The Soccer Thread

[wolf stansson]

Chelsea has apparently made a 50 million euro bid for Fernando Torres.

I just saw a report on ESPN that Sven Goran Eriksson has reached a deal to become the new head coach of the Mexican national team.

I don't believe either of these things. Sven in Mexico? Can't see it. I heard he already had a deal in place to go back to Benfica. I don't believe the Chelsea/Torres thing because it's just ridiculous.

[shnsajax]

Chelsea has apparently made a 50 million euro bid for Fernando Torres.

I just saw a report on ESPN that Sven Goran Eriksson has reached a deal to become the new head coach of the Mexican national team.

I don't believe either of these things. Sven in Mexico? Can't see it. I heard he already had a deal in place to go back to Benfica. I don't believe the Chelsea/Torres thing because it's just ridiculous.

 

I read that too. I just don't see him dealing with Mexico in general. Besides the next time the US plays Mexico they will fire whoever the hire as a result from the loss :-).

[wolf stansson]

If you, like me, enjoy cheesy, inspirational sports footage, watch this highlight reel of Fulham escaping relegation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=copVfYSPmwA

[shnsajax]

If you, like me, enjoy cheesy, inspirational sports footage, watch this highlight reel of Fulham escaping relegation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=copVfYSPmwA

 

It was great, the importance of Brian McBride is just unreal for Fulham. I would love to hear what some Fulham fans think of McBride and Dempsey. I want to see McBride on the Olympic squad.

[wolf stansson]

SBI on the 33 player pool Bradley released for the big 3 upcoming friendlies:

GOALKEEPERS- Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

 

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

 

MIDFIELDERS- Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)

 

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)

 

 

Article on MLS turning down $8,000,000 transfer for Jozy from Reading.

Note to Red Bulls fans: Enjoy Jozy Altidore while he's around. With the kind of money the teenage striker is commanding, it won't be long before he relocates overseas.

 

Altidore confirmed Wednesday that the MLS turned down an $8 million transfer offer in January from English club Reading. It would have easily been the largest fee ever for an American player -- double the amount the MLS received for Tim Howard and quadruple the number for Freddy Adu.

 

The transfer offer was not a revelation; Altidore acknowledged it in February. But the amount of the offer had never been released.

 

According to Washingtonpost.com, which originally reported the amount Tuesday, the MLS is looking to get about $10 million for the top American prospect (a sum that is inflated a bit, given the decreasing value of the American dollar). While Altidore remained diplomatic about the process, he didn't hide his European aspirations.

 

"My dream is to go out there, no doubt," Altidore said. "But right now I'm here, I'm focused on being here and we'll see what happens when that time comes.

 

"You have to be fair: They're trying to make progress (in the MLS) as well. They just can't do whatever and let people out of their hands. I respect them tremendously with what they're trying to do; I understand what they're trying to do. I just have to trust both parties do the right thing."

 

Altidore, who has one year remaining on his contract, could leave during the summer transfer period, which ends in the middle of the MLS season. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds and still growing, he has been coveted by Spain's Real Madrid and top English Premier League teams.

 

Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said he has been through this process before as an assistant coach in Manchester City for six years. He said it will be easier to find a replacement in the summer transfer period, when players are less likely to be under contract.

 

"That's life. He goes and we'll find somebody who can play for him," Osorio said. "At the moment, my main responsibility, like with any other player, is to try to maximize his potential. But if he ends up going, I'm used to that.

 

"The club will always be there and the most important thing is the club."

 

Altidore has scored 14 goals in 34 games with the Red Bulls since 2006. He remains the team's top attraction with striker Juan Pablo Angel, and he is the subject of team billboards spread across New Jersey and New York.

[shnsajax]

SBI on the 33 player pool Bradley released for the big 3 upcoming friendlies:

GOALKEEPERS- Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

 

DEFENDERS- Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

 

MIDFIELDERS- Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids)

 

FORWARDS- Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)

 

 

Article on MLS turning down $8,000,000 transfer for Jozy from Reading.

Note to Red Bulls fans: Enjoy Jozy Altidore while he's around. With the kind of money the teenage striker is commanding, it won't be long before he relocates overseas.

 

Altidore confirmed Wednesday that the MLS turned down an $8 million transfer offer in January from English club Reading. It would have easily been the largest fee ever for an American player -- double the amount the MLS received for Tim Howard and quadruple the number for Freddy Adu.

 

The transfer offer was not a revelation; Altidore acknowledged it in February. But the amount of the offer had never been released.

 

According to Washingtonpost.com, which originally reported the amount Tuesday, the MLS is looking to get about $10 million for the top American prospect (a sum that is inflated a bit, given the decreasing value of the American dollar). While Altidore remained diplomatic about the process, he didn't hide his European aspirations.

 

"My dream is to go out there, no doubt," Altidore said. "But right now I'm here, I'm focused on being here and we'll see what happens when that time comes.

 

"You have to be fair: They're trying to make progress (in the MLS) as well. They just can't do whatever and let people out of their hands. I respect them tremendously with what they're trying to do; I understand what they're trying to do. I just have to trust both parties do the right thing."

 

Altidore, who has one year remaining on his contract, could leave during the summer transfer period, which ends in the middle of the MLS season. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds and still growing, he has been coveted by Spain's Real Madrid and top English Premier League teams.

 

Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said he has been through this process before as an assistant coach in Manchester City for six years. He said it will be easier to find a replacement in the summer transfer period, when players are less likely to be under contract.

 

"That's life. He goes and we'll find somebody who can play for him," Osorio said. "At the moment, my main responsibility, like with any other player, is to try to maximize his potential. But if he ends up going, I'm used to that.

 

"The club will always be there and the most important thing is the club."

 

Altidore has scored 14 goals in 34 games with the Red Bulls since 2006. He remains the team's top attraction with striker Juan Pablo Angel, and he is the subject of team billboards spread across New Jersey and New York.

 

Its funny that his transfer fee is going to be affected by the crappy dollar.

 

Congrats to Portsmouth today too. Great win for them winning a major trophy.

[MPC]

inter won serie a today with a 2-0 win over parma. (sorry seth)

 

there were some rumblings about a new espn3 that will make a move for more soccer coverage including the epl tv rights deal here in america.

 

i can't wait for wednesday in moscow.

[Jon]

It looks like it will be in HD. Sweet.

[shnsajax]

It looks like it will be in HD. Sweet.

 

I set my DVR for an extra 45 minutes in hopes of extra time. United has already played in one of the greatest finals ever, hopefully they have another one ready to go.

[Guest]

I'll predict that Man United wins 2-1. Tevez will give United the lead around the half hour mark but Drogba will equalize a few minutes before halftime, around the 40th minute. Ronaldo will net the winner in the 66th on another outstanding free kick and all but lock up the World Player of the Year in the process.

[sethuel1]

inter won serie a today with a 2-0 win over parma. (sorry seth)

 

there were some rumblings about a new espn3 that will make a move for more soccer coverage including the epl tv rights deal here in america.

 

i can't wait for wednesday in moscow.

I was a little hopeful until Ibra came on. He was pretty much all that was necessary. I was just hoping his hip was still injured.

[wolf stansson]

Beasley played for Ranger today. Bobby Convey, Eddie Lewis, thanks for your efforts, please enjoy the parting gifts.

[wolf stansson]

Argentina's squad for the US friendly:

* Roberto Abbondanzieri (Getafe-España)

* Oscar Ustari (Getafe – España)

* Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid – España)

* Fernando Gago (Real Madrid – España)

* Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atlético Madrid – España)

* Sergio Agüero (Atlético Madrid – España)

* Lionel Messi (Barcelona – España)

* Fabricio Coloccini (Deportivo La Coruna – España)

* Gonzalo Rodríguez (Villarreal – España)

* Pablo Zabaleta (Espanyol – España)

* Jonás Gutiérrez (Mallorca – España)

* Ever Banega (Valencia – España)

* Javier Zanetti (Internazionale – Italia)

* Julio Cruz (Internazionale – Italia)

* Esteban Cambiasso (Internazionale – Italia)

* Nicolás Burdisso (Internazionale – Italia)

* Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich – Alemania)

* José Sosa (Bayern Munich – Alemania)

* Javier Mascherano (Liverpool - Inglaterra)

* Lisandro López (Porto – Portugal)

* Fernando Cavenaghi (Bordeaux – Francia).

http://bigapplesoccer.com/article.php?article_id=14063

Prior to beginning its qualifying run against Barbados next month, the U.S. will play three high-profile friendlies against England (May 28), Spain (June 4) and Argentina (June 8). The U.S. hosts the Argentines, No. 1 in the FIFA rankings, at Giants Stadium at 7:30 p.m. that Sunday.

 

Arena wasn't certain how much those friendlies would help the American side.

 

"What you find out in a lot of this stuff is that friendlies are just really friendlies," he said. "It's not the same as qualifying. It's like these exhibition tours (for) Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's great, but its not the real animal. When the outcome of the game means something, you shift into another gear.

 

"I think the competition that coming up is great. But there are too many teams over a short period of time. That's going to be a tough one. I think two of those two games would have been great, not three. Maybe I will be wrong."

That's why we weren't prepared for '06, genius.

 

Good blog from Jozy on the upcoming friendlies: http://goal.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/jozy-altidore-in-the-pool/

Edited May 20, 2008 by wolf stansson

[wolf stansson]

Goff

GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton).

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Dan Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County).

FORWARDS: Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Nate Jaqua (out of contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham), Josh Wolff (out of contract).

Suck it, Mexico (Orozco), Adu and Feilhaber in the shop window and please someone sign our aging, crap forwards (Wolff, Jaqua)!

 

Selfishly would've liked to see Altidore, but with hints of fatigue and his minutes piling up this past season, why not save him for Spain or Argentina (considering he lives 3 blocks away from Meadowlands, he's a lock for that one). Would have also liked to see Edu, but I have a sneaking suspicion Clark is trying to make a move and they are putting him in the window too. Obviously Bradley is in the window, but he is at the point where he doesn't need any further advertising.

 

By the way, I was thinking about this the other day. Karim Benzema, a 20 year old striker, scored 26 goals in Ligue Uhh last year. He is probably going to transfer somewhere (Man United) for around 30 million dollars. Michael Bradley, a 20 year old holding midfielder, scored 21 goals in the Eredivisie, a comprable league and will probably draw a transfer fee of around 12 million dollars this summer.

 

No respect at all.

[USSoccer]

Goff

GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton).

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Dan Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County).

FORWARDS: Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Nate Jaqua (out of contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham), Josh Wolff (out of contract).

Suck it, Mexico (Orozco), Adu and Feilhaber in the shop window and please someone sign our aging, crap forwards (Wolff, Jaqua)!

 

Selfishly would've liked to see Altidore, but with hints of fatigue and his minutes piling up this past season, why not save him for Spain or Argentina (considering he lives 3 blocks away from Meadowlands, he's a lock for that one). Would have also liked to see Edu, but I have a sneaking suspicion Clark is trying to make a move and they are putting him in the window too. Obviously Bradley is in the window, but he is at the point where he doesn't need any further advertising.

 

By the way, I was thinking about this the other day. Karim Benzema, a 20 year old striker, scored 26 goals in Ligue Uhh last year. He is probably going to transfer somewhere (Man United) for around 30 million dollars. Michael Bradley, a 20 year old holding midfielder, scored 21 goals in the Eredivisie, a comprable league and will probably draw a transfer fee of around 12 million dollars this summer.

 

No respect at all.

 

Unfotunately for Josh Wolff, no one wants a forward that can't score. I like the roster other than the fact that Danny Califf should never, ever set foot upon Wembley. I'd also love to see a central defender other than Boca/Gooch log some time.

 

The game is next Wednesday on FSC, right?

[USSoccer]

I had asked a few months back which two players apart from Cristiano/Kaka/Messi/Ronaldinho/Henry that you'd most like to see as USMNT players (IIRC, I said Rooney and Fabregas). I'm going to pose a similar yet very different question: Which three USMNT regulars (ie, not camp fodder like Califf and the like) would you like to see launched from the player pool, their kits burned, and their names to be wiped clean and never to be seen or heard from again?

 

I'm picking three because I think I know one guy everyone is going to pick. Here are mine:

 

Eddie Johnson

Bobby Convey

Jimmy Conrad

 

Ej is obvious. I've made my loathing for him quite clear. Convey just plain kind of sucks. He always was more of a backup anyway, and quite honestly I can think of about 6 players I'd rather have out there than him backing up DMB and Clint. I think Conrad is a nice backup as well, but he's going to be past his expiration date by 2010, and thus, a 2002 Jeff Agoos candidate waiting to happen. I'd rather us develop new defenders than trot out limited guys based on experience.

 

FYI, players that missed the cut were Twellman (I think he's done anyway), Eddie Lewis (useful in the right role) and Brian Ching (someone has to get Jozy water and women).

[shnsajax]

I had asked a few months back which two players apart from Cristiano/Kaka/Messi/Ronaldinho/Henry that you'd most like to see as USMNT players (IIRC, I said Rooney and Fabregas). I'm going to pose a similar yet very different question: Which three USMNT regulars (ie, not camp fodder like Califf and the like) would you like to see launched from the player pool, their kits burned, and their names to be wiped clean and never to be seen or heard from again?

 

I'm picking three because I think I know one guy everyone is going to pick. Here are mine:

 

Eddie Johnson

Bobby Convey

Jimmy Conrad

 

Ej is obvious. I've made my loathing for him quite clear. Convey just plain kind of sucks. He always was more of a backup anyway, and quite honestly I can think of about 6 players I'd rather have out there than him backing up DMB and Clint. I think Conrad is a nice backup as well, but he's going to be past his expiration date by 2010, and thus, a 2002 Jeff Agoos candidate waiting to happen. I'd rather us develop new defenders than trot out limited guys based on experience.

 

FYI, players that missed the cut were Twellman (I think he's done anyway), Eddie Lewis (useful in the right role) and Brian Ching (someone has to get Jozy water and women).

 

Thats tough. Which piece of crap smells the prettiest. I think I might go with EJ simply because he could be a detriment to the team in training camp.

[wolf stansson]

USS, the game is next Wed. at 3pm est on ESPN Classic. Do they do HD? They better.

 

My 3 to walk the plank are Eddie Johnson, Josh Wolff ([expletive] stop calling them up over Jozy) and Danny Califf.

Convey and Lewis are contenders. I like Robbie Rogers and Stuart Holden better than them. I'd give Lewis a shot at right back in a meaningless friendly just to check him out maybe. Dan Califf just because he is [expletive] embarrassing. Kasey Keller would be number 4 probably. If Twellmen isn't done like it looks like he is, he makes the list too. Basically any forward who blocks Jozy can suck it.

 

How about 3 players you'd like to see get a shot?

 

For me, Orozco, Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kjlestan. Orozco is a solid central defender prospect with good touch, Rogers because we are weak at left mid and Kjlestan because homeboy has some offensive skillz.

[sethuel1]

Goff

GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi (out of contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton).

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham), Dan Califf (Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).

MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Lewis (Derby County).

FORWARDS: Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles), Nate Jaqua (out of contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham), Josh Wolff (out of contract).

Suck it, Mexico (Orozco), Adu and Feilhaber in the shop window and please someone sign our aging, crap forwards (Wolff, Jaqua)!

 

Selfishly would've liked to see Altidore, but with hints of fatigue and his minutes piling up this past season, why not save him for Spain or Argentina (considering he lives 3 blocks away from Meadowlands, he's a lock for that one). Would have also liked to see Edu, but I have a sneaking suspicion Clark is trying to make a move and they are putting him in the window too. Obviously Bradley is in the window, but he is at the point where he doesn't need any further advertising.

 

By the way, I was thinking about this the other day. Karim Benzema, a 20 year old striker, scored 26 goals in Ligue Uhh last year. He is probably going to transfer somewhere (Man United) for around 30 million dollars. Michael Bradley, a 20 year old holding midfielder, scored 21 goals in the Eredivisie, a comprable league and will probably draw a transfer fee of around 12 million dollars this summer.

 

No respect at all.

Karim benzema is viciously good and worth every penny paid for him. Not that I don't think Mikey Bradely isn't worth more, I'm just saying Benzema is absolutely that good.

 

My 3 players are EJ, Twellman, Convey.

 

Also I'd like to make an additional shout out for Ramiro Corrales, whose game against Mexico was the single worst game I can ever recall a left back playing, ever. i know he'll probably never be called up again, but I just want it to be written in stone.

[USSoccer]

How about 3 players you'd like to see get a shot?

 

For me, Orozco, Robbie Rogers and Sacha Kjlestan. Orozco is a solid central defender prospect with good touch, Rogers because we are weak at left mid and Kjlestan because homeboy has some offensive skillz.

 

The only change I'd make to that three would be maybe Michael Parkhurst instead of Rogers. I'd like Kjlestan to get a look, but with Bradley's stupid empty bucket, unless you're a straight D-Mid, you aren't getting a look in the center of the pitch. I really like Orozco. We need more defenders who can actually pass and handle the ball with some skill. I'm sick of Gooch and Boca just blasting balls in any direction.

 

Also I'd like to make an additional shout out for Ramiro Corrales, whose game against Mexico was the single worst game I can ever recall a left back playing, ever. i know he'll probably never be called up again, but I just want it to be written in stone.

 

Drew Moor on the right had an equally terrible game. Both of them would be on my list except that I consider them nothing but camp fodder.

 

Another name to consider launching into space would be Frankie Hejduk. I think he's done, but you never, ever know...

[MPC]

i've been waiting for this day for years, i can't believe it's finally here.

now it's to waiting around until 1:30 for it.

 

 

c'mon chels

[Jon]

I've disabled all sigs and avatars on the board. I can't take any chances on having the match spoiled before I watch it this evening.

[wolf stansson]

Karim benzema is viciously good and worth every penny paid for him. Not that I don't think Mikey Bradely isn't worth more, I'm just saying Benzema is absolutely that good.

I agree. I'm just pointing out the disparity. I mean, obviously there is a huge difference considering Benzema had a very nice showing for Lyon last year (24 games, 14 starts, 7 goals) and Bradley came out of nowhere this year. It's just pretty incredible what Bradley did this year, and if Bayern or Chelsea were talking about buying a midfielder from another country with an edge to him who scored 20 goals in the eredivisie, I'd expect a much higher transfer fee. I'd also be very, very excited.

[USSoccer]

Karim benzema is viciously good and worth every penny paid for him. Not that I don't think Mikey Bradely isn't worth more, I'm just saying Benzema is absolutely that good.

I agree. I'm just pointing out the disparity. I mean, obviously there is a huge difference considering Benzema had a very nice showing for Lyon last year (24 games, 14 starts, 7 goals) and Bradley came out of nowhere this year. It's just pretty incredible what Bradley did this year, and if Bayern or Chelsea were talking about buying a midfielder from another country with an edge to him who scored 20 goals in the eredivisie, I'd expect a much higher transfer fee. I'd also be very, very excited.

 

I dunno, the fact that American players have lower relative transfer fees makes our guys a little more attractive and accessible to the mid and lower table sides, which probably helps our overall player pool. To a top tier side, it's a complete steal. If Dempsey cost $12m in transfer fee, he'd still be in MLS. As it stood, he went to Fulham where his game has no doubt improved, and the only reason he went there is that FFC was bargain hunting. Bradley at $12m is a bargain for a side like Everton or Juve (please, please Juve). They're basically getting a player who has a quasi-Ballack upside for the cost of Craig Bellamy.

 

As the pool improves and we see Jozy, Freddy, and Bradley playing signifigant roles for big clubs, you'll see the overall fee for American players rise.

[Guest]

DAG NABBIT! I forgot to set my Tivo. :x