The Soccer Thread

[sethuel1]

BTW, the USMNT will play a friendly against Spain on June 4th.

 

Where?

 

Unsure. I'd bet maybe Boston or Chicago, though.

 

nsbb chicago meet-up if its in chicago? i'm in.

i will be at any usmnt game in chicago.

[wolf stansson]

Michael Bradley with a goal and assist this weekend.

Highlights.

 

Any thoughts on the US-Sweden C squad match up?

Nothing earthshattering happened. Landon Donovan looked like the best player on the field when he had the ball at his feet and it is a shame he isn't in Europe right now. I've come full circle on him and despite my anger from last summer, I am back to thinking that Landon could play with almost any team on earth and hold his own. Jozy Altidore played the second half and drew the penalty for the second goal. He didn't get a chance to do much but I was certainly impressed that he was too physical for even the gigantic Swedish defenders to handle. Guzan was awesome and Celtic scouts were in attendance. He goes for his tryout next week. He is going to give Howard a run for his money in qualifying.

BTW, the USMNT will play a friendly against Spain on June 4th.

 

Where?

 

Unsure. I'd bet maybe Boston or Chicago, though.

 

nsbb chicago meet-up if its in chicago? i'm in.

i will be at any usmnt game in chicago.

It's in Spain.

[sethuel1]

Michael Bradley with a goal and assist this weekend.

Highlights.

 

Any thoughts on the US-Sweden C squad match up?

Nothing earthshattering happened. Landon Donovan looked like the best player on the field when he had the ball at his feet and it is a shame he isn't in Europe right now. I've come full circle on him and despite my anger from last summer, I am back to thinking that Landon could play with almost any team on earth and hold his own. Jozy Altidore played the second half and drew the penalty for the second goal. He didn't get a chance to do much but I was certainly impressed that he was too physical for even the gigantic Swedish defenders to handle. Guzan was awesome and Celtic scouts were in attendance. He goes for his tryout next week. He is going to give Howard a run for his money in qualifying.

BTW, the USMNT will play a friendly against Spain on June 4th.

 

Where?

 

Unsure. I'd bet maybe Boston or Chicago, though.

 

nsbb chicago meet-up if its in chicago? i'm in.

i will be at any usmnt game in chicago.

It's in Spain.

that makes a lot more sense considering it's a Euro tuneup for Spain.

 

We should be able to get at least more game in against teams getting ready for Euros

[USSoccer]

It's in Spain.

that makes a lot more sense considering it's a Euro tuneup for Spain.

 

We should be able to get at least more game in against teams getting ready for Euros

 

The ESPN writeup I saw had the game stateside. Hmm.

 

Also, I do know we're playing Poland in Europe at some point this spring.

 

Finally, Bob Bradley needs to come up with a formation that allows Bradley to be a two-way central mid, and not just a destroyer next to another D mid. If he's having that much sucess at Hereneeven playing as a CAM, we need to figure out a way to allow him to do that at the international level. I don't know if BB will get away from the bucket 4-4-2 though.

[wolf stansson]

The ESPN writeup I saw had the game stateside. Hmm.

Luis Aragonés and the Spanish FA say it's in Spain. The oompa loompa said on the US MNT podcast that it is all but done but they won't officially announce it until contracts are signed.

Also, I do know we're playing Poland in Europe at some point this spring.

March 26, and it's a FIFA international release date so Bradley will have his pick of the squad.

[USSoccer]

The ESPN writeup I saw had the game stateside. Hmm.

Luis Aragonés and the Spanish FA say it's in Spain. The oompa loompa said on the US MNT podcast that it is all but done but they won't officially announce it until contracts are signed.

Also, I do know we're playing Poland in Europe at some point this spring.

March 26, and it's a FIFA international release date so Bradley will have his pick of the squad.

 

I might be halucinating, but we might add another European fixture that week of March 26. Are there 2 international dates that week?

[wvcbxl]

I might be halucinating, but we might add another European fixture that week of March 26. Are there 2 international dates that week?

 

The FIFA calender says march 26 only, so if there's another game in that week, clubs don't have to release their players. That date is an international friendly date, btw, the release window is only 48 hrs.

There's another two match (official this time) window from may 31 - june 4.

[wolf stansson]

From du nord:

US Soccer President Sunil Gulati told Fox Soccer Channel that the USA will probably play 2 games in the late May international window. I think the Spain game will be the 2nd of those, so look for another in America on Memorial Day weekend.

There's your other date, US.

 

Massive MLS Rumor Mongerville

It's official now that Chivas USA keeper Brad Guzan is off to Celtic for a serious trial. The word is that Celtic has offered 1 Million Pounds for the Worm. Damn that is low.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

 

While Celtic's Polish forward Maciej Zurawski could be headed to the Columbus Crew.

That offer is really low for Guzan. I think he is worth at least 3 mil.

[wolf stansson]

My desired lineup vs Mexico:

 

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Spector----------------------Stevie C

-----------Boca-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

Adu takes all corners, Donovan gets forward as much as possible.

There are some goals there, kids.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

[sethuel1]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

how is this good news? FSC was doing a fine job of putting up 3 games a weekend with decent commentary, and now it's all gonna be broadcast on the internet instead.

[sethuel1]

My desired lineup vs Mexico:

 

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Spector----------------------Stevie C

-----------Boca-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

Adu takes all corners, Donovan gets forward as much as possible.

There are some goals there, kids.

how bout a bucket 4-4-2 with Twellman up front, Adu and Altidore coming on as subs, and Jonathan Bornstein playing left back? That wet your whistle?

[shnsajax]

My desired lineup vs Mexico:

 

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Spector----------------------Stevie C

-----------Boca-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

Adu takes all corners, Donovan gets forward as much as possible.

There are some goals there, kids.

 

I would be very happy with that. Maybe Danny Szetela ready to replace Convey, though I don't think he is on the roster.

[MPC]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

how is this good news? FSC was doing a fine job of putting up 3 games a weekend with decent commentary, and now it's all gonna be broadcast on the internet instead.

i've enjoyed watching italian football on fsc, hopefully they pick up another euro league (bundesliga?), if they're dropping serie a.

[USSoccer]

My desired lineup vs Mexico:

 

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Spector----------------------Stevie C

-----------Boca-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

Adu takes all corners, Donovan gets forward as much as possible.

There are some goals there, kids.

how bout a bucket 4-4-2 with Twellman up front, Adu and Altidore coming on as subs, and Jonathan Bornstein playing left back? That wet your whistle?

 

That somethings my something.

 

I fully endorse Wolf's lineup, except that I'm still not happy with Gooch and Boca in the center at the same time.

[wolf stansson]

how bout a bucket 4-4-2 with Twellman up front, Adu and Altidore coming on as subs, and Jonathan Bornstein playing left back? That wet your whistle?

Well I'm okay with that as long as they sub out Deuce for Chris Rolfe when Adu and Altidore come on.

 

So this ESPN 360 crap, it means no more Seria A on FSC? That's [expletive]. I'm all for some Bundesliga on FSC because I like their package better than GOL TV's, but not at the expense of no more Italian coverage.

[wolf stansson]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

how is this good news? FSC was doing a fine job of putting up 3 games a weekend with decent commentary, and now it's all gonna be broadcast on the internet instead.

Update: ESPN 360 has exclusive rights to Internet only broadcasts. FSC and GOL TV will still be broadcasting Seria A and Coppa Italia matches.

GolTV has Inter Milan v Juventus at 3pm and Sampdoria v Roma at 12:30pm. FSC has AC Milan v Atalanta at 2:30pm.

 

I like this lineup too, but I don't know if Mexico is the first game to try it at.

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Boca----------------------Stevie C

----Parkhurst-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

[USSoccer]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

how is this good news? FSC was doing a fine job of putting up 3 games a weekend with decent commentary, and now it's all gonna be broadcast on the internet instead.

Update: ESPN 360 has exclusive rights to Internet only broadcasts. FSC and GOL TV will still be broadcasting Seria A and Coppa Italia matches.

GolTV has Inter Milan v Juventus at 3pm and Sampdoria v Roma at 12:30pm. FSC has AC Milan v Atalanta at 2:30pm.

 

I like this lineup too, but I don't know if Mexico is the first game to try it at.

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Boca----------------------Stevie C

----Parkhurst-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

 

They need to blood the newbies, so to speak. There's really no better way to do it than in a meaningless game against a quality opponent.

[shnsajax]

Good news Seth, ESPN360 got rights to Serie A and Coppa Italia.

how is this good news? FSC was doing a fine job of putting up 3 games a weekend with decent commentary, and now it's all gonna be broadcast on the internet instead.

Update: ESPN 360 has exclusive rights to Internet only broadcasts. FSC and GOL TV will still be broadcasting Seria A and Coppa Italia matches.

GolTV has Inter Milan v Juventus at 3pm and Sampdoria v Roma at 12:30pm. FSC has AC Milan v Atalanta at 2:30pm.

 

I like this lineup too, but I don't know if Mexico is the first game to try it at.

--------Altidore-----Dempsey-------

-----------------Adu---------------

---Convey----Bradley-----Donovan---

Boca----------------------Stevie C

----Parkhurst-------Gooch-----------

---------------Howard--------------

 

They need to blood the newbies, so to speak. There's really no better way to do it than in a meaningless game against a quality opponent.

 

That and they can play with them IMO, the speed of this team up front would cause a lot of problems. Not to mention getting them to hate Mexico as much as I do if they don't already.

[wolf stansson]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/

Michael Bradley is a goal-scoring machine.

 

The U.S. national team midfielder scored in his third straight league match and upped his goal total in all competitions to 13 as he notched a goal and assist in Heerenveen's 5-1 thrashing of VVV Venlo on Wednesday.

 

The goal was Bradley's ninth in league play, moving him within three goals of tying Brian McBride for most league goals scored in a season by an American in a European first division (McBride netted 12 for Fulham in 2006/2007). Bradley's 13 goals in all competitions is believed to be a record for an American in a season.

 

I don't know what to say other than I may love him.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts/post/Ruud-goes-back-to-Toon;_ylt=AgjDCg4sQS6SjqYbNahaN2ukvrYF?urn=sow,62741

Ruud goes back to Toon

 

By Martin Rogers

 

Monday, Jan 21, 2008 7:04 am EST

Celestine Babayaro Celestine Babayaro

 

Getty Images

 

Ruud Gullit's spell as Newcastle manager was the most disappointing period of his career, but that hasn't stopped the Los Angeles Galaxy coach from going back to his old club to sign left-back Celestine Babayaro.

 

Babayaro, who has struggled with injuries for much of the past three years at Newcastle, hopes to resurrect his career in L.A. after having his St James' Park contract paid up. The Nigerian also spent eight years at Chelsea after being bought by then-Chelsea boss Gullit from Anderlecht in 1997.

 

If Babayaro can stay healthy, he will be a positive addition to the Galaxy. Both Ty Harden and Mike Randolph performed solidly when used on the left side of defense last season, but Babayaro represents a significant step up in quality

[wolf stansson]

The Mexico camp courtesy of SBI

GOALKEEPERS – Steve Cronin (LA Galaxy), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Will Hesmer (Columbus Crew), Zach Wells (D.C. United)

 

DEFENDERS –Dan Califf (Aalborg BK), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Ramiro Corrales (SK Brann), Todd Dunivant (Toronto FC), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo)

 

MIDFIELDERS –Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)

 

FORWARDS – Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution), Jeremiah White (AGF Aarhus)

 

Bradley will add some European-based players to this group for the match, but it appears unlikely that Bradley will call in a full-strength squad.

 

Oh hell no. Those European-based players better be Michael Bradley, Freddy Adu, Clint Dempsey and Carlos Bocanegra at the very least.

 

Of those listed:

-----------Twellman---Jeremiah White----------

-Noonan---Clark----Beckerman---Donovan-

Corrales---Robinson---Parkhurst---Moor

--------------------Guzan----------------------

 

Crap. I'd really not like losing to Mexico. Good god that is hideous.

 

Plus I heard Mexico is coming full strength minus Castillo.

Edited January 25, 2008 by wolf stansson

[MPC]

eddie johnson to fulham is official.

[sethuel1]

Dan Califf has the athletic ability of a toaster oven.

[USSoccer]

Dan Califf has the athletic ability of a toaster oven.

 

That's unfair to toaster ovens. 80% of that roster is the international soccer equivalent of a AAA team. Just utter garbage. I counted 13 completely useless players, and I was being generous.

 

That's got to be just the camp roster. There will be European callups, unless the Oompaloompa wants Bradley to lose 6-0 to Mexico. I'd imagine we'd see Adu, Dempsey, Bocanegra, Howard and Bradley at the very, very least. Probably Gooch and 'Dolo as well. Also, don't discount some of the U-23 guys coming from Bradenton to Houston a couple days before the match. That could mean Edu, Altidore and Zizzo are in the mix.

[sethuel1]

Seriously, I'm always amused by Dan Califf's "defending", where he goes directly at the player with the ball, and if that player makes the slightest of moves from his current path, Califf falls over him in the most awkward way possible.