The Soccer Thread

[soccer10k]

The linesmen are supposed to be even with the last defender for each teams so they can make the offsides call.

 

If that's true, I don't see why it would be any harder to call a guy offsides based on being past or being a yard past.

 

Because you don't have a yardstick to tell you exactly what a yard is. The way it is now, either the attacking player is past the defender or he isn't. Making it a yard would bring a lot more judgement into the decision.

[goonys evil twin]

The linesmen are supposed to be even with the last defender for each teams so they can make the offsides call.

 

If that's true, I don't see why it would be any harder to call a guy offsides based on being past or being a yard past.

 

Because you don't have a yardstick to tell you exactly what a yard is. The way it is now, either the attacking player is past the defender or he isn't. Making it a yard would bring a lot more judgement into the decision.

 

Well, it doesn't have to a yard, it could be something like "significantly past". I've seen quite a bit of controversy over the current calls with the "he is or he isn't" system, I don't see why it would be anymore with a different system.

[soccer10k]

The linesmen are supposed to be even with the last defender for each teams so they can make the offsides call.

 

If that's true, I don't see why it would be any harder to call a guy offsides based on being past or being a yard past.

 

Because you don't have a yardstick to tell you exactly what a yard is. The way it is now, either the attacking player is past the defender or he isn't. Making it a yard would bring a lot more judgement into the decision.

 

Well, it doesn't have to a yard, it could be something like "significantly past". I've seen quite a bit of controversy over the current calls with the "he is or he isn't" system, I don't see why it would be anymore with a different system.

 

Oh yeah. Either way because it's a judgement call, there will be controversy surrounding the call no matter how you change the rule. As long as the rule is in place, there is going to be controversy.

[davecubsfan]

Now that my daughter is at the age of more rules , that as coach I have to learn and teach, I have come to the realization how soccer can be made less boring to the American audience. TAKE AWAY OFF sides!!

 

Yes, what a momentum killer, I can't see any other rule that is such a bummer in any sport.

 

First of all, anything as drastic as removing offsides isn't going to happen. The sport is wildly popular all over the world and the rules firmly entrenched, and I don't know of any widespread desire to eradicate offsides.

 

Secondly, and most importantly, eliminating offsides would do the opposite of what you intend. Instead of the cat and mouse game of trying to time runs into open space, you'd have defenses that packed way in, and not doing nearly as much on the offensive side of the ball. So what you'd see would be even more conservative than the play you see with offsides.

 

What about relaxing offsides as opposed to minimizing it? I don't understand the rule all that well, but from what I can tell, I agree with your theory of what would happen if it was eliminated. But what if you just gave a little more leeway to the offensive player? I've seen too many would-be exciting plays stopped by the rule, when all it really was was one player beating another. You shouldn't get punished for that.

 

What about not changing it all and leaving it as is? I really don't think the offensive player needs any more leeway or any more of an advantage. Officials have already bastardized the game to where if a striker is touched in the box, a penalty kick is given. If you got rid of that, you'd see far less diving, clutching, grabbing, etc. The last thing officials need is to have more judgement calls.

[hardcorecubfan]

The linesmen are supposed to be even with the last defender for each teams so they can make the offsides call.

 

If that's true, I don't see why it would be any harder to call a guy offsides based on being past or being a yard past.

 

Because you don't have a yardstick to tell you exactly what a yard is. The way it is now, either the attacking player is past the defender or he isn't. Making it a yard would bring a lot more judgement into the decision.

 

Well, it doesn't have to a yard, it could be something like "significantly past". I've seen quite a bit of controversy over the current calls with the "he is or he isn't" system, I don't see why it would be anymore with a different system.

 

agreed, I was called three times on great two on one break-outs and my girl was no more than a half step , if that, in front of the defender. It penalized the more agressive team and penalizes the swifer athlete.

 

Now there should be a rule for cherry picking by the defenders goal.

[hardcorecubfan]

to address the argument that it is a world game and why change for those bloody Americans, well that is a perfect reason. While the world watches the sport we consume sports with large amounts of cash. If you really want to open this game to America (which I am encouraging my girls) the offense should be encouraged to score. ie: basketall in the 80's

[soccer10k]

The linesmen are supposed to be even with the last defender for each teams so they can make the offsides call.

 

If that's true, I don't see why it would be any harder to call a guy offsides based on being past or being a yard past.

 

Because you don't have a yardstick to tell you exactly what a yard is. The way it is now, either the attacking player is past the defender or he isn't. Making it a yard would bring a lot more judgement into the decision.

 

Well, it doesn't have to a yard, it could be something like "significantly past". I've seen quite a bit of controversy over the current calls with the "he is or he isn't" system, I don't see why it would be anymore with a different system.

 

agreed, I was called three times on great two on one break-outs and my girl was no more than a half step , if that, in front of the defender. It penalized the more agressive team and penalizes the swifer athlete.

 

Now there should be a rule for cherry picking by the defenders goal.

 

That's why you teach them to run laterally until the ball is played and then you turn upfield. Either way, you are going to gain an advantage because you are already moving while the defender is either standing still or moving in the opposite direction.

 

EDIT: And how do you know your girl (the attacker) is the swifter athlete? Couldn't the defender that stepped up to cause the offsides be considered swifter?

[USSoccer]

When I played I was always told to be no more than one half-step ahead of the last defender, but just like in baseball, officials can get calls wrong. Think of a linesman's offsides calls like an umpire's strike zone. As a game goes on a good player will figure out how a line crew is calling offsides, and adjust his runs accordingly.

 

The thing about soccer is that while it has it's share of 0-0/1-0 affairs, it can also be a high scoring affair. Look at the Man U/Celtic game. 3-2 with end to end action.

 

I think the problem for American soccer fans is the pace of most games they see. USMNT and MLS games tend to be pretty plodding and methodical. WC2006 didn't help that any, as there wer far too many games in the knockout stages ending 1-0 or going to PK's. EPL games tend to be a little more end to end. As time goes on and the American game gets stronger, you'll see more scoring and more action as opposed to the dull, tactical stuff that people associate with the game.

[USSoccer]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

[USSoccer]

An excellent article breaking down why Sven Goran Eriksson is not the right fit for the USMNT job:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=380097&root=us&cc=5901

[shnsajax]

An excellent article breaking down why Sven Goran Eriksson is not the right fit for the USMNT job:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=380097&root=us&cc=5901

 

Did we need an article to tell us this :D? I know the Cubs would need an article, hopefully the USMNT isnt in that same position.

 

I always liked Martin O'Neill, but don't hear him often associated with International Team jobs.

[davecubsfan]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

Thanks for posting that US. I do love me some LandyCakes PrimoDonovan :) He's become so complacent that I hope his complacency helps him to play his sorry ass right off the 2010 World Cup Team. It's obvious he does like to play in Europe cause he showed it quite well with his scoring prowess in Germany, and he played a fine game against Chelsea in the MLS All Star Game (oh yeah, that's right, he begged out of it and then played the following Monday) Defenders in England (John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, William Gallas, Ashley Cole) would lick their lips in delight as they saw him dribbling towards them.

 

I'd agree completely with ya US on your thoughts on scoring. There's no need to get rid of offsides, or make the goals bigger, or any other silly rules change to "Americanize" the sport. Football is perfect as is IMO. If you get some major talent on the backside of their career into MLS, then you'll get fans. Americans love a winner and they love stars. Soccer wasn't big here before a little team called the Cosmos started playing in NY, but they changed the face of soccer in America.

 

The only rule I'd love to see FIFA add to make the games a bit more competitive at least on the international stage is an additional sub or two before the start of extra time. I think if you got two or four sets of fresh legs on the pitch at the beginning of extra time, you might see less matches go to penalties. Maybe allow teams to change one extra forward or midfielder and one defender. That way each team would have a fresh defender and fresh forward to go into extra time with.

 

Also, I'm not sure if this was announced yet, but Sirius now owns the broadcasting rights to the Champions League. My decision to go with Sirius over XM is one of the better decisions I've made in a while.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

ESPN the Mag had a more in depth article about Donovan prior to the World Cup. I can't say that I blame him if he is much happier playing here. Would you leave your friends and family for a better job overseas in a crummier place? It sucks that he won't be the player he can be because of it, but I can't begrudge him for placing his quality of life over the advancement of his career.

[davecubsfan]

An excellent article breaking down why Sven Goran Eriksson is not the right fit for the USMNT job:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=380097&root=us&cc=5901

 

I can tell you in less than an article why he is not the right fit

 

Womanizing, Beckham loving, wrong substitute making, overpaid piece of dung.

 

As for Martin O'Neil, I love him and am glad to see him back in the prem, but he's auditioning right now for the head job at Man U. IMO, he and Roy Keane are going to have a fight to the death for the job once Fergie gets the boot. Roy Keane has turned Sunderland around in much the same way O'Neil is turning around Villa.

 

 

One more thing. Set your DVR's to watch the beginning of the end for Fergie. Fox Sports regional channels are re-airing Arsenal vs Manchester United. I won't spoil the score here, but suffice to say, it was one of the better matches I've seen all year.

[shnsajax]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

ESPN the Mag had a more in depth article about Donovan prior to the World Cup. I can't say that I blame him if he is much happier playing here. Would you leave your friends and family for a better job overseas in a crummier place? It sucks that he won't be the player he can be because of it, but I can't begrudge him for placing his quality of life over the advancement of his career.

 

Donovan has never seemed strong mentally to me. Maybe he left for Germany at too young of an age, I don't know. It doesn't help that I am sure MLS officials treat him like a god.

[davecubsfan]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

ESPN the Mag had a more in depth article about Donovan prior to the World Cup. I can't say that I blame him if he is much happier playing here. Would you leave your friends and family for a better job overseas in a crummier place? It sucks that he won't be the player he can be because of it, but I can't begrudge him for placing his quality of life over the advancement of his career.

 

I really think it has nothing to do with his comfort level in America and everything to do with playing against stiff competion in Germany. He was dreadful in both stints with Bayer Leverkusen and never really got used to the style of European football. He was nothing more than an also ran in Europe, but is a king in MLS.

[USSoccer]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

ESPN the Mag had a more in depth article about Donovan prior to the World Cup. I can't say that I blame him if he is much happier playing here. Would you leave your friends and family for a better job overseas in a crummier place? It sucks that he won't be the player he can be because of it, but I can't begrudge him for placing his quality of life over the advancement of his career.

 

I will blame him for his repeated comments that he doesn't need to go to Europe to reach the top level of his talent. He may have left for Leverkusen too soon in his life, and experiences like that can definetly affect you, but it does show something about his mentality that he can only be comfortable in a pressure free, comfortable enviroment.

 

He's definetly not the player who should be wearing a captain's armband for the USMNT, and he also shouldn't be counted on at the international level outside of CONCACAF. He will never be better than he is right now, and right now he's a 3rd or 4th option on a good team.

[davecubsfan]

This article ought to make Dave really, really happy:

 

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=380216&cc=5901

 

Some highlights:

 

Several U.S. teammates and coaches have urged him to go back to Europe to sharpen his skills.

 

"I'd probably become a better soccer player just from the day-in, day-out grind of it there," said Donovan, who has been the dominant player in the U.S. league since returning to the Galaxy from a sub-par World Cup performance in July.

 

"But I wouldn't be a better person. I wouldn't be a happy person. I'd be pretty miserable," added the man who has called food in Europe "crappy". He once said that while playing in Europe he missed American hamburgers, the beach, sun and women.

 

"If it happens, it happens," said Donovan of a mooted move to Europe from the Galaxy, where he is easily his team's most valuable player and deservedly one of the top earners in the ever-improving Major League Soccer (MLS) with a salary of $900,000.

 

"It's the farthest thing from my mind, to be honest. I don't think about it unless I'm asked," he said after being named Man of the Match for a stellar performance and splendid goal in a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo here.

 

Landon Donovan has so much talent, and he's wasting it in MLS, and hurting the USMNT in the process.

 

ESPN the Mag had a more in depth article about Donovan prior to the World Cup. I can't say that I blame him if he is much happier playing here. Would you leave your friends and family for a better job overseas in a crummier place? It sucks that he won't be the player he can be because of it, but I can't begrudge him for placing his quality of life over the advancement of his career.

 

I will blame him for his repeated comments that he doesn't need to go to Europe to reach the top level of his talent. He may have left for Leverkusen too soon in his life, and experiences like that can definetly affect you, but it does show something about his mentality that he can only be comfortable in a pressure free, comfortable enviroment.

 

He's definetly not the player who should be wearing a captain's armband for the USMNT, and he also shouldn't be counted on at the international level outside of CONCACAF. He will never be better than he is right now, and right now he's a 3rd or 4th option on a good team.

 

Couldn't agree more. Nice post US

[Marco4]

Look out for Xabi Alonso's goal against Newcastle. That is all.

[Garwilly]

We need another World Cup, that was fun. Some one try to throw one together for late fall.

[Jon]

The Fire get another 3 points and a spot in the playoffs with a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy. The two teams will meet again back in Bridgeview Wednesday night for the Dewar Cup.

[USSoccer]

The Fire get another 3 points and a spot in the playoffs with a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy. The two teams will meet again back in Bridgeview Wednesday night for the Dewar Cup.

 

Did that game eliminate LA from the playoffs?

[davecubsfan]

Reading tied Manchester United yesterday 1-1. The dream season continues. How can anyone not be rooting for Reading to stay in the Prem? The tie moved Chelski to the top of the tables however :(

[Mark Priors Calves]

Reading tied Manchester United yesterday 1-1. The dream season continues. How can anyone not be rooting for Reading to stay in the Prem? The tie moved Chelski to the top of the tables however :D

[Jon]

The Fire get another 3 points and a spot in the playoffs with a 2-1 win over LA Galaxy. The two teams will meet again back in Bridgeview Wednesday night for the Dewar Cup.

 

Did that game eliminate LA from the playoffs?

Almost. I believe they're 6 points out right now with just 3 games left.