The Soccer Thread

[brinoch]

I like the roster a lot.

[wolf stansson]

Oh by the way, group b is us, Nigeria, Japan and the Netherlands.

 

Freddy is going to have to take this one by the horns if we don't want Nigeria to be this year's Ghana.

[shnsajax]

Oh by the way, group b is us, Nigeria, Japan and the Netherlands.

 

Freddy is going to have to take this one by the horns if we don't want Nigeria to be this year's Ghana.

 

I am actually a little suprised the US got everyone to be available. Wasn't sure about Jozy. Still that is 3 countries that usually excel in youth tournaments. This is going to be tough although I know nothing about what the others are bringing.

[wolf stansson]

http://www.soccerbyives.net

In an apparent attempt to secure a monopoly on all top American goalkeepers named Brad, Aston Villa is closing in on a $5 million move for former U.S. national team goalkeeper and Blackburn star Brad Friedel.

 

Friedel is looking to leave Blackburn after long-time manager Mark Hughes left Ewood Park and Villa is in the lead to secure his services. Some reports have called the deal already done, but conflicting reports say the deal is not yet complete.

[wolf stansson]

Kaka to Chelsea?

 

!!

[USSoccer]

Kaka to Chelsea?

 

!!

 

There's no freaking way Chelsea is paying $156m for anyone. That story has to be complete crap.

[sethuel1]

why have tickets for US vs. T&T not gone on sale yet? i want my tickets.

[Jon]

why have tickets for US vs. T&T not gone on sale yet? i want my tickets.

I read yesterday that the Fire just released information that it was going to be a bonus game for Fire season ticket holders. They're way behind, but it doesn't look like they've released ticket info for any of the other qualifier matches yet.

[wolf stansson]

Setanta reports Freddy to Monaco is a done deal. I am psyched for him to be at a team that truly appreciates and wants to feature him.

Benfica have loaned Freddy Adu to Monaco with a view to a permanent move.

 

The United States youngster, still only just turned 19, had a huge reputation as one of the best up-and-coming players on the planet and will view the transfer to Ligue 1 as a chance to get his career back on track.

 

The Ghana-born forward is due to compete for USA in the Olympic Games, probably alongside ex-Fulham attacker Brian McBride, but will be hoping to make an impact at Stade Louis II next term.

 

Benfica recently swooped for Pablo Aimar and were happy to let Adu complete his move away from the club on Monday evening.

 

Monaco have also registered an interest in another USA international, Michael Bradley of Heerenveen, and handed a trial to defender Lolo Igor of Metallurg Donetsk.

 

The Principality outfit have also been running the rule over Honduran Hendry Thomas, who is a target for Wigan Athletic.

[Jon]

Presale for the qualifier at Toyota Park:

 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/040040F3A6A42B13

Tuesday, 10 AM

Prices are $25 Endlines; $35 Corners; $45 Sidelines; $58 Midfield; $75 VIP Midfield; $90 VIP Midfield Bench Side; and $150 Front Row Seats

 

General Fan Sections: E6FIRST

Trinidad & Tobago Fan Sections: T2FIRST

 

Tickets then become available to Visa® cardholders only on July 25 at 8 a.m., followed by the general public sale on July 28

[sethuel1]

Presale for the qualifier at Toyota Park:

 

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/040040F3A6A42B13

Tuesday, 10 AM

Prices are $25 Endlines; $35 Corners; $45 Sidelines; $58 Midfield; $75 VIP Midfield; $90 VIP Midfield Bench Side; and $150 Front Row Seats

 

General Fan Sections: E6FIRST

Trinidad & Tobago Fan Sections: T2FIRST

 

Tickets then become available to Visa® cardholders only on July 25 at 8 a.m., followed by the general public sale on July 28

Badass.

 

Any idea what the max # of tickets that can be purchased is?

[Jon]

The email didn't say. It like won't be different than the general on-sale limit, though. Probably 20 tickets or more.

[sethuel1]

Weird. At first ticketmaster only let me get 4 tickets, so I bought 4 in the 2nd row of sec 117. Then I went back into the system and got another 16 in row 8 of the same section.

[USSoccer]

what's the offer code? i want ticket

[USSoccer]

Nevermind. I figured it out. I'm in section 117. Good times.

[Jon]

Weird. At first ticketmaster only let me get 4 tickets, so I bought 4 in the 2nd row of sec 117. Then I went back into the system and got another 16 in row 8 of the same section.

Yeah, I saw that as well. At least you shouldn't have a problem selling those 4 later on.

[wolf stansson]

http://www.yanks-abroad.com/get.php?mode=content&id=3941

The agent for American star Landon Donovan has refused to refute a Sky Sports report that the Galaxy attacker would be interested in a upcoming move to England.

 

Donovan was recently quoted by the English media giant as saying, "The older I get and the more I play, the more I'm yearning for that highest level I can play at."

 

"I think the Premiership would be the best place the play."

 

Donovan had a tumultuous adventure during his time at Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, but the cultural and language similarities appear to make the Premiership very appealing to the Los Angeles Galaxy maestro.

 

The US international's agent Richard Motzkin, though with few words, did not dispute the story.

 

"Yes, [Donovan has expressed to a desire to play in the Premier League,]" said Motzkin, before refusing comment about who, if any clubs had made contact this summer.

 

When asked if Donovan would entertain a move to the Premier League for the upcoming season if an offer took place prior to August 31, Motzkin quipped, "sure," before adding that any potential suitors would be, "ones that play entertaining, attacking and technical soccer."

 

Donovan, who is not a part of the United States Olympic team, will start Thursday in Major League Soccer's All-Star Game against West Ham United in Toronto.

So...Arsenal? Tottenham? I can't see him wanting to live outside of London, I can't see Chelsea wanting him and I can't see him wanting to live in Portsmouth.

[USSoccer]

I could see him at Spurs "replacing" Berbatov.

[wolf stansson]

I could see him at Spurs "replacing" Berbatov.

Yeah they lost out on Arshavin by all reports, and I think they are very similar players so he isn't a bad consolation prize. I don't think he can really replace Berbatov though.

 

Wenger did come out and say today that he wants another midfielder who can score. I'd love him to go to Arsenal or Tottenham.

 

I think the best part of all of this wouldn't be Landy raising his focus/game, but maybe Bob Bradley getting a better idea on how to use him by watching what Juande Ramos would do with him.

[USSoccer]

I could see him at Spurs "replacing" Berbatov.

Yeah they lost out on Arshavin by all reports, and I think they are very similar players so he isn't a bad consolation prize. I don't think he can really replace Berbatov though.

 

Wenger did come out and say today that he wants another midfielder who can score. I'd love him to go to Arsenal or Tottenham.

 

I think the best part of all of this wouldn't be Landy raising his focus/game, but maybe Bob Bradley getting a better idea on how to use him by watching what Juande Ramos would do with him.

 

I've given up hope on Bradley ever moving beyond the ODP mindset. He's not going to suddenly figure out international tactics because Ramos knows how.

 

If it results in a more assertive Donovan, that;'s the best we can hope for.

[wolf stansson]

http://withleather.uproxx.com/photo.phtml?post_key=6435&photo_key=1971

 

 

What the hell.

[wolf stansson]

McBride's rights to the Fire for Chad Barrett and a draft pick.

 

Chad Barrett, lol.

[USSoccer]

McBride's rights to the Fire for Chad Barrett and a draft pick.

 

Chad Barrett, lol.

 

Toronto FC's fans are going to love that hot mess.

[USSoccer]

So who is all going to the T&T game in September?

[Jon]

It's nice to see TFC cave. Hopefully an official announcement will come soon.

 

I've got tickets to the qualifier, but I'm not sure I'll be able to go.