sure you watch the debut of the league tomorrow when hull takes on chelsea. I wish I could be there :("

[Lime]

Jozy apparently twitted this tonight:

"Bad news guys still in the states trying to sort things out with my work permit. There is a lil more work that has to be done. :("

AND

"Make sure you watch the debut of the league tomorrow when hull takes on chelsea. I wish I could be there :("

Even without Jozy this is beautiful. Hopefully Stephen Hunt's knee finds Peter Cech's head again at some point.

[c28nole]

The Villans thoroughly beaten by Wigan. A little unlucky not to make it 2-1 at the end, but not a good start out of the gate nonetheless.

[c28nole]

Everton crumbling in the face of Arsenal set pieces. 3-0 now before half.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

If Blackburn keeps this up, I won't have an EPL team to cheer for next season.

[Lime]

If Blackburn keeps this up, I won't have an EPL team to cheer for next season.

The Coca-Cola Football League Championship: where Shola Ameobi getting a hat trick happens.

[Lime]

Charlie Davies just scored in his debut with Sochaux.

[HawkLax6]

Looks like Davies scored twice today. It wasn't his debut though, he came on as a sub in Sochaux's season opener last week.

[HawkLax6]

My Cottagers won 1-0 today over Portsmouth.

Bobby Zamora is already halfway to his 2008-09 EPL goal total....and he is a starting forward....shows you how awesome he was last year.

[Uff Da]

My Cottagers won 1-0 today over Portsmouth.

Bobby Zamora is already halfway to his 2008-09 EPL goal total....and he is a starting forward....shows you how awesome he was last year.

I like my choice of Arsenal. Just finished watching the game. I can get into a team that scores 6 goals. :D

[Wild Onion]

I have almost no clue about what you guys are talking about in regards to the upcoming EPL season, but getting these games on ESPN2 could help me get into it a lot.

[Malickfan]

I like my choice of Arsenal. Just finished watching the game. I can get into a team that scores 6 goals. :D

Yeah, Arsenal destroyed Everton. Was Tim Howard at goal for Everton?

Last year, Arsenal was riddled with injuries...especially at the beginning of the season. If they stay healthy this year, they could really surprise, with what everyone's predicting them to finish this season.

I won't miss Adebayor at all.

Great way to start the season.

[Malickfan]

I have almost no clue about what you guys are talking about in regards to the upcoming EPL season, but getting these games on ESPN2 could help me get into it a lot.

Just don't be one of "those guys" and root for Manchester United.

[Lime]

I have almost no clue about what you guys are talking about in regards to the upcoming EPL season, but getting these games on ESPN2 could help me get into it a lot.

Just don't be one of "those guys" and root for Manchester United.

Or any of the big four, really. Arsenal and Liverpool are tolerable...but I always advise people to pick someone with a decent history and maybe a couple of Americans, like Aston Villa or Everton.

Of course, be careful...you might lose your team like I have, which makes me an EPL widower, so I get to sleep around and root for whoever I feel like week in and week out. It's like the NCAA tournament when your alma mater has one appearance in your lifetime.

But seriously, don't pick Manchester United. Or Chelsea. Pick Arsenal only if you want to be buddies with Fidel Castro, John Gotti, Michael Moore and Osama Bin Laden. Pick Chelsea only for comedic reasons (like my brother did).

[JD720]

Was Tim Howard at goal for Everton?
Yes, I only watched the first half, but he gave up three goals in that half. Two of them were due to horrible defense and Howard had no chance to stop. I can't remember the third one of the top of my head, but I think it was a makeable, but difficult save.

[Lime]

The new UEFA Champions League playoff round is going to take some getting used to; Celtic won't be there, looks unlikely for Panthiakos, and either Sporting CP or Fiorentina won't be there.

I like it, however. Nice to see Platini try to put the CHAMPIONS back into Champions League.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Burnley 1
ManU 0

Awesomeness.

[HawkLax6]

So far to report:

Millwall's fans make Iowa's student section look tame.

Got to see Dempsey score a rocket of a shot into the corner in the goal in front of me as Fulham won their first leg of the playoff round in the Europa League.

Tottentam's stadium tour > Chelsea's stadium tour

Tottenham's neighborhood < Chelsea's neighborhood

The SW6 Derby is on Sunday.

[Lime]

Monday will either be a day of liberation or the day I abandon all hope.

http://www.nufcblog.com/2009/08/21/official-announcement-on-newcastle-sale-this-monday/

[Lime]

Also, Landon Donovan is on his way to Paris Saint-Germain.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/08/report-donovan-heading-to-paris-st-germain-on-loan.html

Not sure why it's only a lone since his contract is up after this year (with a club option for the next two years).

[Lime]

Josmer Altidore says hello to England with a brilliant first touch.

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[Uff Da]

Josmer Altidore says hello to England with a brilliant first touch.

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That was pretty nice. He almost had a goal as well.

I am interested to see how Tottenham does tomorrow.

[drbutkus]

The Bundesliga was on before the English Premier, and Bayern got beat by the last place team. Quite the shocking upset

[HawkLax6]

Chelsea won 2-0 over Fulham in the SW6 Derby. I have a slight headache this morning as I ended up drinking basically all day.

Started out at the Golden Lion, which you have to be a season ticket member or a regular to get in, but luckily the guy I was with was able to get me in. Had a few pints there before going to the Cottage Pub for a bunch more before the game. The Cottage Pub was a bit more relaxed and we watched the Tottenham-West Ham game.

Went to the stadium to see a pretty blah effort by Fulham. The crowd was pretty into it the whole game. I have always hated American sports crowds and how we only make noise when a large jumbotron noise meter tells us to make noise, but these UK crowds make noise the whole game, even when down 2-0. Pretty awesome to sit in the bottom of the Hammersmith End and hear the die hards singing behind me.

Had a beer at halftime underneath the stands. You are not allowed to drink alcohol in the stands.

After the game, went to another bar for more beers where I had a good talk with a local who talked highly of Dempsey and McBride. We also had a few laughs about Eddie Johnson.

Overall, a fun experience and I will post pictures when I get back to the US either later tonight or tomorrow since I am pretty tired.

[Malickfan]

and Liverpool vs. Aston Villa is starting now on ESPN 2.

[Lime]

and Liverpool vs. Aston Villa is starting now on ESPN 2.

Wow, Liverpool loses twice all season in 08-09 and has already taken it on the chin twice this year. Meanwhile, Spurs continue to look awesome.

[Match34]

I think Dortmund's going to have a good year, but I can't really be sure since I don't speak German. Yahoo apparently fired whoever was covering the Bundesliga.

[Lime]

Any thoughts on the revamped FootyTube? Not sure I like it, the social network aspects are just somewhat irritating and confusing.

[HawkLax6]

Jozy scored today for Hull City in their Carling Cup victory.

Also, as I mentioned before about Millwall's fans being rowdy while I attended the game last week. Well, they got into it with West Ham fans today in their Carling Cup battle.

J7SJRZdCM94

[Lime]

UEFA Champions League qualifying is complete:

Olympiacos 3-0 Sheriff Tiraspol
Maccabi Haifa 5-1 Red Bull Salzburg
Zurich 5-1 Ventspils
APOEL 3-2 Copenhagen
Debrecen 4-1 Levski Sofia

Lyon 8-2 Anderlecht
Arsenal 5-1 Celtic
VfB Stuttgart 2-0 Timişoara
Fiorentia 3-3 Sporting CP (away goals 2-1)
Atletico Madrid 5-2 Panthiakos

So your pots for tomorrow's draw:

Pot 1
- Barcelona
- Chelsea
- Manchester United
- Liverpool
- Sevilla
- Arsenal
- Bayern Munich
- AC Milan

Pot 2
- Lyon
- Internazionale
- Real Madrid
- CSKA Moscow
- Porto
- AZ
- Juventus
- Rangers

Pot 3
- Olympiacos
- Marseilles
- Dynamo Kiev
- VfB Stuttgart
- Fiorentia
- Atletico Madrid
- Bordeaux
- Beşiktaş

Pot 4
- VfL Wolfsburg
- Standard Liège
- Maccabi Haifa
- Zürich
- Rubin Kazan
- Unirea Urziceni
- APOEL
- Debrecen

[HawkLax6]

Jozy scored today for Hull City in their Carling Cup victory.

Highlights from the game, including his goal.

b5wRUdFBUtc

[Lime]

Okay, this technically isn't European soccer, but it probably doesn't warrant its own thread.

Personally, I hope that Leonardo Medina (the kicker) comes play in MLS.

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[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Too bad for the Shrimpers.

[Malickfan]

So what's this I hear about the Italian Serie A not wanting anything to do with Serie B? What would happen if they get their wish?

[Lime]

So what's this I hear about the Italian Serie A not wanting anything to do with Serie B? What would happen if they get their wish?

TV rights and money. Currently, the teams have revenue sharing as they are part of the same structure. If the Serie A clubs break off, they won't have to share any TV revenue with Serie B. Additionally, the Serie A clubs will start to have a single television package (like how the NFL does it), rather than having each club sell their rights individually. This would offer a single attractive package for Silvio's network to buy.

Basically, it's what the Premier League clubs did when they broke off from the Football League in 1992. They're hoping that the increased revenue can save Serie A and the Italian national team, because things have faded dramatically for that nation in the last 2 years (2006 Italy World Cup title, 2007 AC Milan Champions League title).

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Group A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa

Group B
ManU
CSKA Moscow
Besitkas Turkey
Wolfsburg

Group C
AC Milan
Real Ronaldo
Marseille
Zurich

Group D
Chelsea
Porto
Atletico Madrid
APOEL

Group E
Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen

Group F
Barca
Inter
Dynamo Kiev
Rubin

Group G
Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni

Group H
Arsenal
AZ Alkmaar
Olympiacos
Standard

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I love that Milan can stick it to Real in Group C.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham lost to Amkar Perm 1-0 in the second leg of their Europa League playoff round, but will advance 3-2 on aggregate. They sent a pretty shitty squad to Russia for this game, although Eddie Johnson still didn't break the lineup.

Moving onto the group stage for the Cottagers.

[Tripper Harrison]

Anybody been to a game in Kansas City? My 4 year-old won tickets down there for Saturdays game. Is there anything I should know about professional soccer, that would keep me from looking stupid? I do plan on finding out their team colors, so we can blend in. I'm guessing its much tamer, than European games.

[Lime]

Group A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa

Group B
ManU
CSKA Moscow
Besitkas Turkey
Wolfsburg

Group C
AC Milan
Real Ronaldo
Marseille
Zurich

Group D
Chelsea
Porto
Atletico Madrid
APOEL

Group E
Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen

Group F
Barca
Inter
Dynamo Kiev
Rubin

Group G
Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni

Group H
Arsenal
AZ Alkmaar
Olympiacos
Standard

I think Group G got lost on its way to the CONCACAF Champions League.

[Lime]

You have to think a 4-0 loss in the San Siro derby is going to help Onyewu get playing time at Milan.

[HawkLax6]

Eddie Johnson sighting today! He played the last 14 minutes in Fulham's 2-0 loss to Aston Villa. His chances for playing time basically increased since both Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson are hurt right now.

[Wild Onion]

I'm still trying to find a team to like. If I had to choose today, I'd probably take Aston Villa, but I don't have a clue.

If I was picking from the Big 4, it would be Chelsea, but that seems too easy.

[HawkLax6]

Aston Villa is a solid choice. I always tell people looking for a team to check out them as well as Everton and Fulham. Quality clubs with at least one American on the squad.

Picking Man U or Chelsea is like picking the Yankees or Red Sox.

[Uff Da]

Aston Villa is a solid choice. I always tell people looking for a team to check out them as well as Everton and Fulham. Quality clubs with at least one American on the squad.

Picking Man U or Chelsea is like picking the Yankees or Red Sox.

I am going with the Spurs. I like watching Lennon.

I will say this, I have watched more soccer over the past three weeks than at any point in my life, and it is not too bad. I will say that after watching parts of a couple of MLS games, they are nowhere near the level/excitement of the Premier League.

It seems like the games in the Premier League, they try to score the majority of the time, the MLS games they just seemed to stand around and maybe try and score. The crowd's at the Premier League seem to be significantly better, they appear to understand the game at a higher level.

[HawkLax6]

I am going with the Spurs. I like watching Lennon.

I will say that Tottenham puts on a good stadium tour.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs122.snc1/5260_757977734529_14801751_43990272_4311174_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs142.snc1/5260_757977779439_14801751_43990281_3449192_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs142.snc1/5260_757977759479_14801751_43990277_8023871_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs122.snc1/5260_757977829339_14801751_43990291_1300064_n.jpg

[Lime]

I'm still trying to find a team to like. If I had to choose today, I'd probably take Aston Villa, but I don't have a clue.

If I was picking from the Big 4, it would be Chelsea, but that seems too easy.

Aston Villa is a quality choice. Their keeper is the Cal Ripken of the Premier League, ex-US Nat Brad Friedel (hero of the 2002 World Cup). Their backup keeper is Brad Guzan, also an American and likely the starter at GK for the US in the next World Cup.

I'll throw in my out-of-leftfield plug for Newcastle United. They're not in the Premier League right now, but they're a lot of fun. What other club in England (or the world):

- has had 9 different men manage a match in the last 3+ years (one of them has served three different terms as a caretaker, so it's technically 11 different mangers)

- got relegated last year on an own goal

- has had the hated owner attempting to sell the club for 40 cents on the dollar for three months

- hired a legendary manager they had forced out 10 years before, only to force him out after six months

- had a player demand a transfer because the manager mispronounced his name

- hired a manager without a license months after brain surgery and have a coach lose time due to heart surgery

- lost to Derby County when they went 1-29-8 in 2007-08

- lost an FA Cup match 5-1 at home to a 2nd-division side

- blew a 12-point lead down the stretch (like what the Mets did a couple of years ago)

- could enter bankruptcy before Christmas

- once had two players red carded for fighting (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wIzV1k97jc)...each other

Choose Newcastle United, Wild Onion. You know you want to.

[JD720]

Their backup keeper is Brad Guzan, also an American and likely the starter at GK for the US in the next World Cup.

He is going to beat out Tim Howard?

[HawkLax6]

Their backup keeper is Brad Guzan, also an American and likely the starter at GK for the US in the next World Cup.

He is going to beat out Tim Howard?

I think he meant 2014, not 2010.

[JD720]

That would make more sense, although I wouldn't count Howard our yet in 2014. He will only be 35, which isn't that old for a Keeper.

[Lime]

Their backup keeper is Brad Guzan, also an American and likely the starter at GK for the US in the next World Cup.

He is going to beat out Tim Howard?

I think he meant 2014, not 2010.

Yeah, I meant 2014. "Next" isn't really clear, though.

And come to think of it, Howard will definitely be the mix. But I still think Guzan is more likely to start in 14.

[Wild Onion]

Newcastle United sound like my kind of club. I'll keep them very much in mind.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Newcastle United sound like my kind of club. I'll keep them very much in mind.

Do note that they were relegated to the Champions League last year, so you won't see them on any Premiership tables.

Their next matchup is either with Omaha or Round Rock.

[Lime]

Newcastle United sound like my kind of club. I'll keep them very much in mind.

Do note that they were relegated to the Champions League last year, so you won't see them on any Premiership tables.

Their next matchup is either with Omaha or Round Rock.

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

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

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Newcastle United sound like my kind of club. I'll keep them very much in mind.

Do note that they were relegated to the Champions League last year, so you won't see them on any Premiership tables.

Their next matchup is either with Omaha or Round Rock.

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?

[Lime]

Do note that they were relegated to the Champions League last year, so you won't see them on any Premiership tables.

Their next matchup is either with Omaha or Round Rock.

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.

[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.

2a.1) I knew what you were getting at. Bugger off.

2b.1) Only Newcastle could combine 2b and 2c. If they don't do it this year, many rats will be leaving that sinking ship.

[HawkLax6]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/08/adu-heading-to-belenenses-on-loan.html

Freddy Adu is loaned to Portuguese-side Belenenses to side on the bench there.

[Lime]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/08/adu-heading-to-belenenses-on-loan.html

Freddy Adu is loaned to Portuguese-side Belenenses to side on the bench there.

I'm going to say it: passing up the Manchester United and AC Milan academies to play for DC United was a bad choice.

[Lime]

Try this on for size, boys.

http://img523.imageshack.us/img523/7438/tablec.jpg

410 clean sheet minutes in league play.

And there's rumored owner #248, a New York group.

NUFC is living the dream, fellas.

[HawkLax6]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/09/02/heath.pearce/index.html?eref=si_soccer

Heath Pearce has "upgraded" from the Bundesliga 2 to Bursaspor in Turkey.

[Vepr]

Are you guys talking soccer the day before college football starts?

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Are you guys talking soccer the day before college football starts?

At least we're not talking about baseball.

[Vepr]

Are you guys talking soccer the day before college football starts?

At least we're not talking about baseball.

True but still. :?

[Lime]

I think I'm going to light myself on fire.

http://www.nufcblog.com/2009/09/02/dont-expect-ashley-to-sell-newcastle-anytime-soon/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/02/mike-ashley-newcastle-sale-barry-moat

[Malickfan]

Wow. I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673135&sec=england&cc=5901

[Lime]

Wow. I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673135&sec=england&cc=5901

I'm glad I'm not a member of the Blatter extended family, Roman's probably got hits out for all of them.

[HawkLax6]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/09/02/heath.pearce/index.html?eref=si_soccer

Heath Pearce has "upgraded" from the Bundesliga 2 to Bursaspor in Turkey.

Not so fast......

http://goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2009/09/03/1478761/pearces-contract-with-bursaspor-canceled

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Wow. I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673135&sec=england&cc=5901

It's Chelsea. Fuck 'em.

[Lime]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/09/02/heath.pearce/index.html?eref=si_soccer

Heath Pearce has "upgraded" from the Bundesliga 2 to Bursaspor in Turkey.

Not so fast......

http://goal.com/en-us/news/1614/americans-abroad/2009/09/03/1478761/pearces-contract-with-bursaspor-canceled

I swear that Pearce, Adu, and Beasley all have the same agent...who is from Mexico. It's like they try to wreck their careers.

By the way, having given this more thought, I'm confused. I thought free agents could sign after the transfer deadline.

[Malickfan]

Wow. I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673135&sec=england&cc=5901

It's Chelsea. Fuck 'em.

I know, that's why I said I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

[HawkLax6]

Not Europe, but this took place in Bolivia recently and the guy was suspended for a year.

ui_34JhFmTQ

[Lime]

Not Europe, but this took place in Bolivia recently and the guy was suspended for a year.

ui_34JhFmTQ

Welcome to last Thursday.

http://hawkeyelounge.com/showpost.php?p=749825&postcount=44

[HawkLax6]

Not Europe, but this took place in Bolivia recently and the guy was suspended for a year.

ui_34JhFmTQ

Welcome to last Thursday.

http://hawkeyelounge.com/showpost.php?p=749825&postcount=44

Son of a whore.....

[Lime]

Not Europe, but this took place in Bolivia recently and the guy was suspended for a year.

ui_34JhFmTQ

Welcome to last Thursday.

http://hawkeyelounge.com/showpost.php?p=749825&postcount=44

Son of a whore.....

Before you post it, we've already seen the Champions League groups.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Wow. I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=673135&sec=england&cc=5901

It's Chelsea. Fuck 'em.

I know, that's why I said I hope the appeal is unsuccessful.

I heard on the Beeb yesterday that they'll appeal and it'll most certainly be knocked down. They interviewed some MP who is a huge Chelsea fan, and he basically said that it is good for UEFA that the bigger teams do this and that the rest of the world should just relax and enjoy it.

[Lime]

Brazil and Ghana joined the ranks of qualified teams (South Africa, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea) for next summer over the weekend. Currently, there are a number of favorites still in a world of trouble (Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic) and a number of potential qualifiers that would be surprising to see at the Cup (Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Bosnia). If qualifying ended today, the European automatic qualifiers would be:
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain
- England
- Serbia
- Italy
- Netherlands (has clinched qualification)


The 2nd-place playoffs would be drawn from:
-Russia
- Croatia
- France
- Greece
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Northern Ireland

In South America, the following nations would qualify as of today:
- Brazil (qualified)
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Argentina

with Colombia currently in line for a playoff against the 4th-place CONCACAF team, currently Costa Rica, who ranks behind

- Honduras
- United States
- Mexico

Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain play in Riyadh in the 2nd leg of their de facto semifinal match. The first leg, in Bahrain, finished in a scoreless draw, so winner takes all in Saudi Arabia (I believe a draw with any goals would go to Bahrain, as I believe that the away goals rule applies). The winner of this plays New Zealand (a truly awful international side if we are to believe their results in the Confederations Cup) in another two-legged playoff.

Also, the host continent's qualification, as of today, looks like this:
- Gabon
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Ghana (qualification assured)
- Cote d'Ivoire

[JD720]

Lineup for tonight vs T&T

USA Starting XI: 1-Tim Howard; 2-Jonathan Spector, 5-Oguchi Onyewu, 3-Carlos Bocanegra (capt.), 12-Jonathan Bornstein; 8-Clint Dempsey , 13-Ricardo Clark, 4-Michael Bradley, 10-Landon Donovan; 9-Charlie Davies, 17-Jozy Altidore

Also, Spain and England qualified earlier today.

[Lime]

Brazil and Ghana joined the ranks of qualified teams (South Africa, Netherlands, Australia, Japan, North Korea, and South Korea) for next summer over the weekend. Currently, there are a number of favorites still in a world of trouble (Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic) and a number of potential qualifiers that would be surprising to see at the Cup (Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Bosnia). If qualifying ended today, the European automatic qualifiers would be:
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain
- England
- Serbia
- Italy
- Netherlands (has clinched qualification)


The 2nd-place playoffs would be drawn from:
-Russia
- Croatia
- France
- Greece
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Northern Ireland

In South America, the following nations would qualify as of today:


with Colombia currently in line for a playoff against the 4th-place CONCACAF team, currently Costa Rica, who ranks behind

- Honduras
- United States
- Mexico

Tomorrow, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain play in Riyadh in the 2nd leg of their de facto semifinal match. The first leg, in Bahrain, finished in a scoreless draw, so winner takes all in Saudi Arabia (I believe a draw with any goals would go to Bahrain, as I believe that the away goals rule applies). The winner of this plays New Zealand (a truly awful international side if we are to believe their results in the Confederations Cup) in another two-legged playoff.

Also, the host continent's qualification, as of today, looks like this:
- Gabon
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Ghana (qualification assured)
- Cote d'Ivoire


Update:

Qualified:

- South Africa
- Japan
- South Korea
- North Korea
- Australia
- Netherlands
- Spain
- England
- Ghana
- Brazil
- Paraguay

Europe's current automatic qualifiers:
- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain (has clinched qualification)
- England (has clinched qualification)
- Serbia
- Italy
- Netherlands (has clinched qualification)


The 2nd-place playoffs would be drawn from:
- Russia
- Croatia
- France
- Greece
- Ireland
- Norway
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Slovenia

CONCACAF's qualifiers would be:

- United States
- Mexico
- Honduras

CONMEBOL:
- Brazil (has clinched qualification)
- Paraguay (has clinched qualification)
- Chile
- Ecuador

The playoff would be Argentina versus Costa Rica.

Bahrain scored a stoppage-time goal (90'+4) after the Saudis scored in 90'+1 to advance to the playoff against New Zealand.

Also, the host continent's qualification, as of today, looks like this:
- Cameroon
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Ghana (qualification assured)
- Cote d'Ivoire

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

England are playing extremely well.

[Lime]

England are playing extremely well.

Which will only serve to make their eventual gut-wrenching loss on penalties in the quarters all the more hilarious.

[Lime]

City raping Arsenal. 4-1, three goals in the past 10 minutes.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Rovers dump Wolves.

[Malickfan]

Sunderland's not looking too bad.

And Liverpool kicked Burnley's ass.

Is Arsenal too injured or just not playing to their potential?

[HawkLax6]

Capello Leading England Out Of Recession?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/10/england-qualify-world-cup-football

Hang out the (plastic St George’s cross) bunting, break out the (two for one) beer and pizza and unpack the new flat-screen TV. According to predictions from the British Retail Consortium, England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup will boost the economy by more than £1bn in retail spending and could even help the country in its recovery from recession.

[Lime]

Capello Leading England Out Of Recession?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/10/england-qualify-world-cup-football

Hang out the (plastic St George’s cross) bunting, break out the (two for one) beer and pizza and unpack the new flat-screen TV. According to predictions from the British Retail Consortium, England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup will boost the economy by more than £1bn in retail spending and could even help the country in its recovery from recession.

I really want to go to England during the World Cup. If they finally win it, it would set off the biggest celebration since V-E Day, and a good time could be had with the copious amounts of free alcohol and frisky females in its wake. If they were to choke, I would never feel the need for humor in my life ever again.

So, I might do it. It's a win-win situation.

[Uff Da]

Watched my new team, the Spurs, get outclassed by Manchester United. MU was down a man most of the 2nd Half and it did not matter.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Capello Leading England Out Of Recession?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/10/england-qualify-world-cup-football

Hang out the (plastic St George’s cross) bunting, break out the (two for one) beer and pizza and unpack the new flat-screen TV. According to predictions from the British Retail Consortium, England’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup will boost the economy by more than £1bn in retail spending and could even help the country in its recovery from recession.

I really want to go to England during the World Cup. If they finally win it, it would set off the biggest celebration since V-E Day, and a good time could be had with the copious amounts of free alcohol and frisky females in its wake. If they were to choke, I would never feel the need for humor in my life ever again.

So, I might do it. It's a win-win situation.

Three summers ago we were in Rome the night Gli Azzuri advanced to the semis and in Paris the night Les Bleus advanced to the finals. What a blast that was.

[Lime]

It's still early, but Everton looks like a team that could quickly fall deep into a hole.

Also, those stay will be champions.

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/8470/ccctable.jpg

[HawkLax6]

Thanks for Damien Duff, Lime.

2-1 Fulham over Everton with Duff netting the game-winner.

[HawkLax6]

City raping Arsenal. 4-1, three goals in the past 10 minutes.

I see Adebayor kept it classy by sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of his ex-supporters, nearly starting a riot.

oe8CXncySfo

[Lime]

City raping Arsenal. 4-1, three goals in the past 10 minutes.

I see Adebayor kept it classy by sprinting the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal in front of his ex-supporters, nearly starting a riot.

oe8CXncySfo

Remarkably, that was only the second least-classy action by Adebayor towards his old club yesterday.

<object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c4A5UxzrCg&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-c4A5UxzrCg&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>

[HawkLax6]

Man U > Besiktas

Besiktas' fans > Man U's fans

GtLxpMyh13g

[HawkLax6]

Arsenal with a nice 3-2 win in their Champions League match after surrendering the first two goals in the first five minutes to Gooch's former team Standard Liege.

[Malickfan]

Have been checking some message boards for EPL teams and is there many teams in financial trouble? I know Arsenal is in debt due to their new stadium but it appears Liverpool fans are worried about their future as well...hoping that some billionaire buys them soon.

Why is this happening? This doesn't seem to be a problem in the NFL, right?

[HawkLax6]

Have been checking some message boards for EPL teams and is there many teams in financial trouble? I know Arsenal is in debt due to their new stadium but it appears Liverpool fans are worried about their future as well...hoping that some billionaire buys them soon.

Why is this happening? This doesn't seem to be a problem in the NFL, right?

Because these teams are spending more money in the transfer window then what they really have.

That is why there has been talk by FIFA/UEFA in the last couple years of putting in a salary cap during the transfer windows.

[HawkLax6]

Speaking of new stadiums, Tottenham is looking into building a new stadium on their current grounds, but money is obviously holding them back.

On the stadium tour I went on, they gave the whole pitch on the idea. They would build 3/4 of it during the offseason, play a season, then finish up the final 1/4.

But the guy was sad to say they would have to sell the naming rights for money, but assured the fans it would still be known as "White Hart Lane" and that everyone does that nowadays.

[Lime]

Have been checking some message boards for EPL teams and is there many teams in financial trouble? I know Arsenal is in debt due to their new stadium but it appears Liverpool fans are worried about their future as well...hoping that some billionaire buys them soon.

Why is this happening? This doesn't seem to be a problem in the NFL, right?

the NFL has the benefit of operating in a closed, small market--- the league is a global monopoly, so they can have a salary cap and stuff. Plus, the Cowboys are the only team ever to pay for their own stadium, everyone else just blackmails the city and threatens to move until the city council and taxpayers agree to pay for a $900M stadium that is empty 357 days a year.

[HawkLax6]

Also about Liverpool, they are owned by Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks (he owns the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers as well). I don't know about Gillett, but I know Hicks has lost a bunch of money recently (who hasn't?) as he has been looking to sell the either the Rangers or Stars, I forget, but he wants to get rid of one of them.

[Malickfan]

Speaking of new stadiums, Tottenham is looking into building a new stadium on their current grounds, but money is obviously holding them back.

On the stadium tour I went on, they gave the whole pitch on the idea. They would build 3/4 of it during the offseason, play a season, then finish up the final 1/4.

But the guy was sad to say they would have to sell the naming rights for money, but assured the fans it would still be known as "White Hart Lane" and that everyone does that nowadays.

Was watching last week the Tottenham/Birmingham game and their stadium looked decent on tv. I hear Liverpool will get a new NICE stadium but the economy is putting everything on hold.

[Malickfan]

Also about Liverpool, they are owned by Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks (he owns the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers as well). I don't know about Gillett, but I know Hicks has lost a bunch of money recently (who hasn't?) as he has been looking to sell the either the Rangers or Stars, I forget, but he wants to get rid of one of them.

and doesn't the Cleveland Browns owner own Aston Villa? And the Denver Nuggets owner is on the verge of buying more controlling stock in Arsenal?

[HawkLax6]

Speaking of new stadiums, Tottenham is looking into building a new stadium on their current grounds, but money is obviously holding them back.

On the stadium tour I went on, they gave the whole pitch on the idea. They would build 3/4 of it during the offseason, play a season, then finish up the final 1/4.

But the guy was sad to say they would have to sell the naming rights for money, but assured the fans it would still be known as "White Hart Lane" and that everyone does that nowadays.

Was watching last week the Tottenham/Birmingham game and their stadium looked decent on tv. I hear Liverpool will get a new NICE stadium but the economy is putting everything on hold.

Tottenham's stadium seemed decent, but it is not brand "new", plus the capacity would increase from like 36,000 to about 55,000-60,000. I know their season ticket list has a waiting list, so the demand is there that they can increase and still probably sell out, it is just a matter of the investing to get it started.

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs142.snc1/5260_757977779439_14801751_43990281_3449192_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs142.snc1/5260_757977789419_14801751_43990283_1759840_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs122.snc1/5260_757977794409_14801751_43990284_6613107_n.jpg

[Lime]

well, the undefeated (and scoreless) run was bound to end.

Eff Mike Ashley, by the way.

Also, nice to see Columbus win at Saprissa in CCL play.

[imissjoeyrange]

Have been checking some message boards for EPL teams and is there many teams in financial trouble? I know Arsenal is in debt due to their new stadium but it appears Liverpool fans are worried about their future as well...hoping that some billionaire buys them soon.

Why is this happening? This doesn't seem to be a problem in the NFL, right?

This article mentions the economic situation of European club soccer teams: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203917304574414961147869006.html

[Lime]

Also about Liverpool, they are owned by Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks (he owns the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers as well). I don't know about Gillett, but I know Hicks has lost a bunch of money recently (who hasn't?) as he has been looking to sell the either the Rangers or Stars, I forget, but he wants to get rid of one of them.

and doesn't the Cleveland Browns owner own Aston Villa? And the Denver Nuggets owner is on the verge of buying more controlling stock in Arsenal?

Yes.

Randy Lerner (Cleveland Browns) owns Aston Villa.
Malcolm Glazer (Tampa Bay Bucs) owns Manchester United.
George Gillett (former owner of Montreal Canadians) and Tom Hicks (Dallas Stars) own Liverpool
Stan Kroenke (Denver Nuggets, Colorado Rapids) is the largest shareholder of Arsenal, although he isn't majority shareholder
Sunderland is owned by Ellis Short, some guy from Texas

[HawkLax6]

Millwall (League One) is owned by some American as they asked him about his thoughts on the season before the game I attended and some guy in front of me joked "Well, we got our QB back this year and we are looking to score some touchdowns."

[Lime]

Millwall (League One) is owned by some American as they asked him about his thoughts on the season before the game I attended and some guy in front of me joked "Well, we got our QB back this year and we are looking to score some touchdowns."

Derby County (aka the worst Premier League team ever although they are still better than Newcastle) is also owned by an American.

Inexplicably Benny Feilhaber still couldn't find playing time.

[Lime]

Also, nice to see Columbus win at Saprissa in CCL play.

By the way, this is the first time an American team-- club or national team-- has ever won there.

[HawkLax6]

Also, nice to see Columbus win at Saprissa in CCL play.

By the way, this is the first time an American team-- club or national team-- has ever won there.

That god damn FIFA-approved turf.

USA! USA! USA!

[Lime]

Also, nice to see Columbus win at Saprissa in CCL play.

By the way, this is the first time an American team-- club or national team-- has ever won there.

That god damn FIFA-approved turf.

USA! USA! USA!

I don't think people appreciate this enough. The national team at least has a freaking draw at Azteca.

[HawkLax6]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=677104&sec=world&cc=5901

Another article about teams losing money.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

PARIS — The group stage of the Europa League kicks off on Thursday, with the trialling of five on-pitch match officials providing the biggest talking point prior to the start of the tournament.
In the biggest change to the game since the introduction of the back-pass rule in 1992, two extra officials will patrol the area behind each goal on the lookout for penalty area transgressions such as diving and shirt-pulling.
UEFA president Michel Platini has pioneered the idea and says it will be escalated to next season's Champions League and the 2012 European Championship if it proves effective.

Smart move, imho.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham went up to Bulgaria today and tied CSKA Sofia 1-1 in their first game of the group stage for Europa League with a roster that only featured one normal starter. Probably could have gotten the full three points with their normal starters, but Roy decided to rest their players with a winnable road game in league play against Wolves on Saturday. Still no Eddie Johnson sighting as he was left of their international roster.

[Malickfan]

Fulham went up to Bulgaria today and tied CSKA Sofia 1-1 in their first game of the group stage for Europa League with a roster that only featured one normal starter. Probably could have gotten the full three points with their normal starters, but Roy decided to rest their players with a winnable road game in league play against Wolves on Saturday. Still no Eddie Johnson sighting as he was left of their international roster.

Has Eddie Johnson been with them long?

[HawkLax6]

Fulham went up to Bulgaria today and tied CSKA Sofia 1-1 in their first game of the group stage for Europa League with a roster that only featured one normal starter. Probably could have gotten the full three points with their normal starters, but Roy decided to rest their players with a winnable road game in league play against Wolves on Saturday. Still no Eddie Johnson sighting as he was left of their international roster.

Has Eddie Johnson been with them long?

He came over to Fulham in January of 2008. Played like seven games in the second half of the 2007-08 season. He then was loaned out to Cardiff City for the 2008-09 season where played like 30 games over the course of the season, usually as second half sub.

He is back at Fulham this year with his only real shot of playing in Carling Cup/FA Cup/Europa League action as he is probably #5 on the depth chart for forward.

[Malickfan]

Hope he does well at least.

On another topic, correct me if I'm wrong but did England raise their tax rate to 50%? I saw that Arsene Wenger said that it could really hurt the EPL. Does the English government not like soccer?

[Lime]

Fulham went up to Bulgaria today and tied CSKA Sofia 1-1 in their first game of the group stage for Europa League with a roster that only featured one normal starter. Probably could have gotten the full three points with their normal starters, but Roy decided to rest their players with a winnable road game in league play against Wolves on Saturday. Still no Eddie Johnson sighting as he was left of their international roster.

Has Eddie Johnson been with them long?

He came over to Fulham in January of 2008. Played like seven games in the second half of the 2007-08 season. He then was loaned out to Cardiff City for the 2008-09 season where played like 30 games over the course of the season, usually as second half sub.

He is back at Fulham this year with his only real shot of playing in Carling Cup/FA Cup/Europa League action as he is probably #5 on the depth chart for forward.

Which is several spots higher than he is with the US.

[Lime]

promotion and relegation coming to MLS?

http://football-miami-n-beyond.blogspot.com/2009/09/toa-meets-with-mls-could-this-be_16.html

[HawkLax6]

It would be awesome if the Red Bulls got relegated in their first season in their new stadium.

[Lime]

He wasn't able to produce a goal, and he was subbed off after 64 minutes, but Jozy made his first league start with Hull City today. Nice to see him rounding into fitness.

Chaz Davies also is basically a regular starter for Sochaux now. Not sure if the US has ever started a striker combination that were both starting for clubs in top five leagues in Europe.

By the way, Newcastle beat some club called Plymouth Argyle 3-1 today. They did concede their first home goal of the season, but they remain in a tight race for the league title after 18% of the year.

[Lime]

Just finished Soccer in a Football World, a history of the sport in the US. Highly recommend it. A few interesting notes:

- the Depression really was a killer. The American Soccer League was almost picking up momentum in the 1920s (when the big three sports were baseball, college football, and boxing...no presence of hockey or basketball) until the Depression just killed it. Not saying that without the Depression ASL would still be around today and huge, but it really was a blow. Hopefully the current economic climate doesn't hurt MLS in a similar manner.

- lots of common themes still present today-- fans back in the 30s and 50s would show up for international friendlies with big clubs like Rangers, Santos, or Hakoah Vienna while ignoring local clubs, much like how Chelsea-AC Milan was drawing 80k+ this summer

- soccer has always struggled with the foreign association. Back in the day, it was a lot of a Scottish thing, now it's probably almost more of the Latino thing. Just look at the winners of the US Open Cup-- Philadelphia Ukrainians, Greek American AA, Maccabi Los Angeles , etc.

- I was interviewed on WHO-TV at a Menace match in 2007 predicting grand success for David Beckham's transfer to Los Angeles (nice call on my behalf), but the more I read things the more I think that the US won't embrace soccer until there is more US success (kind of a chicken-egg scenario). So, in other words, we need to see Jozy Altidore, Charlie Davies, and some of these (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_FIFA_U-20_World_Cup_squads#.C2.A0United_States) guys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_U-17_men%27s_national_soccer_team#Current_squad) have success.

[Malickfan]

So Stan Kroenke was at the Arsenal game today which is rare. And I hear Spike Lee was at the game. He's been a fan of them since Henry was their star player.

Been trying to record EPL and UEFA matches on Setanta this week. Appears I have that channel now. Not sure if it's because we don'y have the Versus Channel. But my DVR won't record games on that channel. Any ideas why? I'm wondering if I'm not supposed to be having that channel. There's no longer a free sports package preview.

[Uff Da]

So Stan Kroenke was at the Arsenal game today which is rare. And I hear Spike Lee was at the game. He's been a fan of them since Henry was their star player.

Been trying to record EPL and UEFA matches on Setanta this week. Appears I have that channel now. Not sure if it's because we don'y have the Versus Channel. But my DVR won't record games on that channel. Any ideas why? I'm wondering if I'm not supposed to be having that channel. There's no longer a free sports package preview.

We must get Setanta now. I seem to have it and I did not order it.

Chelsea is just crushing my Spurs. The Spurs have not looked good compared to the top teams, M U and Chelsea.

[HawkLax6]

Looks like the Manchester Derby was a good one.

I haven't seen the highlights yet, but Fulham lost to Wolves, 2-1, today. So much for resting the starters on Thursday. Fulham still can not win on the road.

[Lime]

Hopefully FIFA gets this through as quickly as possible.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/09/jones-paperwork-completed-next-stop-fifa.html


Also, interesting read.

http://pitchinvasion.net/blog/2009/09/20/the-sweeper-its-whigs-versus-tories-in-mls-wage-parity-debate/

[HawkLax6]

Some post-Manchester Derby drama:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/22/manchester-united-goals-stoppage-time

[Malickfan]

Some post-Manchester Derby drama:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2009/sep/22/manchester-united-goals-stoppage-time

According to Setanta's EPL review show, the stoppage time was legit.

And I no longer have Setanta as of this morning. Major bummer.

[HawkLax6]

The US U-20 team will have their games from the U-20 World Cup on ESPN Classic and ESPN2:

FIFA Under-20 World Cup Schedule

Date Time (ET) Network Match Group/ Match # Site Round Robin Phase
THURSDAY
12:55 p.m. ESPN360.com Egypt vs. Trinidad & Tobago A – 1 Alexandria
FRIDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Paraguay vs. Italy A – 2 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Nigeria vs. Venezuela B – 3 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Spain vs. Tahiti B – 4 Cairo
SATURDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN Classic USA vs. Germany C – 5 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Cameroon vs. Korea Republic C – 6 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Ghana vs. Uzbekistan D – 7 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com England vs. Uruguay D – 8 Ismailia
SUNDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Brazil vs. Costa Rica E – 9 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Czech Republic vs. Australia E – 10 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com United Arab Emirates vs. South Africa F – 11 Alexandria
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Honduras vs. Hungary F – 12 Alexandria
Mon., Sept 28
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Nigeria vs. Spain B – 13 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Italy vs. Trinidad & Tobago A – 14 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Tahiti vs. Venezuela B – 15 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Egypt vs. Paraguay A – 16 Cairo
Tues., Sept.29
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Korea Republic vs. Germany C – 17 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN2 USA vs. Cameroon C – 18 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Uruguay vs. Uzbekistan D – 19 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Ghana vs. England D – 20 Ismailia
Wed., Sept. 30
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Australia vs. Costa Rica E – 21 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Brazil vs. Czech Republic E – 22 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Hungary vs. South Africa F – 23 Alexandria
3:35p.m. ESPN360.com United Arab Emirates vs. Hungary F – 24 Alexandria
Thurs., Oct. 1
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Tahiti vs. Nigeria B – 25 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Venezuela vs. Spain B – 26 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Trinidad & Tobago vs. Paraguay A – 27 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Italy vs. Egypt A – 28 Cairo
Fri., Oct. 2
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN2 Korea Republic vs. USA C – 29 Suez
12:40 ESPN360.com Germany vs. Cameroon C – 30 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Uruguay vs. Ghana D – 31 Ismailia 3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Uzbekistan vs. England D – 32 Suez
Sat., Oct. 3
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Hungary vs. United Arab Emirates F – 33 Alexandria
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com South Africa vs. Honduras F – 34 Port Said
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Costa Rica vs. Czech Republic E – 35 Alexandria
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Australia vs. Brazil E – 36 Port Said
Round of 16
Mon., Oct. 5
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st B vs. 3rd A/C/D 37 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 2nd A vs. 2nd C 38 Cairo
Tues, Oct. 6
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st D vs. 3rd B/E/F 39 Ismailia
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 1st A vs. 3rd C/D/E 40 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 1st F vs. 2nd E 41 Alexandria
Wed., Oct. 7
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st E vs. 2nd D 42 Port Said
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 2nd B vs. 2nd F 43 Suez
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 1st C vs. 3rd A/B/F 44 Suez
Quarterfinals
Fri., Oct. 9
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com Winners – 38 vs. 39 45 Suez
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 Winners – 37 vs. 41 46 Suez
Sat., Oct. 10
10:25 ESPN360.com Winners – 42 vs. 44 47 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com Winners – 43 vs. 40 48 Cairo
Semifinals
Tues., Oct.13
10:20 a.m. ESPN360.com ESPN2 Winners – 45 vs. 46 49 Cairo
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 Winners – 47 vs. 48 50 Cairo
Third Place
Fri., Oct.16
10:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Third Place 51 Cairo
Title Match
Fri., Oct. 16
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN U-20 World Cup Title Match 52 Cairo

[Lime]

The US U-20 team will have their games from the U-20 World Cup on ESPN Classic and ESPN2:

FIFA Under-20 World Cup Schedule

Date Time (ET) Network Match Group/ Match # Site Round Robin Phase
THURSDAY
12:55 p.m. ESPN360.com Egypt vs. Trinidad & Tobago A – 1 Alexandria
FRIDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Paraguay vs. Italy A – 2 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Nigeria vs. Venezuela B – 3 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Spain vs. Tahiti B – 4 Cairo
SATURDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN Classic USA vs. Germany C – 5 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Cameroon vs. Korea Republic C – 6 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Ghana vs. Uzbekistan D – 7 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com England vs. Uruguay D – 8 Ismailia
SUNDAY
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Brazil vs. Costa Rica E – 9 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Czech Republic vs. Australia E – 10 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com United Arab Emirates vs. South Africa F – 11 Alexandria
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Honduras vs. Hungary F – 12 Alexandria
Mon., Sept 28
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Nigeria vs. Spain B – 13 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Italy vs. Trinidad & Tobago A – 14 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Tahiti vs. Venezuela B – 15 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Egypt vs. Paraguay A – 16 Cairo
Tues., Sept.29
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Korea Republic vs. Germany C – 17 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN2 USA vs. Cameroon C – 18 Suez
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Uruguay vs. Uzbekistan D – 19 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Ghana vs. England D – 20 Ismailia
Wed., Sept. 30
9:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Australia vs. Costa Rica E – 21 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Brazil vs. Czech Republic E – 22 Port Said
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Hungary vs. South Africa F – 23 Alexandria
3:35p.m. ESPN360.com United Arab Emirates vs. Hungary F – 24 Alexandria
Thurs., Oct. 1
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Tahiti vs. Nigeria B – 25 Cairo
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Venezuela vs. Spain B – 26 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Trinidad & Tobago vs. Paraguay A – 27 Cairo
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Italy vs. Egypt A – 28 Cairo
Fri., Oct. 2
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com/ ESPN2 Korea Republic vs. USA C – 29 Suez
12:40 ESPN360.com Germany vs. Cameroon C – 30 Ismailia
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Uruguay vs. Ghana D – 31 Ismailia 3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Uzbekistan vs. England D – 32 Suez
Sat., Oct. 3
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com Hungary vs. United Arab Emirates F – 33 Alexandria
12:40 p.m. ESPN360.com South Africa vs. Honduras F – 34 Port Said
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Costa Rica vs. Czech Republic E – 35 Alexandria
3:25 p.m. ESPN360.com Australia vs. Brazil E – 36 Port Said
Round of 16
Mon., Oct. 5
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st B vs. 3rd A/C/D 37 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 2nd A vs. 2nd C 38 Cairo
Tues, Oct. 6
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st D vs. 3rd B/E/F 39 Ismailia
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 1st A vs. 3rd C/D/E 40 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com 1st F vs. 2nd E 41 Alexandria
Wed., Oct. 7
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 1st E vs. 2nd D 42 Port Said
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com 2nd B vs. 2nd F 43 Suez
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 1st C vs. 3rd A/B/F 44 Suez
Quarterfinals
Fri., Oct. 9
10:25 a.m. ESPN360.com Winners – 38 vs. 39 45 Suez
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 Winners – 37 vs. 41 46 Suez
Sat., Oct. 10
10:25 ESPN360.com Winners – 42 vs. 44 47 Cairo
1:55 p.m. ESPN360.com Winners – 43 vs. 40 48 Cairo
Semifinals
Tues., Oct.13
10:20 a.m. ESPN360.com ESPN2 Winners – 45 vs. 46 49 Cairo
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN2 Winners – 47 vs. 48 50 Cairo
Third Place
Fri., Oct.16
10:55 a.m. ESPN360.com Third Place 51 Cairo
Title Match
Fri., Oct. 16
1:50 p.m. ESPN360.com/ESPN U-20 World Cup Title Match 52 Cairo

Last one was on ESPNU entirely although football was not in season.

Probably not as good as a US roster as last time (which featured Mike Bradley, Jozy, Robbie Rogers, and Freddy Adu [when he still had potential]) although it should still be fun to see some guys. Danny Cruz (Houston) played for Des Moines in 2008. Also excited to see Mikkel Diskerud who is a regular for a CL-qualifying side in Norway despite being just 18.

[Lime]

Not that I'm one to root for international instability but it wouldn't be that bad if this happened.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/09/23/honduras.ap/index.html

[HawkLax6]

Eddie Johnson sighting!

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bQ90oW4eq2lB/610x.jpg

He started (assisted on Fulham's only goal) today in Fulham's 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the Carling Cup. Man City started most of their starters while Fulham threw out a roster with no normal starters (Johnson and midfielder Seol Ki-Hyeon started at forward).

Fulham took the 1-0 lead before giving up a goal in the second half with Man City netting the winner in the 111th minute.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01rt1oP1Bo6XR/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05FYf1D0P9ajf/610x.jpg

[HawkLax6]

In Soviet Russia, you don't take the penalty kick, the fans take the penalty kick.

_sz8mTmC5QI

[Lime]

2010 MLS home openers announced

THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2010

Philadelphia Union at Seattle Sounders (ESPN2)


SATURDAY, March 27, 2010

Toronto FC at Columbus Crew

Chicago Fire at New York Red Bulls (ESPN2)

D.C. United at Kansas City Wizards

Houston Dynamo at FC Dallas

Real Salt Lake at San Jose Earthquakes

New England Revolution at Los Angeles Galaxy


SUNDAY, MARCH 28, 2010

Colorado Rapids at Chivas USA (Telefutura)


SATURDAY, APRIL 3, 2010

Chicago Fire at Colorado Rapids

New England Revolution at D.C. United

Kansas City Wizards at Houston Dynamo


SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

D.C. United at Philadelphia Union (Fox Soccer Channel)

Toronto FC at New England Revolution

San Jose Earthquakes at Chicago Fire

Seattle Sounders at Real Salt Lake

[HawkLax6]

I really hope the Union are more like the Sounders and a lot less like the Earthquakes.

There are also rumors that one team is re-branding themselves like FC Dallas did five years ago. My guess is Kansas City or San Jose.

[Lime]

I really hope the Union are more like the Sounders and a lot less like the Earthquakes.

There are also rumors that one team is re-branding themselves like FC Dallas did five years ago. My guess is Kansas City or San Jose.

Union (pretty sure there isn't a "the") have already sold 10,000 season tickets for an 18,000-seat stadium. I would guess that between walk-ups and mini-packs they will average 17k+ out of the gate, and they're already in their own stadium rather than being in a college soccer stadium.

Interesting rumor. I would be surprised if it was San Jose given the history the Earthquakes name has there. I'm not sure how receptive the heartland audience in KC would be to a European name. I could actually see New England if Kraft ever sells them, not sure it will happen as long as Kraft has the 1776 theme going.

Wouldn't mind seeing Chivas change to something like CD Los Angeles, think it would work better for marketing than tying directly to Guadalajara like they do.

[Malickfan]

Ok, so now that there's way more television coverage of the EPL than ever before, I'm getting way more into soccer. Usually I just got excited for the World Cup which is still the best sporting event in the world.

But after originally going with Arsenal as my team (within the last few months), I've opened it up and will decide between Arsenal and Everton.

It could be decided over the next few days or weeks or even months. I haven't had to decide on a favorite team in over 15 years.

But I am looking into everything about them. History and even their financial situation. I know that Arsenal is in debt due to Emirates Stadium. Anyone know Everton's financial situation. Money seems to be such a HUGE issue in the EPL and all of Europe.

[HawkLax6]

If you guys have a chance, I highly recommend this movie called The Damned United. It is based on the book by the same name which covers Brian Clough's 44 famous days as manager of Leeds United in 1974.

It came out in the UK in March and is coming to the US in limited release next month. I watched it last night and really liked it. It has the interviewer guy from Frost/Nixon in it as Brian Clough.

Here is the trailer.

PUKKbJdZdSo

[Lime]

If you guys have a chance, I highly recommend this movie called The Damned United. It is based on the book by the same name which covers Brian Clough's 44 famous days as manager of Leeds United in 1974.

It came out in the UK in March and is coming to the US in limited release next month. I watched it last night and really liked it. It has the interviewer guy from Frost/Nixon in it as Brian Clough.

Here is the trailer.

PUKKbJdZdSo

I highly doubt it matches up to Goal! The Dream Begins.

[HawkLax6]

Rumors (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/09/soccer-world-cup-usa-holland.html) that the US could play at the Netherlands next year in a WC tune-up. This would make me happy. I like the Dutch.




Jay DeMerit sounds like (http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=5253) he will be out for the next two qualifiers for the US with an eye injury. He cut himself while taking out a contact lens. Nice.

[Lime]

Rumors (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/09/soccer-world-cup-usa-holland.html) that the US could play at the Netherlands next year in a WC tune-up. This would make me happy. I like the Dutch.




Jay DeMerit sounds like (http://yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=5253) he will be out for the next two qualifiers for the US with an eye injury. He cut himself while taking out a contact lens. Nice.


1) Bradley has scheduled very good friendly opposition compared to Arena (Spain, England, Brazil, and Argentina) so this wouldn't surprise me. Hopefully the send-off schedule is tougher than Morocco-Latvia-Peru. (I recognize that this would be in March so it would be more akin to the Germany friendly in 2006. But the point stands.)

2) Ladies and gentlemen, Edgar Castillo!

[Lime]

Freddy Adu played thirty minutes on Wednesday.

[HawkLax6]

Freddy Adu played thirty minutes on Wednesday.

A Freddy Adu AND a Eddie Johnson sighting in the same week?!

[Lime]

Freddy Adu played thirty minutes on Wednesday.

A Freddy Adu AND a Eddie Johnson sighting in the same week?!

I hope that Drew Tate can hook up with Solomon for some deep balls tomorrow.

[Lime]

rough go for USA against Germany.

Nice to see Wigan beat Ski, not sure why Cech got redcarded.

Spurs back on track in a big way, 5-0 against Burnley, four goals for Robbie Keane.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

Rovers over Villa 2-1!

[Malickfan]

Hull City got destroyed.

Wonder how many teams were a bit tired from Carling Cup play this past week?

[Uff Da]

rough go for USA against Germany.

Nice to see Wigan beat Ski, not sure why Cech got redcarded.

Spurs back on track in a big way, 5-0 against Burnley, four goals for Robbie Keane.

Nice to see the Spurs bounce back.

Everton seems to be back on track. Portsmouth had a ton of chance at the end.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham lost to Arsenal, 1-0, but I don't care since Fulham doesn't have Adrian Clayborn.

[Lime]

Newcastle is effing up the Championship. 17-4 GD in 9 matches.

[HawkLax6]

Sick goal at the 1:00 mark. Wait for the zoomed in replay to really appreciate it.

LjD16o7_NkQ

[Lime]

moving the goalposts!

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[Aloha Mr. Hand]

http://store.yeproc.com/cached_images/covers/4036457072_lg.jpg

[Uff Da]

Sick goal at the 1:00 mark. Wait for the zoomed in replay to really appreciate it.

LjD16o7_NkQ

That was very impressive.

[HawkLax6]

Random pictures from last weekend which shows European soccer crowds are crazy:

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05rV19dbRu6Od/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0bEo2jM671dCO/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0aZ51Se6MTgei/610x.jpg

[HawkLax6]

A little dated, but a behind the scenes look at the US' 1-0 win over T&T earlier this month.

A great view of Howard's save on a free kick that just got over the wall.

yH0tgKWuWHI

[c28nole]

Leeds is top of the table in League One. Still hard for me to believe they fell so far.

[HawkLax6]

The US U-20 team is up 1-0 at half against Cameroon on ESPN2 right now. Scored a goal in extra time before the halftime whistle.

Germany tied South Korea in the other game so Germany has four points, South Korea has a point now and Cameroon already has three points so three points would be huge in this game for the US.

[c28nole]

3-1 US leads after a penalty for the Africans.

85th minute.

[bigazzturkeylegs]

Cameroon just got owned by Ownby.

[Lime]

Mexico drops out of bidding for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. Like they deserved it a third time.

http://www.mediotiempo.com/futbol/mexico/noticias/2009/09/28/mexico-sin-mundial-de-2018-y-2022

Nations left bidding:
- U-S-A!
- England
- Australia
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Russia
- Spain/Portugal
- Belgium/Netherlands
- South Korea (2022 only)
- Qatar (2022 only)

I will stick with my prediction of 80/20 England/Russia for 2018 (it will go back to Europe) and 80/20 USA/Australia for 2022.

[HawkLax6]

Cameroon just got owned by Ownby.

That last goal is huge. It makes the US have a goal differential of 0 while Cameroon is now -1.

If Cameroon ties Germany and the US only ties South Korea, the US advances on goal differential.

Also, Duka's goal was awesome. I will post some highlights later once I get some work done, but he was on the wing and sent in a ball from the outside pretending to be a cross, but caught the goalie too far out and snuck it over his head in the back corner.

[Lime]

Cameroon just got owned by Ownby.

That last goal is huge. It makes the US have a goal differential of 0 while Cameroon is now -1.

If Cameroon ties Germany and the US only ties South Korea, the US advances on goal differential.

Also, Duka's goal was awesome. I will post some highlights later once I get some work done, but he was on the wing and sent in a ball from the outside pretending to be a cross, but caught the goalie too far out and snuck it over his head in the back corner.

Also makes it easier to potentially be one of the top four 3rd-place sides.

[Malickfan]

How well regarded is the US u-20 team?

[HawkLax6]

How well regarded is the US u-20 team?

I want to say the talent is improving compared to past teams, but it doesn't have the star power like the last U-20 World Cup when the team had Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley.

With that said, Jozy Alitdore and Freddy Adu were still eligible for this team, but they didn't call them in since they are now playing regularly (at least Jozy) for the senior team.

But looking at the roster and there are some intriguing prospects in my eyes like Bryan Arguez (Hertha Berlin & he scored today), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek - top flight team in Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers - should be #1 or #2 pick in MLS if he doesn't go to Europe), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge - Belgium), Brek Shea (FC Dallas - can play defense, midfield or forward, but his best future probably lies at forward). Those are the guys I think have the best chance of playing on the senior team in the future.

I am no expert, but I was reading something the other day that said you want to pump out 3-4 guys per U-20 World Cup cycle that will end up on your senior team in the future (your senior team is usually guys aged 22-34, so that is 12 years worth of players or 6 U-20 cycles).

Here are highlights of today's game with Duka's nice goal at the 0:58 mark.

cort5bgkIIQ

[Lime]

How well regarded is the US u-20 team?

I want to say the talent is improving compared to past teams, but it doesn't have the star power like the last U-20 World Cup when the team had Jozy Altidore, Freddy Adu and Michael Bradley.

With that said, Jozy Alitdore and Freddy Adu were still eligible for this team, but they didn't call them in since they are now playing regularly (at least Jozy) for the senior team.

But looking at the roster and there are some intriguing prospects in my eyes like Bryan Arguez (Hertha Berlin & he scored today), Mikkel Diskerud (Stabaek - top flight team in Norway), Dilly Duka (Rutgers - should be #1 or #2 pick in MLS if he doesn't go to Europe), Jared Jeffrey (Club Brugge - Belgium), Brek Shea (FC Dallas - can play defense, midfield or forward, but his best future probably lies at forward). Those are the guys I think have the best chance of playing on the senior team in the future.

I am no expert, but I was reading something the other day that said you want to pump out 3-4 guys per U-20 World Cup cycle that will end up on your senior team in the future (your senior team is usually guys aged 22-34, so that is 12 years worth of players or 6 U-20 cycles).

Here are highlights of today's game with Duka's nice goal at the 0:58 mark.

cort5bgkIIQ

Mikey Bradley was also on the 2007 U-20 team...that season he set the American record for goals in a European league with ~15 with Heenreven (sp) in Holland.

The big knock on the US team is the lack of a developed youth system in the US which means they tend to have a lot of collegiate players. I thought that this was an interesting comparison:


GERMANY:
Goalkeepers: Manchester United, Hamburg, Bremen.
Defenders: Frankfurt, Dortmund, 1860, Bayern, Stuttgart, Hamburg, Bielefeld.
Midfielders: Leverkusen, Bremen, Dortmund, Ahlen (never heard of them), Schalke, Kayserispor, Bursaspor (the last two are Turkish)
Forwards: Leverkusen, 1860, Greuther Fuerth (who?), Bremen.

UNITED STATES:
Goalkeepers: Central Florida, UCLA, FC Dallas
Defenders: Miami FC (USL-1), Notre Dame, Carolina Dynamo (PDL), FC Dallas, Notre Dame, Wake Forest,
Midfielders: Houston Dynamo, Club Brugge (Belgium), Rutgers, Stabaek (Norway), Chivas USA, Virginia, Hertha Berlin, Chivas USA, UCLA
Forwards: Jacksonville, FC Dallas, FC Dallas

Lots of college guys for the US which is less optimal for development. The US coach Rongen was bashing MLS a few days ago for cutting rosters from 28 to 24 (and development players from 10 to 6) and cutting the reserve league this year.

[HawkLax6]

MLS salaries for this season:

http://www.mlsplayers.org/files/september_15_2009_salary_information__by_club.pdf

Stuart Holden only makes $34,000? Wow. Talk about a bargain.

[Lime]

MLS salaries for this season:

http://www.mlsplayers.org/files/september_15_2009_salary_information__by_club.pdf

Stuart Holden only makes $34,000? Wow. Talk about a bargain.

Arguably the most underpaid player in the world. Seriously.

Also, the U-20s advance with a draw tomorrow. Nigeria is the first third-placed team to finish, and they're at 3. England/Uzbekistan will finish 3rd with 3 points at best. So, to be a top 4 third-placed team they merely need 1 point.

(They could also get in with a loss and some GD edge on Costa Rica or Hungary/Honduras.)

[Lime]

Rough day for America. Our president gets bitch-slapped in Copenhagen, and now our U-20s are getting trounced by South Korea.

[HawkLax6]

They (US U-20) looked awful today. Yellow cards galore.

[HawkLax6]

http://www.ussoccer.com/Social/YNT-Blog.aspx?plckController=Blog&plckBlogPage=BlogViewPost&UID=d1a449be-ca45-4cb0-9bdb-9465227fcdf4&plckPostId=Blog%3ad1a449be-ca45-4cb0-9bdb-9465227fcdf4Post%3a7427da4d-f27d-4023-ae51-c7094dbd1ae2&plckScript=blogScript&plckElementId=blogDest

After today's disappointing 3-0 loss to Korea Republic, the U.S. sits in third place in Group C with a -3 goal difference and 4 goals for. Italy and Nigeria already have the tiebreakers above the U.S, so the U.S. will need to finish ahead of two of the third-place teams from Groups D, E and F. Here are the scenarios to advance via one of the four third-place berths to the Round of 16.

Tonight's late results confirmed the U.S. will finish ahead of the third place finisher in Group D. Uzbekistan's 1-1 draw with England means both sides are eliminated from the tournament. As such, the U.S. needs one of the the following to scenarios to take place:

1. To finish ahead of Group E, the U.S. needs both:
BRA to beat AUS or BRA-AUS tie or AUS to beat BRA by 1-0 or 2-1

- AND -

CZE to beat CRC via a shutout, or any result by 2 or more goals

2. To finish ahead of Group F, the U.S. needs both:
UAE to beat HUN by 5 or more goals

- AND -

HON to beat RSA or HON-RSA tie or RSA to beat HON by 5 or more goals while allowing none

[Lime]

Anyone watching LA-Chicago? Landon Donovan just had a gorgeous chip over Busch.

[HawkLax6]

Anyone watching LA-Chicago? Landon Donovan just had a gorgeous chip over Busch.

Saw it.

[Lime]

Anyone watching LA-Chicago? Landon Donovan just had a gorgeous chip over Busch.

Saw it.

Surprised nothing has come up with his movement this winter since the false PSG rumor.

[HawkLax6]

Good news for USMNT: Michael Bradley was back in the starting lineup for Moenchengladbach after sitting on the bench a couple weeks after his coach did not like his attitude.

Bad news for USMNT: Gooch continues to not even dress or see the field for Milan.

[Lime]

Good news for USMNT: Michael Bradley was back in the starting lineup for Moenchengladbach after sitting on the bench a couple weeks after his coach did not like his attitude.

Bad news for USMNT: Gooch continues to not even dress or see the field for Milan.

He played against Zurich.

Also, Leonardo is about to get canned already so perhaps that will shake things up.

[Malickfan]

Real Madrid lost to Sevilla. All that money can't get you undefeated.

[HawkLax6]

Random picture time!

I found this odd when I was over in London, but the fans there like to do the jacking off hand motion to opposing players. I found this comical, but here is an action shot of some Chelsea fans doing it to Torres.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week6.jpg

Really random - halftime at Stamford Bridge.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week191.jpg

Hooligans!

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week5.jpg

Still better than some MLS fields.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week17.jpg

[Lime]

Random picture time!

I found this odd when I was over in London, but the fans there like to do the jacking off hand motion to opposing players. I found this comical, but here is an action shot of some Chelsea fans doing it to Torres.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week6.jpg

Really random - halftime at Stamford Bridge.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week191.jpg

Hooligans!

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week5.jpg

Still better than some MLS fields.

http://theoriginalwinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/week17.jpg

The Jazz and Bulls are playing some preseason games for NBA Europe Live.

[HawkLax6]

You think Rose had a lot to say to Okur and AK? Throw in some dopey cheerleaders and the green room before the game is PPV material.

[Lime]

You think Rose had a lot to say to Okur and AK? Throw in some dopey cheerleaders and the green room before the game is PPV material.

Okur in general in that picture is awesome.

[Lime]

more on the USL mess. Someone's going to get it if this kills the PDL.

http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2009/10/05/usl-and-team-owners-association-update-%E2%80%93-monday-100509/
http://www.indyweekblogs.com/sports/2009/10/05/interview-with-railhawks-president-wellman-usl-actions-unfortunate-and-unnecessary/
http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2009/10/06/ussf-meeting-in-new-york-with-usl-and-team-owners-association/
http://www.insidemnsoccer.com/2009/10/06/usls-letter-from-tim-holt-to-players-from-toa-franchises/

[Lime]

Hopefully this puts the pressure on the immediate DC metro to get something done.

http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2009/10/05/daily43.html

Having the winningest MLS club move, whether it be to Montreal, St. Louis, or Baltimore, would be a black eye for the league.

[HawkLax6]

Yeah, so, Jermaine Jones is probably not going to play for the US in 2010. I don't see Bob giving him a decent shot by the time he is healthy again. What a cock tease.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/10/jones-injuries-woe-worsen-out-at-least-six-more-weeks-after-latest-surgery.html

[Lime]

Yeah, so, Jermaine Jones is probably not going to play for the US in 2010. I don't see Bob giving him a decent shot by the time he is healthy again. What a cock tease.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/10/jones-injuries-woe-worsen-out-at-least-six-more-weeks-after-latest-surgery.html

If he's healthy by Christmas, he'll likely only miss the two (potential) November friendlies. You're still looking at ~8 friendlies in 2010 before the World Cup...that's still time to work him into the rotation, it's not like the US hasn't rotated through the CM pairings already. Remember that Pablo Mastroeni and Sacha Kljestan were starting at CM as recently as June...it's not like any combination of Clark, Edu, Bradley, and Feilhaber would have that many matches on him.

Bradley has made his interest in Jones clear, Mikey even personally invited Jones after a Mongladbach-Schalke match last spring when FIFA made the rule change.

[Lime]

Fabio Cannavaro got caught doping again.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/soccer/10/08/fabio.cannavaro.ap/index.html

[Lime]

So, New Zealand, who frequently play Andrew Boyens (backup CB for one of the worst teams in MLS history) are a home win away from securing qualification after they played Bahrain to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the AFC-OFC playoff.

[Lime]

Qualifying nears an end around the world, with only one round left before the playoff rounds.

The European qualifiers would be (bold means clinched):

- Denmark
- Switzerland
- Slovakia
- Germany
- Spain
- England
- Serbia
- Italy
- Netherlands

The following nations would be in the European playoffs (italics means clinched playoff berth):

- Portugal
- Greece
- Slovenia
- Russia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Ukraine
- France
- Ireland


From the AFC:
- South Korea
- North Korea
- Japan
- Australia

Along with the winner of Bahrain-New Zealand November 14 (if it's a 0-0 draw, they go to penalties...any draw with goals goes to Bahrain).

From the CAF:
- South Africa (host)
- Cameroon
- Tunisia
- Algeria
- Ghana
- Cote d'Ivoire

From CONCACAF
- USA
- Mexico
- Costa Rica

With Honduras currently in the playoff spot against Uruguay...due to the CONMEBOL standings:

- Brazil
- Chile
- Paraguay
- Argentina

[HawkLax6]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-soccer12-2009oct12,0,7518125.story

Of course, much depends on the type of games and caliber of teams that U.S. Soccer can line up for Bradley ahead of the World Cup. The Netherlands already is penciled in as one possible opponent in March. There is talk of a game against England.

I don't think John Terry is ready for scoring machine Conor Casey.

[Lime]

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-spw-soccer12-2009oct12,0,7518125.story

Of course, much depends on the type of games and caliber of teams that U.S. Soccer can line up for Bradley ahead of the World Cup. The Netherlands already is penciled in as one possible opponent in March. There is talk of a game against England.

I don't think John Terry is ready for scoring machine Conor Casey.

Terry needs to hope he doesn't run into Dempsey again.

[Lime]

GrantWahl says Demerit is out 2 more months with EYE surgery.

[HawkLax6]

GrantWahl says Demerit is out 2 more months with EYE surgery.

Lalas is suiting up in Denmark next month. They are actually bringing back the whole 1994 backline.

[Lime]

GrantWahl says Demerit is out 2 more months with EYE surgery.

Lalas is suiting up in Denmark next month.

Frankie Hejduk is next in line to captain.

[HawkLax6]

An American matchup on ESPN on Monday at 2 PM Central.

Fulham (Dempsey and Johnson) vs. Hull City (Altidore)

Although I haven't read up yet whether Dempsey will be back from his shoulder injury or not.

[Spring Hawk]

Nice playing by Friedel this morning, helping to get Aston Villa the win over Chelsea. Some real nice saves in the 2nd half.

[HawkLax6]

A big week for balloons this week:

KKg9zUgu0Lc

[HawkLax6]

Upon further review, it was a beach ball, not a balloon.

[HawkLax6]

Michael Bradley scored today in Borussia Monchengladbach's 2-1 loss to Wolfsburg.

http://videos.sapo.pt/33gEIADaF0VLfsA3JQ6A

[Lime]

the suddenly-seeded UEFA playoffs:

Ireland vs. France
Russia vs. Slovenia
Portugal vs. Bosnia
Greece vs. Ukraine

[Malickfan]

I couldn't imagine the World Cup without France or Portugal.

And Russia...if they don't make it, their manager might have made a HUGE mistake by leaving Chelsea to only concentrate on the Russian team.

[c28nole]

I couldn't imagine the World Cup without France or Portugal.

France didn't qualify in '90 or '94.

Portugal qualified only three times after 1966, and two of those appearances came in 2002 and 2006.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham-Hull City is about to start up on ESPN2.

Come On You Whites!

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs142.snc1/5260_757972514989_14801751_43990003_7169579_n.jpg

[HawkLax6]

Dempsey is back in the starting lineup after hurting his shoulder.

Altidore is starting the game on the bench for Hull.

[HawkLax6]

You can put it on the board, yes.

Bobby Zamora with a header to give Fulham a 1-0 lead in the 43rd minute.

[HawkLax6]

Kamara makes it 2-0.

[HawkLax6]

Jozy Altidore enters the game in the 69th minute.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham wins 2-0.

[HawkLax6]

Champions League (and Europa League!) are back this week.

Some decent matchups:

Lyon @ Liverpool - Tuesday
Bayern Munich @ Bordeaux - Wednesday
AC Milan @ Real Madrid - Wednesday
Atlético Madrid @ Chelsea - Wednesday
(AS Roma @ Fulham - Thursday)

[Lime]

Champions League (and Europa League!) are back this week.

Some decent matchups:

Lyon @ Liverpool - Tuesday
Bayern Munich @ Bordeaux - Wednesday
AC Milan @ Real Madrid - Wednesday
Atlético Madrid @ Chelsea - Wednesday
(AS Roma @ Fulham - Thursday)

Also, matchday 6 of the real (aka) CONCACAF Champions League. Houston moves on with a win and a Pachuca win, Columbus moves on with a draw, and DC United moves on if they can somehow match Marathon's result.

[Lime]

why do I keep getting that Leeds feel from Liverpool?

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Meanwhile, Rubin Kazan shocks Barca...

[HawkLax6]

FIFA finally approves Jermaine Jones' switch to the US.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/10/fifa-approves-jermaine-jones-switch-to-usa.html

He is still hurt, so I doubt he will be called in next month for the Denmark friendly.

[HawkLax6]

Champions League was interesting today.

Lyon wins at Anfield and Gerrard had to leave after 25 minutes.

Barcelona loses at home to Rubin Kazan.

Inter Milan tied Dynamo Kiev in a fun game to watch.

Rangers got killed at home, 4-1, to Unirea Urziceni.

And I thought Wednesday had the more intriguing matchups. Hopefully tomorrow is fun as well.

[Lime]

Champions League was interesting today.

Lyon wins at Anfield and Gerrard had to leave after 25 minutes.

Barcelona loses at home to Rubin Kazan.

Inter Milan tied Dynamo Kiev in a fun game to watch.

Rangers got killed at home, 4-1, to Unirea Urziceni.

And I thought Wednesday had the more intriguing matchups. Hopefully tomorrow is fun as well.

If the Group Stage ended today, in groups E-H, you'd have clubs from the following nations advance:

- France
- Italy
- Spain (2)
- Ukraine
- Romania
- England
- Greece

For comparison, the breakdown for all eight groups last year:

- England (4)
- Spain (4)
- Italy (3)
- Portugal (2)
- Germany
- Greece
- France

so, right now, in just four groups there would be as many nations represented in the knockout round as there was from all eight groups last year. If you include the first two rounds of matches in Groups A-D, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland also would have clubs (pretty dubious to speculate on two matches though).

But it appears that Platini's plan to shake things up and give more aid to the champions (not necessarily big-club also-rans like Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, etc.) is working to some extent.

[Lime]

It's worth noting that the DirecTV UEFA mix channel is awesome. I'm working at home right now, and I can watch five matches at once.

(Of course, those bastards at News Corp opted to make Real/Milan premium...)

[HawkLax6]

Harry Redknapp is not happy about Peter Crouch's partying habits.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1221824/Hopping-mad-Spurs-boss-Harry-Redknapp-tells-party-animal-Peter-Crouch-dance-beat.html

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/21/article-1221824-06E1DC2E000005DC-744_468x517.jpg

[c28nole]

Crouch channeling his inner Stephen Merchant.

[Aloha Mr. Hand]

I hope Crouch followed that up with a reprise of the breakfast scene in Trainspotting.

[Lime]

Harry Redknapp is not happy about Peter Crouch's partying habits.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1221824/Hopping-mad-Spurs-boss-Harry-Redknapp-tells-party-animal-Peter-Crouch-dance-beat.html

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2009/10/21/article-1221824-06E1DC2E000005DC-744_468x517.jpg

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/b90gpqFp5Bw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/b90gpqFp5Bw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[Lime]

Houston Dynamo keeper Tally Hall just scored a goal to tie Metapan 2-2 in the CONCACAF Champions League. If Houston emerges from the 2nd half victorious, they will advance to the knockout stage.

[HawkLax6]

Stomach. Punch.

Fulham dominated the first 30 minutes over Roma with Brede Hangeland (the best Texas-born Norwegian to ever play soccer) scoring with his head off a corner to give the good guys a 1-0 lead.

Roma then wakes up and dominates the next 60 minutes with tons of attacks. Stephen Kelly takes down a Roma striker in the box in the 80th minute and the ref first gives the red card to Hangeland. Luckily since UEFA is experimenting with refs on each goal line to see if balls cross the line or note, that ref ends up talking to the head ref and they give out the correct red card to Kelly.

Roma's PK attempt is saved by the big Aussie Mark Schwarzer. Fulham then battles down a man for the last 10 minutes plus the next four minutes of stoppage time until Roma scores a stomach-punching, game-tying goal in the 94th minute to tie the game.

Damn.

[HawkLax6]

To go with the Denamrk friendly in November, it looks like the US will also be playing at Slovakia during that same international break. No confirmation from USSF yet though.

Slovakia qualified for the World Cup after topping a qualifying group that included Slovenia, Czech Republic and Poland, so another solid opponent.

[HawkLax6]

Charlie Davies took his first steps this week since his injury.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/10/davies-improving-takes-his-first-steps-since-accident.html

[Lime]

For those with FSC, Drake is currently playing Evansville.

[Malickfan]

For those with FSC, Drake is currently playing Evansville.

Is the game in Mexico? It'd be better if the game was in Mexico.

[Lime]

For those with FSC, Drake is currently playing Evansville.

Is the game in Mexico? It'd be better if the game was in Mexico.

If the MVC simply had half of their teams in Mexico, they'd be the best college soccer conference in the land.

[Lime]

Some guy for Drake just Maradona'ed a free kick into the goal. Unfortunately, said Hand of God wiped out the equalizing goal and earned him a red card.

[HawkLax6]

A look back at the US' qualification through the Hex to the tune of some horrible techno song.

0xjkvm5V1fU

[c28nole]

Liverpool!

[Malickfan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQPR43v64e4

An amazing goal by a manager in Japan. Love how he raises his arms right after scoring.

[Lime]

If you don't see me post ever again, this is why:

http://www.nufcblog.com/2009/10/28/sad-news-as-incompetant-ashley-stays-put-at-luckless-newcastle/

[HawkLax6]

This is why Ben Foster will never be England's #1 goalie.

znkp-4ciCDs

[Lime]

Phil Brown out at Hull.

http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_ives/2009/10/report-brown-out-at-hull-city.html

Not sure how this affects Josmer.

[HawkLax6]

Fulham beat Liverpool 3-1 today. Dempsey scoring the third goal.

[Malickfan]

And Arsenal whipped the Spurs.

What's wrong with Liverpool? injuries? lack of depth? age?

[HawkLax6]

American Clarence Goodson started, played 90 minutes and scored a GOAL in IK Start's 2-0 win vs. Valerenga on Sunday (Norway).

[Lime]

Edgar Castillo has been called up for the November friendlies.

[HawkLax6]

Edgar Castillo has been called up for the November friendlies.

Boner time?

[Lime]

Edgar Castillo has been called up for the November friendlies.

Boner time?

Hope he knows where his passport is.

[HawkLax6]

Is the USSF on the phone with FIFA and Honduras finding a way to trade Bornstein now?