The Soccer Thread

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Fulham just signed Casey Keller, making it 5 Americans on their roster now. That also means that Americans now make up 20% of the starting goalkeepers in the EPL, with Howard, Hahnemann, and Friedel being the others(kudos to SBI for that factoid).

[brinoch]

I thought Gooch looked pretty decent, while Bocanegra and Cherundolo were terrible, all in all. Bornstein is fast, I'll give him that, but he was put of position a bunch, and gave the ball up too easily. Sweden abused us on the counter-attack with several relatively weak long balls. They didn't get a score out of it, but they deserved at least one. Cherundolo is small and overmatched. With a really solid middle on the backline, he's serviceable. Against smaller, faster teams, Gooch is going to get beaten. His positioning was decent, but he relies on his strength. I thought DeMerit looked very solid in the time he was in there. Spector was played on the wrong side, and struggled a bit because of it, but was at least as good as Bornstein.

 

Convey was awful. No shock there given how long he's been out. He gets a pass. When the US had Dempsey, Donovan, Beasley, Feilhaber, Bradley and Mastroeni in, I thought they had some good ball movement and developed some intriguing runs. I was somewhat disappointed in Feilhaber earlier, but in retrospect, he was out of position and did better than I originally felt. The midfield wasn't a real weakness, other than in its crossing. Bradley made some bizarre passing attempts that led to several turnovers. I really don't think he's ready for prime time.

 

Donovan went missing again, but the announcers were making excuses because of the long flight. The more I watch Landon play, the more I think he needs to be in a withdrawn forward/attacking midfield position.

 

It's time for Altidore.

[MPC]

Brazil's roster for the friendly against the U.S. on Sept. 9

Brazil's roster:

 

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, Italy), Doni (AS Roma, Italy)

 

Defenders: Alex (Chelsea, England), Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Spain), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Maicon (Inter Milan, Italy), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo)

 

Midfielders: Julio Batista (Real Madrid, Spain), Diego (Werder Bremen, Germany), Elano (Manchester City, England), Fernando (Bordeaux, France), Josue (Sao Paulo), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Spain), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England)

 

Forwards: Afonso (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain)

[wolf stansson]

As far as young, American mls defenders go, Parkhurst > Bornstein imo. Bradley just can't let the Chivas connection die. Hell, I'd much rather have Frankie Hejduk out there than Bornstein.

 

Also, I want Jozy, Eddie Johnson and Ching up front with Landon an attacking mid vs Brazil. Ching coming off the bench. Our number one problem is finishing and yet we bring zero legit, healthy forwards to Sweden. I know it's only a friendly but come on. Have some respect for your fans and try to field a good team. No more of this "I'm just trying to figure out our player pool" bs from Bradley.

 

I'm not as down on Michael Bradley as some of you, but he was plain bad yesterday.

[sethuel1]

Brazil's roster for the friendly against the U.S. on Sept. 9

Brazil's roster:

 

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, Italy), Doni (AS Roma, Italy)

 

Defenders: Alex (Chelsea, England), Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Spain), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Maicon (Inter Milan, Italy), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo)

 

Midfielders: Julio Batista (Real Madrid, Spain), Diego (Werder Bremen, Germany), Elano (Manchester City, England), Fernando (Bordeaux, France), Josue (Sao Paulo), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Spain), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England)

 

Forwards: Afonso (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain)

 

Got my tickets today!!!

[sethuel1]

As far as young, American mls defenders go, Parkhurst > Bornstein imo. Bradley just can't let the Chivas connection die. Hell, I'd much rather have Frankie Hejduk out there than Bornstein.

 

Also, I want Jozy, Eddie Johnson and Ching up front with Landon an attacking mid vs Brazil. Ching coming off the bench. Our number one problem is finishing and yet we bring zero legit, healthy forwards to Sweden. I know it's only a friendly but come on. Have some respect for your fans and try to field a good team. No more of this "I'm just trying to figure out our player pool" bs from Bradley.

 

I'm not as down on Michael Bradley as some of you, but he was plain bad yesterday.

 

You just haven't watched Bradley close enough then. He's at his best when he just tackles and then puts the ball back to the defenders and lets them bypass him entirely going forward (see Gold Cup semis vs Canada, until the red card). That's not a good sign.

 

Also, i respectfully disagree with your lineup. As much as I love forwards, putting out an aggressive, forward-heavy formation would just take away from being able to put out our real offensive strength, our o-mids in Dempsey, Donovan, beasley and, soon, Adu. Although if they can't finish it really doesn't matter.

 

I'm all for giving Altidore his run out vs. Brazil, I'd just do it in a single striker formation.

[wolf stansson]

You just haven't watched Bradley close enough then. He's at his best when he just tackles and then puts the ball back to the defenders and lets them bypass him entirely going forward (see Gold Cup semis vs Canada, until the red card). That's not a good sign.

I agree that Bradley has been s with the senior squad for the most part. I have some hope for him left because he was dominant for big stretches in the u-20's. I think he can develop.

 

Also, i respectfully disagree with your lineup. As much as I love forwards, putting out an aggressive, forward-heavy formation would just take away from being able to put out our real offensive strength, our o-mids in Dempsey, Donovan, beasley and, soon, Adu. Although if they can't finish it really doesn't matter.

 

I'm all for giving Altidore his run out vs. Brazil, I'd just do it in a single striker formation.

The way I look at it, there is no way to outplay Brazil no matter what our strengths. We can't sit back and counter them, we can't out-pretty them, we certainly can't out-class them, so we may as well have guys on the field that have a good chance of finishing the few chances they do get and just hope that Boca and Gooch don't completely screw up and that Howard will go to town.

[shnsajax]

Brazil's roster for the friendly against the U.S. on Sept. 9

Brazil's roster:

 

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, Italy), Doni (AS Roma, Italy)

 

Defenders: Alex (Chelsea, England), Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Spain), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Maicon (Inter Milan, Italy), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo)

 

Midfielders: Julio Batista (Real Madrid, Spain), Diego (Werder Bremen, Germany), Elano (Manchester City, England), Fernando (Bordeaux, France), Josue (Sao Paulo), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Spain), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England)

 

Forwards: Afonso (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain)

 

Got my tickets today!!!

 

good god. I hope the US has their "A" team for this match. And I hope they all bring there "A" game.

[Jon]

I just sold my tickets for a nice chunk of change. I have more, though, but I'm probably going to try to sell those, too.

[shnsajax]

I just sold my tickets for a nice chunk of change. I have more, though, but I'm probably going to try to sell those, too.

 

I'm sure demand has gone up a lot today.

[shnsajax]

Lots of chippyness in the Chivas-Galaxy game. Marsh with a stupid late foul on Beckham worthy of at least a yellow, probably not a straight red but close. Then a headbutt against a Galaxy player after all players confronted one another. 2 players get sent off, one from each side.

[Jon]

Quite a nice little headbutt, too. Who got sent off for the Galaxy and why?

[Brendan]

Brazil's roster for the friendly against the U.S. on Sept. 9

Brazil's roster:

 

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan, Italy), Doni (AS Roma, Italy)

 

Defenders: Alex (Chelsea, England), Daniel Alves (Sevilla, Spain), Gilberto (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Juan (AS Roma, Italy), Kleber (Santos), Lucio (Bayern Munich, Germany), Maicon (Inter Milan, Italy), Alex Silva (Sao Paulo)

 

Midfielders: Julio Batista (Real Madrid, Spain), Diego (Werder Bremen, Germany), Elano (Manchester City, England), Fernando (Bordeaux, France), Josue (Sao Paulo), Kaka (AC Milan, Italy), Mineiro (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Ronaldinho (Barcelona, Spain), Gilberto Silva (Arsenal, England)

 

Forwards: Afonso (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Vagner Love (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Robinho (Real Madrid, Spain)

 

wow .. i just hope we don't get completely embarrassed.

[wolf stansson]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=456121&cc=5901

 

Source: Brazilian Denilson headed to FC DallasAllen Hopkins, ESPN.com

 

 

Jogo Bonito, Finally.

 

 

The on again, off again agreement between FC Dallas and Brazilian World Cup winner Denilson is back on and finally for good.

 

Sources told ESPN.com that FC Dallas has finally agreed to a deal with the 29 year-old midfielder. The club is very hopeful Denilson will be available for his MLS debut Sept. 1 vs. D.C. United and for FC Dallas' U.S. Open Cup semifinal on Sept. 4 at the Seattle Sounders.

 

A month ago, a source close to the negotiations was "pessimistic" a deal would be reached after Denilson had decided to take some more time and explore other options. Negotiations were also delayed due to visa issues as Denilson's original tourist visa expired and he had to acquire a second visa to enter the U.S. The club expects the Brazilian will not have any issues receiving his P-1 visa.

 

To make room for Denilson, the club will have to create a roster space and currently has all of its four senior internationals slots filled (Adrian Serioux, Marcelo Saragosa, Carlos Ruiz and Pablo Ricchetti).

 

The source said, "Steve [Morrow] loves this group and that makes it hard. If it were up to him, he'd just keep adding to the roster."

 

The source also confirmed the major sticking point between the two sides was not the overall financial value of the offer but rather the length of years of the contract.

 

Denilson arrived back in Dallas Wednesday for the second time since beginning talks with the club earlier this summer. This time he had his team of lawyers and advisors in tow to sign the contract.

 

Denilson, who last played his club soccer in Saudi Arabia, was a key contributor to Brazil's 2002 World Cup win and becomes just the 4th player ever in MLS history to have won a World Cup. The Metrostars/New York Red Bulls have had the previous three with Branco, Lothar Matthaus and Youri Djorkaeff.

 

The winger has been keeping fit back in Brazil by training with the first team of Sao Paulo club Palmeiras and playing matches with their reserves. The club will officially present Denilson on Friday at Pizza Hut Park.

 

That's cool. Dallas are looking very good.

 

Edit - Also interesting:

http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/24/sports/EU-SPT-SOC-Capello-US.php

ROME: Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has offered some advice to the United States soccer team.

 

Capello met with U.S. coach Bob Bradley and U.S. soccer federation president Sunil Gulati in London on Thursday.

 

"They wanted my views for a series of technical questions," Capello was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

The meeting lasted three hours, according to the Gazzetta.

 

The United States was beaten 1-0 by Sweden in a friendly Wednesday to extend its losing streak to four games — the worst such stretch for the Americans in a decade.

 

Capello was fired as Real Madrid coach after leading the club to the Spanish league title last season. He has also coached Italian clubs AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus and is working as a TV commentator for RAI — Italian state TV — this season.

 

There was speculation that Capello was in London because he was interested in becoming coach of Tottenham, although he denied the rumors.

 

"I did not try to speak with Tottenham and Tottenham did not talk to me," Capello told the Gazzetta.

[shnsajax]

ROME: Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has offered some advice to the United States soccer team.

 

Capello met with U.S. coach Bob Bradley and U.S. soccer federation president Sunil Gulati in London on Thursday.

 

"They wanted my views for a series of technical questions," Capello was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

The meeting lasted three hours, according to the Gazzetta.

 

The United States was beaten 1-0 by Sweden in a friendly Wednesday to extend its losing streak to four games — the worst such stretch for the Americans in a decade.

 

Capello was fired as Real Madrid coach after leading the club to the Spanish league title last season. He has also coached Italian clubs AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus and is working as a TV commentator for RAI — Italian state TV — this season.

 

There was speculation that Capello was in London because he was interested in becoming coach of Tottenham, although he denied the rumors.

 

"I did not try to speak with Tottenham and Tottenham did not talk to me," Capello told the Gazzetta.

 

Is it too late to hire him?

[sethuel1]

ROME: Former Real Madrid coach Fabio Capello has offered some advice to the United States soccer team.

 

Capello met with U.S. coach Bob Bradley and U.S. soccer federation president Sunil Gulati in London on Thursday.

 

"They wanted my views for a series of technical questions," Capello was quoted as saying in Friday's Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

The meeting lasted three hours, according to the Gazzetta.

 

The United States was beaten 1-0 by Sweden in a friendly Wednesday to extend its losing streak to four games — the worst such stretch for the Americans in a decade.

 

Capello was fired as Real Madrid coach after leading the club to the Spanish league title last season. He has also coached Italian clubs AC Milan, AS Roma and Juventus and is working as a TV commentator for RAI — Italian state TV — this season.

 

There was speculation that Capello was in London because he was interested in becoming coach of Tottenham, although he denied the rumors.

 

"I did not try to speak with Tottenham and Tottenham did not talk to me," Capello told the Gazzetta.

 

Is it too late to hire him?

you don't want him

[Transmogrified Tiger]

I think I had a dream last night we beat Brazil in the friendly.

 

On a less crazy note, Dempsey scored Fulham's goal in their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Video goodness

[Jon]

I'm pleasantly surprised at how well Blanco is doing for the Fire.

[wolf stansson]

I think I had a dream last night we beat Brazil in the friendly.

 

On a less crazy note, Dempsey scored Fulham's goal in their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Video goodness

I was pumped when I saw that on Sky Sports. Hopefully Deuce can earn some consistent playing time. It'd be nice to have a non-goalie or non-oldie McBride thrive in the Premiership.

[sethuel1]

I think I had a dream last night we beat Brazil in the friendly.

 

On a less crazy note, Dempsey scored Fulham's goal in their 2-1 loss to Aston Villa. Video goodness

I was pumped when I saw that on Sky Sports. Hopefully Deuce can earn some consistent playing time. It'd be nice to have a non-goalie or non-oldie McBride thrive in the Premiership.

well, McBride being out should get him some more playing time.

[shnsajax]

Goodbye Ole Gunnar. As much as I hated United I always like Solskjaer, and injuries wrecked what could have been an even better carrer.

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=457639&cc=5901

 

Also in sad news the Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta who suffered a heartattack on the pitch over the weekend has passed away at the age of 22.

[wolf stansson]

Klinsmann To Galxy?

Jürgen Klinsmann could be about to take over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy after Frank Yallop, the incumbent, admitted to feeling the strain of managing a losing team under an increased media glare since the signing of David Beckham.

 

The Galaxy have only three wins in 17 games this season and their hopes of reaching the Major League Soccer (MLS) play-offs are dwindling after the 3-0 defeat on Thursday by Chivas USA, the Latino team who share their stadium, the Home Depot Centre.

 

Beckham’s contributions have been restricted by injury, but the hype surrounding the former England captain has been undiminished, especially since his recall to the national team.

 

“It’s not been easy because of the spotlight thrust on us,” Yallop, the former Ipswich Town defender, said. “You try to imagine the hysteria surrounding his arrival but when he’s here it’s so different. It’s not been easy. It’s been kind of testing, to be honest.

 

“At the start of the year there was so much anticipation that we would win every game and David wasn’t even here then. He wasn’t here for the start of the season either. Then we had injuries and it was: ‘Why aren’t you winning?’ Obviously we need to.”

 

AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), the Galaxy owner, has invested $250 million (about £125 million) in the Beckham project and expected more in return. Unfortunately for Yallop, Klinsmann, who is comfortable in the international spotlight, not to mention more familiar with dealing with high-profile players, is more or less on their doorstep.

 

The former Germany striker, who has not had a coaching job since he left Germany after the 2006 World Cup finals, lives near the beaches of Orange County, about 20 minutes’ drive south of the Galaxy base in Carson, where he was seen last week, though that is not unusual. He worked as a technical adviser to the Galaxy in the 2004 season before accepting the offer to coach Germany, is a regular visitor to the ground and has even played there in a testimonial match.

 

AEG powerbrokers are believed to have sounded out the former Tottenham Hotspur forward, who has been offered coaching jobs in Europe and was linked with the manager’s job at White Hart Lane. However, he wants to stay in southern California and is not interested in anything other than a high-profile job, so the Galaxy appear to fit the bill. He turned down the head coach position with the United States team last December over issues of executive control.

 

Certainly, Klinsmann would expect to be allowed to select teams based on footballing rather than marketing reasons, and he would have been big enough to tell both Beckham and the club’s front office that he was not fit to play against Chivas. Yallop, in contrast, allowed the player to make the decision. “I used him tonight and I shouldn’t have done that,” Yallop said after the defeat.

 

Yallop, according to a local reporter, looked “haggard” after the Chivas game and cancelled training the next day. Alexi Lalas, the Galaxy general manager, has always expressed full confidence in Yallop, but the coach may walk before Lalas feels he has to push him.

 

Beckham did not even travel to last night’s match against the Colorado Rapids, when Yallop was also set to be without up to seven other first-team regulars, including Landon Donovan, the United States forward. There has been talk that Donovan might return to San Jose, the former MLS franchise that is being reactivated next season. That would allow the Galaxy to sign another player who does not fit under the salary cap, and, if Klinsmann is in charge, expect that player to be a member of the 2006 Germany squad.

 

Re: the bolded part.

Msg: Thanks, Sunil. DIAF.

[shnsajax]

Klinsmann To Galxy?

Jürgen Klinsmann could be about to take over as the head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy after Frank Yallop, the incumbent, admitted to feeling the strain of managing a losing team under an increased media glare since the signing of David Beckham.

 

The Galaxy have only three wins in 17 games this season and their hopes of reaching the Major League Soccer (MLS) play-offs are dwindling after the 3-0 defeat on Thursday by Chivas USA, the Latino team who share their stadium, the Home Depot Centre.

 

Beckham’s contributions have been restricted by injury, but the hype surrounding the former England captain has been undiminished, especially since his recall to the national team.

 

“It’s not been easy because of the spotlight thrust on us,” Yallop, the former Ipswich Town defender, said. “You try to imagine the hysteria surrounding his arrival but when he’s here it’s so different. It’s not been easy. It’s been kind of testing, to be honest.

 

“At the start of the year there was so much anticipation that we would win every game and David wasn’t even here then. He wasn’t here for the start of the season either. Then we had injuries and it was: ‘Why aren’t you winning?’ Obviously we need to.”

 

AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group), the Galaxy owner, has invested $250 million (about £125 million) in the Beckham project and expected more in return. Unfortunately for Yallop, Klinsmann, who is comfortable in the international spotlight, not to mention more familiar with dealing with high-profile players, is more or less on their doorstep.

 

The former Germany striker, who has not had a coaching job since he left Germany after the 2006 World Cup finals, lives near the beaches of Orange County, about 20 minutes’ drive south of the Galaxy base in Carson, where he was seen last week, though that is not unusual. He worked as a technical adviser to the Galaxy in the 2004 season before accepting the offer to coach Germany, is a regular visitor to the ground and has even played there in a testimonial match.

 

AEG powerbrokers are believed to have sounded out the former Tottenham Hotspur forward, who has been offered coaching jobs in Europe and was linked with the manager’s job at White Hart Lane. However, he wants to stay in southern California and is not interested in anything other than a high-profile job, so the Galaxy appear to fit the bill. He turned down the head coach position with the United States team last December over issues of executive control.

 

Certainly, Klinsmann would expect to be allowed to select teams based on footballing rather than marketing reasons, and he would have been big enough to tell both Beckham and the club’s front office that he was not fit to play against Chivas. Yallop, in contrast, allowed the player to make the decision. “I used him tonight and I shouldn’t have done that,” Yallop said after the defeat.

 

Yallop, according to a local reporter, looked “haggard” after the Chivas game and cancelled training the next day. Alexi Lalas, the Galaxy general manager, has always expressed full confidence in Yallop, but the coach may walk before Lalas feels he has to push him.

 

Beckham did not even travel to last night’s match against the Colorado Rapids, when Yallop was also set to be without up to seven other first-team regulars, including Landon Donovan, the United States forward. There has been talk that Donovan might return to San Jose, the former MLS franchise that is being reactivated next season. That would allow the Galaxy to sign another player who does not fit under the salary cap, and, if Klinsmann is in charge, expect that player to be a member of the 2006 Germany squad.

 

Re: the bolded part.

Msg: Thanks, Sunil. DIAF.

 

Thats almost depressing considering he should be coaching the US. This is something that is worthy of firing the President inorder to get him signed.

[Guest]

Gah, go to hell, Sunil.

[USSoccer]

Sunil Gulati is an idiot, as are most of the people that make up the USSF.