The Soccer Thread

[Guest]

Suck it, Italy.

[wolf stansson]

Suck it, Italy.

More like, Suck it, America because now Egypt will be playing for keeps.

[wolf stansson]

I was on Beasley's wiki page just now. Check out his international goal chart:

 

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm16/dhohulin/demarcusintlgoals.jpg

 

 

Talk about scoring on tough competition.

 

 

Carlos freakin Bocanegra has a more impressive strike record for the Nats.

 

 

This is my preferred lineup from now on.

 

 

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

--Spec------Gooch---Boca--------Born---

-------------------Jones------------------------

Clark------Edu--------Mastroeni--Bradley

-------------------Ching-------------------------

 

 

NIL-NIL BABY! LET'S GRIND OUT THOSE RESULTS!

[USSoccer]

We're awful. We're going to go 0-3.

 

It's a good thing our key players are going to get 2 months off before Azteca, and it's even better that Jermaine will be eligible for that game, because:

 

-Clint needs some time off badly because he's making terrible decisions and looks like he's going to die on the field.

-We need the Gold Cup to allow guys like Adu, Torres, Benny and someone like Robbie Rogers to get some burn and remove some of our more awful options.

-We need some time to take DMB back to Scotland and leave him there.

-Sacha needs to go away, as he was horrible all game, quit on the counter before Robhino's strike, and committed a truly stupid foul, damning us to the distinction of having played exactly 50% of our CC minutes with 9 outfield players

 

Seriously, I want none of the starters playing in the Gold Cup except Jozy:

 

Davies--Altidore

Adu

Torres--Benny--Rogers

Pearce--Demerit--Marshall--Spector

 

Every game. That. Every game.

 

I don't give a [expletive] about shape or defending. Develop some of these guys so that we don't have to see DMB, Mastro, Sacha, Califf, Ching, and EJ ever freaking again.

 

EDIT:

 

That said, if I know Bradley and the USSF, we'll see:

 

Jozy--Casey

 

Torres--Clark--Bradley--DMB

 

Pearce--Califf--Demerit---Hejduk

 

Because it's really effing important to win-nay, "defend" the Gold Cup in an off year. Idiots.

[wolf stansson]

I want

 

-----------------------Bradley G-------------------------

--John S-------Jay D------Chad M--------don't give a rat's ass

-----Stew H------------Ben F------------JF Torres-----

-------------------------Fred A--------------------------

-------------------Charlie D-----Joe A----------------

 

B - Cooper, Conrad, Rogers, Parkhurst, Bornstein, Simek, various others.

[USSoccer]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley. It's stunning to see the level of "play the game the right way" crap spewing from some people. It's like people don't get that we won't ever, ever hustle or work-rate our way to a World Cup.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he (Bradley) needs to get canned.

Edited June 19, 2009 by USSoccer

[Guest]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he needs to get canned.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you think there's a chance it happens? In the last six matches, the only good performance was a 3-0 win over T&T.

[USSoccer]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he needs to get canned.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you think there's a chance it happens? In the last six matches, the only good performance was a 3-0 win over T&T.

 

Because the Confederations Cup isn't viewed as important by the powers that be. The only way he'd get himself fired is if we failed to qualify (not likely since our region sucks) or if/when we get bounced after the group stage next year. I don't think Gulati has the stones to fire him. Even if we did, would the USSF just promote Hackworth or Ellinger or Rongen? That's more of the same-one of those idiots once told an ODP squad that they'd rather have them emulate Frankie Hejduk than Zidane (who was called a show-pony in said speech). Klinsmann's time at FC Hollywood didn't exactly make me regret his not getting the job either, but I guess he'd be the best likely option, since at least he's not of the system.

 

I also think we all underestimated the effect Nowak had on the team, because ever since he quit, we've crapped all over ourselves. We're 1-3 with a GD of -7, and have given up goals in the first 10 minutes of three games, and been red carded twice, both times for idiot fouls that never should have happened.

 

The earliest it could happen would be after Azteca, but even then we have so many built in excuses to keep the symptoms of the disease in place. We never win there, the Confed Cup was a test, we'd still be in 2nd place in the Hex...I just don't see it.

 

Unless he really has lost the locker room, which is what Voros (McCracken) is theorizing. And if that's the case, given that Nike wields some clout and Deuce is Nike's guy, then maybe.

[shnsajax]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he needs to get canned.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you think there's a chance it happens? In the last six matches, the only good performance was a 3-0 win over T&T.

 

Because the Confederations Cup isn't viewed as important by the powers that be. The only way he'd get himself fired is if we failed to qualify (not likely since our region sucks) or if/when we get bounced after the group stage next year. I don't think Gulati has the stones to fire him. Even if we did, would the USSF just promote Hackworth or Ellinger or Rongen? That's more of the same-one of those idiots once told an ODP squad that they'd rather have them emulate Frankie Hejduk than Zidane (who was called a show-pony in said speech). Klinsmann's time at FC Hollywood didn't exactly make me regret his not getting the job either, but I guess he'd be the best likely option, since at least he's not of the system.

 

I also think we all underestimated the effect Nowak had on the team, because ever since he quit, we've crapped all over ourselves. We're 1-3 with a GD of -7, and have given up goals in the first 10 minutes of three games, and been red carded twice, both times for idiot fouls that never should have happened.

 

The earliest it could happen would be after Azteca, but even then we have so many built in excuses to keep the symptoms of the disease in place. We never win there, the Confed Cup was a test, we'd still be in 2nd place in the Hex...I just don't see it.

 

Unless he really has lost the locker room, which is what Voros (McCracken) is theorizing. And if that's the case, given that Nike wields some clout and Deuce is Nike's guy, then maybe.

 

I'm curious as to how the firing of Bradley could hurt/help Michael?

[USSoccer]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he needs to get canned.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you think there's a chance it happens? In the last six matches, the only good performance was a 3-0 win over T&T.

 

Because the Confederations Cup isn't viewed as important by the powers that be. The only way he'd get himself fired is if we failed to qualify (not likely since our region sucks) or if/when we get bounced after the group stage next year. I don't think Gulati has the stones to fire him. Even if we did, would the USSF just promote Hackworth or Ellinger or Rongen? That's more of the same-one of those idiots once told an ODP squad that they'd rather have them emulate Frankie Hejduk than Zidane (who was called a show-pony in said speech). Klinsmann's time at FC Hollywood didn't exactly make me regret his not getting the job either, but I guess he'd be the best likely option, since at least he's not of the system.

 

I also think we all underestimated the effect Nowak had on the team, because ever since he quit, we've crapped all over ourselves. We're 1-3 with a GD of -7, and have given up goals in the first 10 minutes of three games, and been red carded twice, both times for idiot fouls that never should have happened.

 

The earliest it could happen would be after Azteca, but even then we have so many built in excuses to keep the symptoms of the disease in place. We never win there, the Confed Cup was a test, we'd still be in 2nd place in the Hex...I just don't see it.

 

Unless he really has lost the locker room, which is what Voros (McCracken) is theorizing. And if that's the case, given that Nike wields some clout and Deuce is Nike's guy, then maybe.

 

I'm curious as to how the firing of Bradley could hurt/help Michael?

 

Mikey is our best central mid. If anything, we'd get a coach that knew how to use him/pair him with someone productive.

 

BB got fired from the Metros and it didn't hurt Mikey. Mikey went to Holland, advanced through the reserves and scored 20, then moved to Gladbach and did the same thing without the padded Erdivisie goal total. He won't be a problem.

[shnsajax]

I had mentally tuned out by the end, but everyone on BS is menstruating about Deuce pulling out a bunch of tricks in the final 15 as an "eff-you" to Bradley.

 

I know there's no shot of it happening, but he needs to get canned.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you think there's a chance it happens? In the last six matches, the only good performance was a 3-0 win over T&T.

 

Because the Confederations Cup isn't viewed as important by the powers that be. The only way he'd get himself fired is if we failed to qualify (not likely since our region sucks) or if/when we get bounced after the group stage next year. I don't think Gulati has the stones to fire him. Even if we did, would the USSF just promote Hackworth or Ellinger or Rongen? That's more of the same-one of those idiots once told an ODP squad that they'd rather have them emulate Frankie Hejduk than Zidane (who was called a show-pony in said speech). Klinsmann's time at FC Hollywood didn't exactly make me regret his not getting the job either, but I guess he'd be the best likely option, since at least he's not of the system.

 

I also think we all underestimated the effect Nowak had on the team, because ever since he quit, we've crapped all over ourselves. We're 1-3 with a GD of -7, and have given up goals in the first 10 minutes of three games, and been red carded twice, both times for idiot fouls that never should have happened.

 

The earliest it could happen would be after Azteca, but even then we have so many built in excuses to keep the symptoms of the disease in place. We never win there, the Confed Cup was a test, we'd still be in 2nd place in the Hex...I just don't see it.

 

Unless he really has lost the locker room, which is what Voros (McCracken) is theorizing. And if that's the case, given that Nike wields some clout and Deuce is Nike's guy, then maybe.

 

I'm curious as to how the firing of Bradley could hurt/help Michael?

 

Mikey is our best central mid. If anything, we'd get a coach that knew how to use him/pair him with someone productive.

 

BB got fired from the Metros and it didn't hurt Mikey. Mikey went to Holland, advanced through the reserves and scored 20, then moved to Gladbach and did the same thing without the padded Erdivisie goal total. He won't be a problem.

 

I wonder if we can rent Arsene Wenger the same way Chelsea did Hiddink ;-)

[UMFan83]

Not exactly a bold statement, but I think it's safe to say the 2002 World Cup was a peak in USMNT history and not a stepping stone to better things. We will never be organized enough or develop enough talent to be amongst the top few teams in the world. I can't see us ever competing for championships in international tournaments that involve European and South American teams.

 

Hopefully I'm wrong though...the country certainly has a large enough population to produce professional soccer players from the scraps left by baseball, football, basketball and hockey.

[chuckywang]

Realistically we have no shot at the knockout stage right? The best we can do is have a 3-way tie for second with 3 points each, but we're way behind on the GD?

[chuckywang]

Not exactly a bold statement, but I think it's safe to say the 2002 World Cup was a peak in USMNT history and not a stepping stone to better things. We will never be organized enough or develop enough talent to be amongst the top few teams in the world. I can't see us ever competing for championships in international tournaments that involve European and South American teams.

 

Hopefully I'm wrong though...the country certainly has a large enough population to produce professional soccer players from the scraps left by baseball, football, basketball and hockey.

 

Have you seen the number of soccer fields recently? I don't know any little kid that hasn't played soccer at some point. It's definitely becoming more popular.

[Guest]

Realistically we have no shot at the knockout stage right? The best we can do is have a 3-way tie for second with 3 points each, but we're way behind on the GD?

 

Pretty much. Here are the standings right now:

 

CLUB   GP  W    L   D Pts   GD
Brazil  2	2	0	0	6	4
Italy	2	1	1	0	3	1
Egypt	2	1	1	0	3	0
USA	  2	0	2	0	0	-5

 

For starters, we need to beat Egypt and have Brazil beat Italy. Assuming that happens, we have to pass both Italy and Egypt in goal differential. To pass Egypt, we have to win by at least three goals. Anything less, and the other match doesn't matter to us. Assuming we're able to do that, we would need Brazil to beat Italy by at least three goals (which would tie us on GD) or to win out, Brazil would have to win by four. Basically we have to win by three and then have the sum of our win and Italy's loss be at least seven (i.e., we win 5-0, they lose 2-0).

 

And that's not happening.

[Guest]

Because the Confederations Cup isn't viewed as important by the powers that be. The only way he'd get himself fired is if we failed to qualify (not likely since our region sucks) or if/when we get bounced after the group stage next year. I don't think Gulati has the stones to fire him. Even if we did, would the USSF just promote Hackworth or Ellinger or Rongen? That's more of the same-one of those idiots once told an ODP squad that they'd rather have them emulate Frankie Hejduk than Zidane (who was called a show-pony in said speech). Klinsmann's time at FC Hollywood didn't exactly make me regret his not getting the job either, but I guess he'd be the best likely option, since at least he's not of the system.

 

I also think we all underestimated the effect Nowak had on the team, because ever since he quit, we've crapped all over ourselves. We're 1-3 with a GD of -7, and have given up goals in the first 10 minutes of three games, and been red carded twice, both times for idiot fouls that never should have happened.

 

The earliest it could happen would be after Azteca, but even then we have so many built in excuses to keep the symptoms of the disease in place. We never win there, the Confed Cup was a test, we'd still be in 2nd place in the Hex...I just don't see it.

 

Unless he really has lost the locker room, which is what Voros (McCracken) is theorizing. And if that's the case, given that Nike wields some clout and Deuce is Nike's guy, then maybe.

 

Yeah, looking at the schedule I think you're right. The two times I could see him getting canned are right after this or, if they lay an egg at the Gold Cup (not advancing or sucking in the group stage and getting bounced in the quarterfinals). He's not getting fired after the game in Mexico for the reasons you mentioned, unless they get absolutely thrashed 4-0 or something like that.

 

The only other time would be if we didn't qualify for the WC which would take a ridiculous collapse.

 

But since I doubt that we suck in the Gold Cup and I doubt that we fail to qualify for the World Cup, you're right, it's likely Bradley's going to be the coach through the 2010 WC.

[Guest]

Finally saw the red card on Sacha and while it was a stupid foul, that was a weaker card than Clark's on Monday. Clark's was much later with his leg a foot off the ground.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

*wrong thread. multiple windows. should probably be working anyway* Edited June 19, 2009 by Hairyducked Idiot

[wolf stansson]

A hundred years from now, people are going to look back at copyright laws and wonder at them.

 

They are outdated and technology makes them more or less irrelevant, and what we're seeing is the last spasms. Sorry for that woman that she got caught in the middle. But then again, if you know it's illegal, you accept the risks.

 

This is the one issue where I agree with the libertarians: the entire concept of intellectual property is flawed.

Yeah, plus there isn't an American coach out there with the tactical saavy to go head-to-head against the world's best. I guess Preki or Dom Kinnear would be worth a try if we have to go domestic. Obviously I'd like to see someone foreign and unbiased who can take a long, honest look at our player pool and find our best squad.

[wolf stansson]

How great is this?

 

Spoiler'd for nsfw language:

 

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3641472859_b8091a250b_o.jpg

 

 

 

Wynalda, lol.

[USSoccer]

I'm torn between wanting us to win pretty (ie, goals from the run of play, not some 2-1 gritty win with a PK and a set piece goal) and wanting Egypt to pulverize us so the Fire Bradley movement gains some irresistible steam.

 

Things to watch for:

 

-Deuce will likely sit, not because of the Rabona-Bunny Hop-Step Over display in the final 15 (which upon review actually created chances, and only the Rabona could qualify as stupid) but because he is obviously gassed and has already played 180 minutes, half with 9 outfield players, and he;d be playing again on 2 days rest. If he starts, he should be subbed at the 60 minute mark.

 

-Today is Torres and Adu's best chance for some PT. Ironically, since we're not actually eliminated, I'm wondering if BB will just play his usual lineup.

 

My favored XI:

 

Alti-Deuce

Adu

Donovan--Bradley--Torres

Bornstein--DeM--Gooch--JSpec

 

Clint and Jozy would be a better combination that Casey or Donovan would provide and free him up to attack. I'd love to see that if only because we need goals, and creative players on the pitch. Knowing BB, though, there's not enough workrate there to get Captain ODP all rubbery.

[Guest]

I'm torn between wanting us to win pretty (ie, goals from the run of play, not some 2-1 gritty win with a PK and a set piece goal) and wanting Egypt to pulverize us so the Fire Bradley movement gains some irresistible steam.

 

Things to watch for:

 

-Deuce will likely sit, not because of the Rabona-Bunny Hop-Step Over display in the final 15 (which upon review actually created chances, and only the Rabona could qualify as stupid) but because he is obviously gassed and has already played 180 minutes, half with 9 outfield players, and he;d be playing again on 2 days rest. If he starts, he should be subbed at the 60 minute mark.

 

-Today is Torres and Adu's best chance for some PT. Ironically, since we're not actually eliminated, I'm wondering if BB will just play his usual lineup.

 

My favored XI:

 

Alti-Deuce

Adu

Donovan--Bradley--Torres

Bornstein--DeM--Gooch--JSpec

 

Clint and Jozy would be a better combination that Casey or Donovan would provide and free him up to attack. I'd love to see that if only because we need goals, and creative players on the pitch. Knowing BB, though, there's not enough workrate there to get Captain ODP all rubbery.

 

Gotta push for results, dude. Don't just want to roll over for the integrity of the sport.

 

I'm willing to bet we get the usual lineup from Bradley.

 

Also, another plus of Egypt beating us would mean it would be more likely that the Italians fail to advance, which would be awesome.

[USSoccer]

Per the USSF Twitter:

 

Howard

The Usuals

Donovan--Clark--MBuzzy--Clint

Davies--Jozy

 

Christ.

[Exile on Waveland]

Stupid; just inexcusable. Today is the perfect time for Torres and Adu to get some minutes. Instead, we're stuck with the same crap that has been outscored 6-1 in two games. Bradley must go.

[Guest]

So basically Davies instead of Beasley (Brazil) and Feilhaber (Italy) and Clark back in for Kljestan.

 

Wonderful.

 

I'm 50/50 right now on hoping we win or get thrashed and embarrassed.