The Soccer Thread

[Jon]

SI[/url]"]MANCHESTER, England (AP) -- Manchester United has threatened to report Real Madrid to FIFA over the Spanish club's attempts to lure Cristiano Ronaldo away from Old Trafford.

 

Madrid has admitted that it wants to buy the Portugal winger, whose 42 goals for the Red Devils this season helped United win the English Premier League and European Champions League trophies.

 

Although Ronaldo is only 13 months into a five-year deal, Madrid is reported as saying it is willing to pay a world-record transfer of about $118.8 million for the winger with the dazzling footwork and a powerful shot.

..................

Madrid president Ramon Calderon doesn't want to get involved in any kind of conflict with a subject where Madrid has "done nothing wrong."

 

"We haven't done, nor will we do anything against the wishes of a club that we consider a friend like Manchester United," Calderon was quoted on Real Madrid's Web site. "Our relationship with Manchester is magnificent and we will not do anything that would violate the will of a team, just as we would not like that done to us.

 

"We know Manchester doesn't want to sell and we have nothing to say. It's a problem between the player and his team."

That'd be some transfer fee.

[Guest]

Does anyone know of a website that streams ESPN Classic?

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Does anyone know of a website that streams ESPN Classic?

 

Not specifically, but you find places to get the game here:

 

http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=12878&part=sports

[jersey cubs fan]

Does anyone know of a website that streams ESPN Classic?

 

Just watch ESPN2 instead to see Maria.

[Jon]

I can't recall if the match has started yet and since I'm recording it and don't want it spoiled, I'm not going to read the last few posts so I'm not sure if this has been posted yet:

 

Red Card[/url]"]Brian McBride announced on Wednesday that he is leaving Fulham after four and a half years with the Premier League club. The Arlington Heights native scored 40 goals in 150 appearances for Fulham and was twice named the club's Player of the Year.

...............

Fire technical director Frank Klopas and former Fire coach Dave Sarachan have both said in past interviews that McBride is interested in returning to his hometown and playing for the Fire. According to Klopas, the interest is mutual.

...............

During that interview, Klopas said Toronto FC gets first dibs on McBride. The Fire would need Toronto to pass on McBride or make some sort of trade in order to sign him. There's also the issue of his asking price, which isn't going to be cheap considering he's coming from the Premier League.

[pitchcs]

The U.S. players all look like slobs with their shirts untucked.

 

On a side note: Soccer players are total whiners.

[imb]

can I get a LOL for tony meola?

 

i bought my first predator keeper jersey because of that guy

[pitchcs]

That 1st Half was utter domination.

[jersey cubs fan]

America sucks.

[pitchcs]

America sucks.

 

 

It really did look like they were about 1/2 the players England was. England had such pretty passing and the U.S. could barely control a ball in the air.

[USSoccer]

Given the lineup that was out there, I'm not shocked that we were totally beaten in every way possible. Not a single US player played well.

 

When you start Wolff/Johnson up front, you're asking to suck. Then, the stupid empty bucket meant that we had no midfield possesion, meaning DMB and Clint were cut off and dead.

 

That was tactically and personell-wise one of the worst matches I've seen the US play.

[shnsajax]

Given the lineup that was out there, I'm not shocked that we were totally beaten in every way possible. Not a single US player played well.

 

When you start Wolff/Johnson up front, you're asking to suck. Then, the stupid empty bucket meant that we had no midfield possesion, meaning DMB and Clint were cut off and dead.

 

That was tactically and personell-wise one of the worst matches I've seen the US play.

 

I pretty much thought the game was over once I saw the starting lineups. Seriously for a match that actually saw a lot of hype for an international friendly, to field a team like that in Wembley is an embarrassment.

[wolf stansson]

America sucks.

 

 

It really did look like they were about 1/2 the players England was. England had such pretty passing and the U.S. could barely control a ball in the air.

That would be because they are 1/2 the players England fielded. That was our B squad and the players missing are perhaps our two best offensive players. Donovan definitely and Altidore maybe. At our best, our A squad can hang with England's. You were looking at a motivated, on form England A squad and an awestruck, strategically poor American B squad.

 

Do you know very much about soccer, specifically this US side? If you do, you realize that despite how you feel about Landon Donovan, he is our talisman. His pace would have stretched the English midfield loosening the stranglehold they had. His passing would have sprung Dempsey, who would have played up front in place of Wolff (who I'll get to later). His vision would have found offensive opportunities that weren't there without him.

 

Now to our ridiculous strike partnership.

 

I don't EVER want to see either of those guys in the American colors ever again. Ever. One is a recently converted right-winger for a MID-TABLE, BUNDESLIGA 2 side. That's right, their second tier league. Eddie Johnson is a RESERVE PLAYER for a Premiership side that should have been relegated. RESERVE PLAYER. Wolff has no pace, no ability in the air and no finishing instincts. This isn't a recent development either, which is why I find it so mind-boggling that he is on the squad let alone starting. Eddie Johnson is a [expletive]. That pretty much sums him up. If Josh Wolff had Eddie Johnson's ability, he'd probably be a world class striker. I understand that Jozy is only 18 and stretched pretty thin right now and I understand Bradley didn't want to drag a bunch of MLS players all the way to England, but give me Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper over those two guys every day of the week. Hell, give me Taylor Twellmen. Dempsey and Adu should have started up front with Eddie Lewis on the right wing.

 

Our midfield was pretty meh. Our 4 was better than their 4 but neither did much. Beasley was very active, but we know enough about DeMarcus to know that he can't create on his own. His elite speed and shiftiness are best utilized when he doesn't have the ball at his feet. He had the ball at his feet more than any other front 2/3 player for us today. Clark did nothing. Dempsey did nothing. There was really nothing for him to do. Clint is a nice offensive player, but you can't expect him to thrive taking on Lampard, Rio, Terry, Gerrard and Cole by himself.

 

Our central defense was good. I thought Gooch and Boca did an excellent job on Rooney (most overrated player in the world? Possibly.) and Defoe. Cherundolo and Pearce tried to get forward, but that is a tough midfield to get through with no support.

 

Howard and Guzan were faultless. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad.

 

Bottom line, we really need another midfielder to step up and lock down that spot next to Bradley. I don't see any coming up the pipeline unfortunately. Feilhaber needs to step up and outside of him, I guess Kljestan is another to look at.

 

I am a Bob Bradley fan, but until he starts using these friendlies to actually experiment with his lineup, we are not going to have an identity. As great as that Poland game was, it was from set pieces and Landon Donovan. It has been far, far too long since Clint did anything on the National level. I love Clint, but all this bouncing around is screwing him over. I will say that his time at Fulham has greatly improved his defensive work rate. I was very impressed with that aspect of his game today. I say move him inside.

 

 

I think this lineup would have competed today.

----------Altidore-----Adu-------------

-DMB--Bradley--Dempey---Donovan-

-Pearce--Boca--Onyewu--Cherundolo-

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

 

Bench - Guzan, Feilhaber, Edu, Cooper, Bornstein, Lewis, Kljestan, DeMerit.

 

God that game was annoying.

[wolf stansson]

I just read Ives' running commentary and this statement would be a lot funnier if it wasn't true:

63rd minute- As most expected, the American attack has been toothless without Landon Donovan and with Eddie Johnson and Josh Wolff. It's time to start looking into getting some uncapped Brazilian forwards married to some American women or something because the U.S. forward pool needs some help (and that's even with Jozy Altidore on the way).

 

Seriously, let's make this happen. If you elect me President of the USSF in place of the oompa loompa, I promise that no longer will the Eduardo Di Silva's of the world go to freaking Croatia. I will brave the City of God, find the next Tevez and Messi (Argentinian yes, but you get the gist - best strike force in the world) and bring them to Bradenton. I will shower them with gifts and Italian coaches. I will show them Band of Brothers, Michael Jordan and Hannah Montana to make them love America. We will listen to Kanye West together and I will lead us to the promised land.

Edited May 29, 2008 by wolf stansson

[brinoch]

Eddie Johnson was the absolute worst player on that field. Including the little kids during the introductions and anthems. I made my wife laugh with all the imprecations, curses, and abuse I hurled at his lazy, crappy behind. He is just awful.

[shnsajax]

In case anyone hasnt noticed espn classic every weekday at 5pm is showing an old Euro Final matchup. Today was 1980 West Germany v Belgium. Tomorrow the 84 Final, then 88 and so on. I love watching the old finals, getting to see Platini tomorrow will be great, then of course Marco Van Basten :-).

[wolf stansson]

Good news for Jon, others: Steven Goff says a reliable source says McGod is coming back to MLS only to play for Chicago. A deal is almost in place to acquire his rights and the dp slot from Toronto. Probably for Chad Barrett and a defender, maybe Conde. A lot to give up, yes, but well worth it. An attack with Blanco, Rolfe, Thorrington and McGod would be awesome. I would also purchase a McBride Fire kit. Plus you would no longer have to root for Barrett which would be a plus.

[Jon]

That would be sweet.

 

I'm not sure why I avoided finding out the score once I started watching and saw Johnson and Wolff out there.

[shnsajax]

Good news for Jon, others: Steven Goff says a reliable source says McGod is coming back to MLS only to play for Chicago. A deal is almost in place to acquire his rights and the dp slot from Toronto. Probably for Chad Barrett and a defender, maybe Conde. A lot to give up, yes, but well worth it. An attack with Blanco, Rolfe, Thorrington and McGod would be awesome. I would also purchase a McBride Fire kit. Plus you would no longer have to root for Barrett which would be a plus.

 

I have enjoyed watching McBride in England as it is nice to watch an American have consistent success for many years at Fulham.

[USSoccer]

That would be because they are 1/2 the players England fielded. That was our B squad and the players missing are perhaps our two best offensive players. Donovan definitely and Altidore maybe. At our best, our A squad can hang with England's. You were looking at a motivated, on form England A squad and an awestruck, strategically poor American B squad.

 

Now to our ridiculous strike partnership.

 

I don't EVER want to see either of those guys in the American colors ever again. Ever. One is a recently converted right-winger for a MID-TABLE, BUNDESLIGA 2 side. That's right, their second tier league. Eddie Johnson is a RESERVE PLAYER for a Premiership side that should have been relegated. RESERVE PLAYER. Wolff has no pace, no ability in the air and no finishing instincts. This isn't a recent development either, which is why I find it so mind-boggling that he is on the squad let alone starting. Eddie Johnson is a [expletive]. That pretty much sums him up. If Josh Wolff had Eddie Johnson's ability, he'd probably be a world class striker. I understand that Jozy is only 18 and stretched pretty thin right now and I understand Bradley didn't want to drag a bunch of MLS players all the way to England, but give me Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper over those two guys every day of the week. Hell, give me Taylor Twellmen. Dempsey and Adu should have started up front with Eddie Lewis on the right wing.

 

Our midfield was pretty meh. Our 4 was better than their 4 but neither did much. Beasley was very active, but we know enough about DeMarcus to know that he can't create on his own. His elite speed and shiftiness are best utilized when he doesn't have the ball at his feet. He had the ball at his feet more than any other front 2/3 player for us today. Clark did nothing. Dempsey did nothing. There was really nothing for him to do. Clint is a nice offensive player, but you can't expect him to thrive taking on Lampard, Rio, Terry, Gerrard and Cole by himself.

 

Id say more, but this sums it up perfectly. We had our 6th and 7th best strikers playing an A friendly in Wembley. Bradley needs to think outside the box tactically.

[sethuel1]

Can I just add that despite the fact that Rico Clark was the only player on the field that was in-season, he looked like hot ass?

 

Also, when Frankie Hejduk showed up on the field I just laughed.

 

Also, I'm unsure as to whether or not Josh Wolff actually played in the game.

 

P.S. how long is Bradley going to get a free pass from the US Soccer media for only having one formation?

[wolf stansson]

Can I just add that despite the fact that Rico Clark was the only player on the field that was in-season, he looked like hot ass?

Yeah he was the most responsible for those two goals. Gareth Barry just smoked him before he put that perfect ball in for Gerrard and of course that [expletive] foul that Becks put in perfectly for the Terry header. I know Clark wants to go abroad, but Maurice Edu is better. If you must do the double destroyer, at least use the better destroyer who can actually pass a little bit.

 

I just reread my rant from earlier. Let me clarify something, I said "Our 4 was better than their 4" and I realize when referencing the midfield that could read like I was saying our 4 midfielders were better than their 4. That would be a ridiculous statement to make. What I meant was Michael Bradley (#4) was a better player in the center mid spot than Owen Hargreaves (#4). They were both pretty disruptive and held the ball well, but Bradley's tackles were more disruptive and he had to cover much more ground than Hargreaves.

[jersey cubs fan]

America sucks.

 

 

It really did look like they were about 1/2 the players England was. England had such pretty passing and the U.S. could barely control a ball in the air.

That would be because they are 1/2 the players England fielded. That was our B squad and the players missing are perhaps our two best offensive players. Donovan definitely and Altidore maybe. At our best, our A squad can hang with England's. You were looking at a motivated, on form England A squad and an awestruck, strategically poor American B squad.

 

Do you know very much about soccer, specifically this US side? If you do, you realize that despite how you feel about Landon Donovan, he is our talisman. His pace would have stretched the English midfield loosening the stranglehold they had. His passing would have sprung Dempsey, who would have played up front in place of Wolff (who I'll get to later). His vision would have found offensive opportunities that weren't there without him.

 

Now to our ridiculous strike partnership.

 

I don't EVER want to see either of those guys in the American colors ever again. Ever. One is a recently converted right-winger for a MID-TABLE, BUNDESLIGA 2 side. That's right, their second tier league. Eddie Johnson is a RESERVE PLAYER for a Premiership side that should have been relegated. RESERVE PLAYER. Wolff has no pace, no ability in the air and no finishing instincts. This isn't a recent development either, which is why I find it so mind-boggling that he is on the squad let alone starting. Eddie Johnson is a [expletive]. That pretty much sums him up. If Josh Wolff had Eddie Johnson's ability, he'd probably be a world class striker. I understand that Jozy is only 18 and stretched pretty thin right now and I understand Bradley didn't want to drag a bunch of MLS players all the way to England, but give me Brian Ching and Kenny Cooper over those two guys every day of the week. Hell, give me Taylor Twellmen. Dempsey and Adu should have started up front with Eddie Lewis on the right wing.

 

Our midfield was pretty meh. Our 4 was better than their 4 but neither did much. Beasley was very active, but we know enough about DeMarcus to know that he can't create on his own. His elite speed and shiftiness are best utilized when he doesn't have the ball at his feet. He had the ball at his feet more than any other front 2/3 player for us today. Clark did nothing. Dempsey did nothing. There was really nothing for him to do. Clint is a nice offensive player, but you can't expect him to thrive taking on Lampard, Rio, Terry, Gerrard and Cole by himself.

 

Our central defense was good. I thought Gooch and Boca did an excellent job on Rooney (most overrated player in the world? Possibly.) and Defoe. Cherundolo and Pearce tried to get forward, but that is a tough midfield to get through with no support.

 

Howard and Guzan were faultless. Nothing spectacular, but nothing bad.

 

Bottom line, we really need another midfielder to step up and lock down that spot next to Bradley. I don't see any coming up the pipeline unfortunately. Feilhaber needs to step up and outside of him, I guess Kljestan is another to look at.

 

I am a Bob Bradley fan, but until he starts using these friendlies to actually experiment with his lineup, we are not going to have an identity. As great as that Poland game was, it was from set pieces and Landon Donovan. It has been far, far too long since Clint did anything on the National level. I love Clint, but all this bouncing around is screwing him over. I will say that his time at Fulham has greatly improved his defensive work rate. I was very impressed with that aspect of his game today. I say move him inside.

 

 

I think this lineup would have competed today.

----------Altidore-----Adu-------------

-DMB--Bradley--Dempey---Donovan-

-Pearce--Boca--Onyewu--Cherundolo-

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

 

Bench - Guzan, Feilhaber, Edu, Cooper, Bornstein, Lewis, Kljestan, DeMerit.

 

God that game was annoying.

 

Not really, and definitely no.

 

And I also didn't understand a word you wrote.

[wolf stansson]

Not really, and definitely no.

 

And I also didn't understand a word you wrote.

Well basically what I said is that we were missing a few of our best players, England is really good, we were really bad yesterday but we aren't actually a really bad team. Certainly not as good as England, but I'd wager were we to play them 10 times home and away with a full squad, we'd win 2, draw 4 and lose 4.

[wolf stansson]

Here is Kenny Cooper's goal from yesterday against Houston.

 

http://mls.gotuit.com/?c=2008&p=216774&s=3035586&i=297670

 

With all the long ball we played yesterday and going up agaisnst Rio and JT, Bob Bradley is a joke if he doesn't think a player like Kenny Cooper would have been far, far more useful than Josh MF'ing Wolff.

 

Bah. I realize I'm still whining about a friendly and that's pretty weak. It's just that I'm doing it not because we lost, but because we lost for all the wrong reasons and has been the case with Bob Bradley fielded teams a few times now.