CFB51 College Football Fan Community

The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: ELA on September 05, 2017, 06:15:33 PM

Title: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 05, 2017, 06:15:33 PM
Not sure there's enough interest to make it more specific.

All of those good vibes coming off the Gold Cup and the last games of qualifying seem to be evaporating quickly.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on September 10, 2017, 08:27:13 PM
US should still qualify. If you break down the squad there just isn't much talent in this generation. The USMNT of 2009 would just blow this side apart in a match.  

Pulisic has the potential to someday be a top 30 player in the world. However keep the emphasis on someday. People need keep the all time best US player ever talk a rest for the time being. He still needs to adjust to playing 60+ matches season and being a marked man. And when you are the focal point, coaches, some of which know what they are doing will find every single deficiency in your game and make your life miserable. 

Gonzales admittedly is very good on his club sides but has largely been a disaster in defense for the national side.  

Bradley has regressed a bit playing in Toronto, Also his game suffers because we don't have a Stu Holden type next to him (the lack of which is our biggest hole) who can distrubute. That being said despite the regression it doesn't look like there is anyone coming up in the next 5 years who could challenge him.

Tim Howard is still the best keeper we got and he's past it. We can't produce a decent keeper anymore?

Dempsey could be a decent sub/starter in the next WC but that's it for him.

Right now with Zusi and undead Demarcus Beasley at LB/RB its been a tire fire.

Yedlin, Wood and maybe Johnson could be solid pros but that's pretty much their ceiling. Brooks and Cameron are OK.

Not buying this Nagbe thing. People like him because occasionally he does soccer like things sort of like what those continential players do. However he's terrible at the international level. Dribbles way too much, constantly turns the ball over, is a traffic cone in defense and doesn't really score goals. You can get away with that in MLS but its just not going to work at a higher level. 

Its slim pickings, and its going to be this way for a while. At least the US can look forward to the everyone qualifies 2022 tourney.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 10, 2017, 10:05:46 AM
day of judgement. have a good chance, but conditions aren't ideal. pulisic might be hampered a bit as well. still, all things considered, we're in as good a spot as we could ask after the start (and last month) to this cycle.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 10:44:32 AM
I think I used to get beIN, but not in HD, but last time I tried to watch it, it had been moved to a different tier.  Surprised it's so tough to watch this match here.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 10, 2017, 12:18:59 PM
home team gets to pick broadcast. get the go90 app. it's free (and for verizon it doesn't count against data) and has all bein games.

home teams getting to pick broadcast is fine, but if the away team wants to dual cast they should be allowed, imo. or let fox/espn/whoever pay a fee to bein to pick up game in us.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: PSUinNC on October 10, 2017, 12:32:03 PM
So, not sure what Rook meant by the last statement "everyone qualifies 2022 tournament"....
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 10, 2017, 12:36:36 PM
normally just 32 teams qualify for world cup. but in 2026 they are expanding to 48, so almost everyone with a pulse gets in

edit: seems he likely missed the year, as did i. it's 2026 not 2022 that it expands.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 12:47:41 PM
Right, the guess is that CONCACAF will go from 3.5 to 6.7, meaning all 6 teams still playing would have already qualified, and a nation that didn't even make it to the hex would still be getting a play in game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 10, 2017, 01:50:51 PM
concacaf goes from 3.5 to 6. but the us/canada/mex are likely to host and hasn't been determined how they will handle multi-nation hosts autobids.

bids for each confederation- new bids (old bids)
afc - 8 (4.5)
caf - 9 (5)
concacaf - 6 (3.5)
conmebol - 6 (4.5)
ofc - 1 (0.5)
uefa - 16 (13)
playoffs - 2 (0)

total bids 48 (31 plus host)

the old way gave the host nation an auto bid on top of allotment (why the math adds to only 31), but the new format pulls the auto bid from the allotment. except with multiple host teams it is still undetermined.

also, the playoff spots will be a 6 team playoff and will consist of 1 team from each confed (except uefa) plus 1 from host confed. the top 2 fifa ranked teams in this tournament will get a bye, and play winner of the other matches for one of the 2 spots.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 10, 2017, 02:26:33 PM
probably won't matter for us, but the socceroos (australia) just won their confed playoff spot to be in the november playoff with the concacaf playoff team (likely hon or pan, but could be us)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 08:18:08 PM
Heh, I kind of hope we get eliminated on an own goal
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 08:47:59 PM
May yet back in courtesy of Mexico and Costa Roca
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 09:05:36 PM
Thank God Pulicic was cleared
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2017, 09:48:45 PM
probably won't matter for us, but the socceroos (australia) just won their confed playoff spot to be in the november playoff with the concacaf playoff team (likely hon or pan, but could be us)
Well you're right that it isn't going to matter.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 11, 2017, 12:05:19 AM
Well you're right that it isn't going to matter.
Lol came here to post that. Sad. 
Also right about judgement day. I imagine head will roll after this. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on October 11, 2017, 10:25:59 AM
Oh man, totally bummed about the USMNT.  It's so much more fun to watch WC when there's at least the slim shadow of a possibility of a chance for us.

Ah well, ManU is still at the top of the table, so there's that.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: PSUinNC on October 11, 2017, 10:42:18 AM

I mean, was this thing even on TV?  On a relatively boring sports night in the middle of the week, this should have been a huge deal.  
I know it's been discussed ad nauseam, but soccer's just never going to be much in this country until it's made a priority with money and advertising.  As long as kids can dream to make big money in baseball, football and basketball, they'll migrate to those in the HS years over the pennies (relatively speaking) that US soccer players make.  
It'll take some imagination, but it can happen.  Then again, it's been said now the same way for the past 20 years and really nothing's changed at all other than some small gains by MLS.  
On a total side track, but interesting to me (and maybe other PSU fans) - the last time the USMNT didn't make the WC?  1982 and 1986.  :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: boilerbanger on October 11, 2017, 10:58:09 AM
I watched the last 15 minutes on NBC Universo last night (yes it was in Spanish).  Unbelievable we lost to them, I have no clue on soccer strategy but that team was 1-8 in pool play before that game I believe.  Whoever has the rights in the US to the World Cup can't be happy we didn't qualify, no one is going to watch now.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on October 11, 2017, 11:21:32 AM
I think it was on some channel that I have called BeIN.   If I recall the TV rights for stuff like this, the distribution is controlled by the 'home' team, which is why it would not have been automatically beamed to espn/fox/nbcsn type outlets.   I don't know how or what determines T&T's broadcast rights decisions, but that's what I was told, as to why it was only available on BeIN.


I did notice certain other qualifying matches were on this network, along with a few others.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 11, 2017, 01:04:12 PM
Yeah the earlier games I watched on beIN, but Comcast dropped it.  It seemed like they had all of the USs road matches except for Mexico, who I believe has a deal with FOX. ESPN had the US home games.

I wound up watching in Spanish on Universo.

ESPN losing the bidding war with FOX may have saved their hides.  With as much trouble as they are already in, paying $400 million for the US rights to a tournament the US isn't in would have been a disaster.

I know I won't watch, for the same reason I can't watch EPL or Champions League, without a rooting interest I don't care enough.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TresselownsUM on October 11, 2017, 02:55:23 PM
the saddest part is a guy like Pulisic could have made millions by playing in the WC, now he won't. not to mention the kid is a phenom that the world could have seen on the biggest stage.

feel bad for guys like Tim Howard, Clint Dempsey they'll be too old for the next WC cycle.

but, the players got what they deserved, they slept through half of this qualifying round. and despite all that, all you had to do was get a tie vs the worst team in the region, and you couldn't get it done.

I almost feel like the backbone of US soccer, which was to try to outwork the opponent is gone, this team had a prima donna feel to it, taking things for granted. Arena will be gone, and I have no idea who the US will look to try and rebound. the only positive is we should see nothing but young players the next couple of years and get them experience, anyone over 30 should be ousted from any games for at least 2 years. there's no point in playing them, let the young kids develop together.

at least messi rose up for argentina, whether you like them or not, the WC is better because they are in
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on October 11, 2017, 05:11:08 PM
There’s an app called Go90 that shows a huge number of matches from all over the world. It’s free, in HD, and can be mirrored to a TV via chromecast or Roku. I know, it’s not convenient but short of subscribing to BeIN Sports it’s the best option. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 11, 2017, 07:33:13 PM
I mean, was this thing even on TV?  On a relatively boring sports night in the middle of the week, this should have been a huge deal.  
I know it's been discussed ad nauseam, but soccer's just never going to be much in this country until it's made a priority with money and advertising.  As long as kids can dream to make big money in baseball, football and basketball, they'll migrate to those in the HS years over the pennies (relatively speaking) that US soccer players make.  
It'll take some imagination, but it can happen.  Then again, it's been said now the same way for the past 20 years and really nothing's changed at all other than some small gains by MLS.  
On a total side track, but interesting to me (and maybe other PSU fans) - the last time the USMNT didn't make the WC?  1982 and 1986.  :)

one issue is the misconception that soccer players don't make anything.
6 of the top 10 highest paying leagues in the world are soccer leagues (from 2015 data). nba and mlb are both above the epl (as is the india cricket league, surprisingly) but not by much.
likewise, of the 2016 top 25 highest paid athletes, football and soccer lead the way with 6 and 5 respectively, while nba was at 3.
there's plenty of money to be made in soccer. and the euro leagues aren't averse to american players. the bundesliga (germany top league, 2nd best in world) seems to have made americans a priority even.
we need to stop pretending the mls can be one of the premier soccer leagues in the world. it isn't going to happen. it's not even top 3 in our hemisphere. we need to be getting our players into the europe leagues when we can, like they do for nba/mlb/etc.
and we're a large enough population that we can have top athletes in many different sports. we have dominant athletes in lower tier sports like swimming, boxing/mma, tennis (or have), gymnastics, track and field, etc. no reason we can also have a competitive national soccer team.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on October 12, 2017, 08:59:26 AM
Time Warner/Spectrum still has BeinTV on its base package so I was able to watch it (and other games that Bein carried).  But yeah, it would have been nice for ESPN or Fox to be able to work out some deal where they bought off the rights to show it in the US.

And I agree that we should be working to place Americans in the other world leagues, especially the Euro leagues.  But at the same time, marketing soccer to young American athletes would be a lot easier if the MLS were better, and better-known.  And I just don't know how to get the MLS where it needs to be.  It certainly won't ever rival EPL or the other Euro leagues, but it could be a lot better than it is.

Anyway, I'll still watch the World Cup because I love seeing international soccer played at its highest level.  Just like I watch the EPL and Bundesliga and La Liga, because I like watching professional soccer played at its highest level.  But I'd like it even more if the USA had made it.  That's just such a bummer.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: PSUinNC on October 12, 2017, 09:47:01 AM
one issue is the misconception that soccer players don't make anything.
6 of the top 10 highest paying leagues in the world are soccer leagues (from 2015 data). nba and mlb are both above the epl (as is the india cricket league, surprisingly) but not by much.
likewise, of the 2016 top 25 highest paid athletes, football and soccer lead the way with 6 and 5 respectively, while nba was at 3.
there's plenty of money to be made in soccer. and the euro leagues aren't averse to american players. the bundesliga (germany top league, 2nd best in world) seems to have made americans a priority even.
we need to stop pretending the mls can be one of the premier soccer leagues in the world. it isn't going to happen. it's not even top 3 in our hemisphere. we need to be getting our players into the europe leagues when we can, like they do for nba/mlb/etc.
and we're a large enough population that we can have top athletes in many different sports. we have dominant athletes in lower tier sports like swimming, boxing/mma, tennis (or have), gymnastics, track and field, etc. no reason we can also have a competitive national soccer team.
But that's just it - they have to go overseas to do it.  If you're given a chance to be a big time baseball player and play your entire career here in the States, or be a big time soccer player and have to move to a foreign country, what are you going to do?  Heck, seems like even a lot of great soccer players try to transform that into a football kicking career.  
If the MLS is never going to be a Top 5 league in the world making comparative money to the major sports, soccer has no chance to be a top 4 league in this country.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 12, 2017, 01:53:59 PM
soccer is NOT going to be a top 4 league in the us. it just isn't. europe isn't going to let go of their hold on the top players.

but it doesn't have to be a top 4 league to have a competitive national team. we have competitive athletes in golf, tennis, swimming, track, gymnastics, virtually every olympic sport, etc. so we have plethora of success in non-top 4 sports already. no reason soccer can't be among them.

if they're worried about money, there's 1 bball league that makes you top money, 1 football league, 1 baseball, and 1 hockey.
there are 6 soccer leagues. odds are favorable for soccer.
and if you don't make one of the top 6 soccer league, you have about 20 more leagues that you can make a good living ($100K plus), just not millionaire money. there are a few other decent bball and baseball league, but not like soccer.

and people have no issue coming to states for basketball and baseball, why should we have a problem going to europe for soccer?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 08, 2018, 11:17:00 AM
USMNT continues to just be such a well oiled machine

http://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states/story/3341431/jonathan-gonzalez-chooses-mexico-over-united-states-say-sources
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 08, 2018, 11:27:30 AM
wow, huge blow. complete blunder by ussf to let him get away. and can't blame him either. hope he does well.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on January 08, 2018, 11:33:56 AM
my son is 7... every Saturday he wakes up early to watch Premier League soccer on NBCSN.   He's religious about it.  

At school, when I either attend for an event, volunteer or pick up my kids it is noticeable how many soccer jerseys/shirts I see compared to football, baseball or basketball.  yes, Chiefs day dominates.. and so does  a Royals Friday, but outside that it is soccer.  Sporting is very good and kids in KC have access to watch several European leagues.   It is much more popular today with kids compared to when I was growing up.  

It may never top Football, Baseball or Basketball, but it has gained ground and I believe will continue to gain ground.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 08, 2018, 03:12:14 PM
my son is 7... every Saturday he wakes up early to watch Premier League soccer on NBCSN.   He's religious about it.  

At school, when I either attend for an event, volunteer or pick up my kids it is noticeable how many soccer jerseys/shirts I see compared to football, baseball or basketball.  yes, Chiefs day dominates.. and so does Royals Fridays, but outside that it is soccer.  Sporting is very good and kids in KC have access to watch several European leagues.   It is much more popular today with kids compared to when I was growing up.  

It may never top Football, Baseball or Basketball, but it has gained ground and I believe will continue to gain ground.  
Yep, it's gaining ground. TV access to the EPL and Bundesliga have sped it up. I don't pretend to live in a representative area, but I see as many international soccer jerseys at my kids public schools as I do NFL jerseys. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 08, 2018, 04:21:20 PM
in my neck of the woods, the heart of cfb country, it's growing tremendously.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on January 09, 2018, 08:51:01 PM
the saddest part is a guy like Pulisic could have made millions by playing in the WC, now he won't. not to mention the kid is a phenom that the world could have seen on the biggest stage.


The exchange rate isn't what its used to be but barring injury he's going to make a minimum of 175K/week UK in England (about 13M/year). If say Man city comes for him he'll make 200K+/week for being a squad (largely a bench) player. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 10, 2018, 09:53:17 AM
my son is 7... every Saturday he wakes up early to watch Premier League soccer on NBCSN.   He's religious about it.  

At school, when I either attend for an event, volunteer or pick up my kids it is noticeable how many soccer jerseys/shirts I see compared to football, baseball or basketball.  yes, Chiefs day dominates.. and so does Royals Fridays, but outside that it is soccer.  Sporting is very good and kids in KC have access to watch several European leagues.   It is much more popular today with kids compared to when I was growing up.  

It may never top Football, Baseball or Basketball, but it has gained ground and I believe will continue to gain ground.  
it's closer to baseball and basketball that you'd think. football, unsurprisingly, is #1 by a wide but shrinking margin (37%) (also has interesting take on the kneeling/national anthem trend), basketball (11%) and baseball (9%) are just ahead of soccer (7%) as mentioned for favorite sports for americans.
looking at age groups, the older crowd (55+) is keeping baseball relevant (14% and #2) and soccer down (1%). among the 2 groups under 55 (18-34,35-54) soccer and basketball are basically tied at 10-11%, and baseball is down to 6-7%.
http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx (http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 10, 2018, 11:40:06 AM
it's closer to baseball and basketball that you'd think. football, unsurprisingly, is #1 by a wide but shrinking margin (37%) (also has interesting take on the kneeling/national anthem trend), basketball (11%) and baseball (9%) are just ahead of soccer (7%) as mentioned for favorite sports for americans.
looking at age groups, the older crowd (55+) is keeping baseball relevant (14% and #2) and soccer down (1%). among the 2 groups under 55 (18-34,35-54) soccer and basketball are basically tied at 10-11%, and baseball is down to 6-7%.
http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx (http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx)
I think part of it there though, is a lot of the traditional fans, just have football-basketball-baseball 1-2-3 in some order (with the majority picking football).  So I'm guessing basketball does more favorably among the 89% who don't say it's their favorite, than soccer does among the 93% who say it isn't.

Just a guess, but if you did it more poll style with points for a 1st place, 2nd place, 3rd place, etc... vote, soccer would be worse off than just asking people their favorite.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 10, 2018, 11:45:21 AM
probably, but i bet the age demographics would still favor soccer over baseball. at least be trending that way.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 10, 2018, 11:54:30 AM
probably, but i bet the age demographics would still favor soccer over baseball. at least be trending that way.
I agree.
I think participation and specialization are exacerbating that.  I played both growing up, but I enjoyed soccer more.  You are a kid, baseball is boring.  It's slow, it's scheme over style.  I didn't start to enjoy baseball til I got older, now it's my favorite sport.  I know a lot of kids that played baseball just because it was the only organized sport going on in the summer, didn't really love it, but by high school, figured out they were really good, and started to really enjoy it.
That's not the case anymore.  You better figure out by 9 what your sport is, and then you play it year round.  No 9 year old is picking baseball over everything else.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on January 10, 2018, 12:18:09 PM
it's closer to baseball and basketball that you'd think. football, unsurprisingly, is #1 by a wide but shrinking margin (37%) (also has interesting take on the kneeling/national anthem trend), basketball (11%) and baseball (9%) are just ahead of soccer (7%) as mentioned for favorite sports for americans.
looking at age groups, the older crowd (55+) is keeping baseball relevant (14% and #2) and soccer down (1%). among the 2 groups under 55 (18-34,35-54) soccer and basketball are basically tied at 10-11%, and baseball is down to 6-7%.
http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx (http://news.gallup.com/poll/224864/football-americans-favorite-sport-watch.aspx)
Good information.  thanks for sharing.   I had not realized soccer was closing in on baseball that quickly, at least when it came to favorite sports.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 10, 2018, 01:55:26 PM
I agree.
I think participation and specialization are exacerbating that.  I played both growing up, but I enjoyed soccer more.  You are a kid, baseball is boring.  It's slow, it's scheme over style.  I didn't start to enjoy baseball til I got older, now it's my favorite sport.  I know a lot of kids that played baseball just because it was the only organized sport going on in the summer, didn't really love it, but by high school, figured out they were really good, and started to really enjoy it.
That's not the case anymore.  You better figure out by 9 what your sport is, and then you play it year round.  No 9 year old is picking baseball over everything else.
With a 13 and 10-year old, I spend way too much of my life thinking about youth sports, but (1) it's a shame that people think you need to play a sport year round at age 9; (2) many sports--baseball and softball at the top of the list--need to find ways to develop young players without trying to make the 9-year olds play the adult version of the game (baseball and softball are way behind the curve on this); and (3) one of the biggest problems with youth sports in this country is the lure of the NCAA scholarship (the biggest problem with youth sports is parents). ;) 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on January 10, 2018, 03:15:50 PM
I wouldn't ignore another interesting trend (Aspen Institute, and SFIA, among others I've read).   Youth participation rate in soccer is now in its 8th year of decline (btw nearly all youth sports have seen declining rates of participation).   Soccer's losses in percentages were much larger than baseball or basketball's decline  (-11% soccer to -4% and -6.8% respectively). May very well be supporting evidence of specialization,   which of course ties into complaints about cost of participation (club).

LaCrosse and Hockey were the only sustained levels of participation growth in the same period for boys (6-17).

I also think we need to acknowledge that what we like as kids may not be what we like as adults.   This applies to so many things.  (food,  politics, music, sports, movies, entertainment).   We can't affix the tastes of 6-17, or Millenials, or Gen X and extrapolate it to their older years.  Huge mistake.   Same people somehow think that 'Red' and 'Blue' states are somehow etched into stone for generations.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on January 10, 2018, 03:45:41 PM
With a 13 and 10-year old, I spend way too much of my life thinking about youth sports, but (1) it's a shame that people think you need to play a sport year round at age 9; (2) many sports--baseball and softball at the top of the list--need to find ways to develop young players without trying to make the 9-year olds play the adult version of the game (baseball and softball are way behind the curve on this); and (3) one of the biggest problems with youth sports in this country is the lure of the NCAA scholarship (the biggest problem with youth sports is parents). ;)
I'd say the biggest problem with youth sports is not the parents (they are a problem) but rather when we were growing up, coaching was a part time job.  Today, many have turned it into full time roles with multiple teams.   You want to play on a non YMCA team, it's a 9 month commitment for soccer here in KC (few exceptions).   Like gymnastics... 20hrs a week to move up.  Don't want to do that to your 8 yr old daughter, no problem.   We just won't teach her anything more.   Dance...?  well, it's a 11 month commitment if you want them learn. 
Parents make choices, but the options are becoming more constrained.   As a parent who wants their kids playing multiple sports or in multiple activities, it is tougher.   I'm sure we could do better.  It is also tough when they want to play with their friends.   And I get that.. we all did. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 10, 2018, 08:40:44 PM
I'd say the biggest problem with youth sports is not the parents (they are a problem) but rather when we were growing up, coaching was a part time job.  Today, many have turned it into full time roles with multiple teams.   You want to play on a non YMCA team, it's a 9 month commitment for soccer here in KC (few exceptions).   Like gymnastics... 20hrs a week to move up.  Don't want to do that to your 8 yr old daughter, no problem.   We just won't teach her anything more.   Dance...?  well, it's a 11 month commitment if you want them learn.
Parents make choices, but the options are becoming more constrained.   As a parent who wants their kids playing multiple sports or in multiple activities, it is tougher.   I'm sure we could do better.  It is also tough when they want to play with their friends.   And I get that.. we all did.  
We're basically speaking the same language, but I can tell you that even in 3-month recreational seasons, parents are still the biggest problems. :-)

I would say the focus on professional coaches and 9-month+ commitments is driven by parents who are seeking glory and/or NCAA scholarships. And it's a fools' errand. Great athletes are great athletes. I've seen this as a coach in soccer: a kid leaves a recreational league to go get the professional coaching, the 4x/week practices, and the 9-month season, and comes back to the recreational league 2-3 years later. The ones who were above average when they left are still above average, but not better than that. The ones who were rock stars when they left, are still rock stars, but haven't put much space between the great athletes who never went to to clubs. For the great athletes, the additional touches they get from the competitive programs have given them a little edge, but even that isn't as big as you would think.

Adults play sports for fun, for fitness, and to take our minds off of the hard things in life. Kids should be playing for the same reasons, but it's really, really easy to get sucked into trying to make li'l Johnny or Jane the next big thing. It normally ends with Johnny and Jane dropping the sport before age 14. And for many who make it past that, it often ends with resentment over all the time sunk in something that felt like a job.

I'm painting with a broad brush here; there are plenty of exceptions in a country of 300+ million people, but we could all stand to dial youth sports back. And it's the parents who will (or won't) do it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 11, 2018, 09:23:22 AM
that's well said. agree 100%
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 11, 2018, 12:53:29 PM
To be fair to parents, we all want our kids to succeed. When the world around us is telling us our kid is awesome at something, we're inclined to listen. When we're told our kid is awesome, and this is what a kid who is awesome at this should do -- and others like him/her do it -- it is hard to say no, especially to our child who wants to do what the other awesome kids (whom he or she knows well) do.

Right now, the kids who are awesome at some sport often join these leagues, and it's the rare(-ish) parent who says no. More common is the parent who endures a couple of years of the demands of it and just decides it isn't worth it (whether for financial or other reasons), but I'm always particularly proud of the parents I know who say no from the outset. But when your great player joins a club, is awesome, and wants to keep being awesome, all the while learning some good life lessons, it's hard to say no. And the cycle continues.

In and of itself, the cycle of rewarding and promoting great players isn't the problem. The problem is there's plenty of money to be made capitalizing on the perception that a kid is great, or *just that close* if only they get a little boost. A parent and their money are soon parted. And it's hard for parents to recognize where they fall prey to the financial interests that aren't in their/their child's interest. The overspecialization and over commitment in youth sports is all about money. But its parents who pay those bills, so only parents can reverse the trend.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 12, 2018, 11:21:42 AM
My son is now old enough to start T-Ball this summer, and I was toying with the diea of helping coach.  The level of background and coaching clearances now makes me not want to do it.  I get the background checks, those are necessary.  But I have to be a Level 3 USA Baseball certified instructor to help out a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds playing T-Ball?  My dad coached our baseball team until I was probably 10 based on the qualifications that he played HS baseball, and was willing to do it.  It just seems all way to serious at a way too young age.

Walter Mathau's character sure as shit wouldn't be coaching today.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on January 12, 2018, 11:25:34 AM
That's ridiculous.   Talk about spooking away otherwise enthusiastic parents.   That would make me so angry.

For volleyball, where I'm sure the pool of parents who know the game is much smaller than baseball, the only mandatory requirement (besides the background check) was to attend a 90 minute orientation with the local HS coaches who demonstrated the things to emphasize.   It was perfectly appropriate.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 12, 2018, 11:44:57 AM
That's ridiculous.   Talk about spooking away otherwise enthusiastic parents.   That would make me so angry.

For volleyball, where I'm sure the pool of parents who know the game is much smaller than baseball, the only mandatory requirement (besides the background check) was to attend a 90 minute orientation with the local HS coaches who demonstrated the things to emphasize.   It was perfectly appropriate.
Yeah my guess is baseball can afford to be more selective, but why?  Since he's our oldest, it's our first year in the system, so I'll probably sit this one out anyway, but I'm not spending the time to take all of those classes, nor should I.  I can teach fundamentals just as well as any of the "unqualified" parents have been forever.  I'm sure having some overqualified guy who peaked as an All-Regional HS selection, and is now living through coaching 8 year olds, none of whom are his kids, is really going to help this generation love the game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on January 12, 2018, 12:54:32 PM
Kids should be coaching 1st base too, not the parents.   Keeps their head in the game.

We have teens handle all of the officiating and line judging in vball.  Very sensible.

sorry to hijack the soccer thread with LL talk.   That gives me a yellow card, no?  I'll admit I played one season of soccer as a youth and stopped, once I could play football.   I helped volunteer with my kids in their one and only soccer season.    It is organized to death, but there seems to be a pretty clear division between the 'rec league' and these 'travel' squads.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 12, 2018, 01:35:36 PM
Kids should be coaching 1st base too, not the parents.   Keeps their head in the game.

We have teens handle all of the officiating and line judging in vball.  Very sensible.

sorry to hijack the soccer thread with LL talk.   That gives me a yellow card, no?  I'll admit I played one season of soccer as a youth and stopped, once I could play football.   I helped volunteer with my kids in their one and only soccer season.    It is organized to death, but there seems to be a pretty clear division between the 'rec league' and these 'travel' squads.
I've been feeling a little guilty about derailing things, too, but hey, my daughter has a soccer game tomorrow morning... (yes, outdoors; that's how California rolls).
ELA, 6 is really young to play any form of baseball. Yes, the leagues run t-ball at that age, but in my view, having had my kids in baseball and softball up through 12U, it's the very, very rare kid who gets anything other than run-around time in 6-year old baseball. These are skill (not effort) based games, and very few kids are even close to being able to reliably catch and throw the ball at 6-years old, let alone process even the basics of baseball strategy. Physical fine motor development is so steep in that age range that a 7-year old might get something out of it, but a kid who is athletic and starts at age 8, won't have missed anything by skipping two years of silliness. The silliness includes tons of parents and coaches yelling to try to get Johnny to make the right play because virtually none of the kids understand the game. And the yelling is a terrible way to teach. So silliness. Seriously.
If they start at 8, It will take them 3-4 weeks to catch up on the basics, and if they have been watching any baseball on TV with you, or playing any catch with you, it won't even take that. Unless you are just looking for a place to park your kid for a couple of hours a week (and there's nothing wrong with that--though there are other options), consider taking a pass on it for another year or two.
The biggest downside I can think of to waiting is that a lot of these leagues (maybe all?) have little cabals of the "in" parents/volunteers, and that drives a lot of the all-star/select season opportunities. If your kid is a superstar it won't matter, but if he's borderline, it makes a difference. But this gets back to my earlier comments about parents as the problem in youth sports. So if you look forward to sacrificing your summers to travel baseball from age 9 through whenever (and while that sounded pejorative, there are lots of people who have a lot of fun doing it; some are very good friends of mine), you might consider making sure you get into that crowd earlier--but still, 6 is too early to worry about it. Unfortunately 7 isn't. Silly.

As for coaching standards, different organizations handle training differently. In our softball league, the theory was to get everyone trained up, then just do some easy maintenance as you move up levels. Our soccer league is the opposite: shorter training for younger ages, but pretty significant training commitments as you move up levels. Our baseball league (which isn't Little League, but operates very similarly) is a hybrid. I prefer the way our soccer league does it, but there are pluses and minuses.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 12, 2018, 02:19:45 PM
some good news, dual national timothy tillman set to make switch from germany to usmnt.

link (http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/ramos-bayerns-timothy-tillman-ready-to-join-us-u-20-team/gor3063lle2b1j8gdcwci2pzj)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on January 17, 2018, 10:16:15 PM
My son is now old enough to start T-Ball this summer, and I was toying with the diea of helping coach.  The level of background and coaching clearances now makes me not want to do it.  I get the background checks, those are necessary.  But I have to be a Level 3 USA Baseball certified instructor to help out a bunch of 5 and 6 year olds playing T-Ball?  My dad coached our baseball team until I was probably 10 based on the qualifications that he played HS baseball, and was willing to do it.  It just seems all way to serious at a way too young age.

Walter Mathau's character sure as crap wouldn't be coaching today.
My dad coached T-shirt league (8-9 year olds), the qualifications were: do you want to coach T-shirt ball? Then OK here's a team. 
I was the 1st or 3rd base coach at age 10 and while I don't even remember anyone ever listening to me I had a blast (we were good too!). The other base coach was a random parent or one of the players. Yes all kids should do this. 
 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on January 18, 2018, 09:04:05 AM
I grew up on a farm..  when it was time to get the wiggles out or exercise, there was plenty to do.   I would help dad make fence, pick rocks out of the field for a drive way to a new shed, walk beans.... lots to do.

I now live in the suburbs and to me, sports is that exercise.   I want my kids to enjoy it, but frankly, the what doesn't matter.   In fact, we want them in something physical and something fine arts.   It is more about being active and having some skills that allow you to do things as an adult.   We have no illusions of our genetic code leading to scholarship offers.  

As a parent, we've found our kids would be doing more if we didn't say no.   A friend is trying out for basketball... I want to play too.   The "want" is about hanging out with friends.   But that "want" can also make a kid feel... well, not like a kid.  So I also understand how easily parents can one day say "how did we get here?".   I personally think it's key parents step back and look at what the overall picture every once in a while... just because it is too easy to see the trees and not the forest.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 18, 2018, 10:51:43 AM
well said, entropy.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 18, 2018, 04:25:35 PM
My dad coached T-shirt league (8-9 year olds), the qualifications were: do you want to coach T-shirt ball? Then OK here's a team.

 
While I appreciate the sentiment, in a world in which we know that most child abuse (sexual and otherwise) comes from authority figure adults in children's lives, and no insurance company will pay the bill for a child's injury without first enquiring whether it was someone's fault and attempting to shift financial responsibility, no local sports board can afford to operate this way today.
In some sense it's a shame, but there have always been bad actors, and better to steer our children away from them. Doing a background check isn't much of a burden, and having proper insurance is imperative.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 19, 2018, 08:02:05 AM
While I appreciate the sentiment, in a world in which we know that most child abuse (sexual and otherwise) comes from authority figure adults in children's lives, and no insurance company will pay the bill for a child's injury without first enquiring whether it was someone's fault and attempting to shift financial responsibility, no local sports board can afford to operate this way today.
In some sense it's a shame, but there have always been bad actors, and better to steer our children away from them. Doing a background check isn't much of a burden, and having proper insurance is imperative.
Right, as I said, I don't mind the background check part.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 19, 2018, 10:52:23 AM
While I appreciate the sentiment, in a world in which we know that most child abuse (sexual and otherwise) comes from authority figure adults in children's lives, and no insurance company will pay the bill for a child's injury without first enquiring whether it was someone's fault and attempting to shift financial responsibility, no local sports board can afford to operate this way today.
In some sense it's a shame, but there have always been bad actors, and better to steer our children away from them. Doing a background check isn't much of a burden, and having proper insurance is imperative.
maybe it's alabama being behind the times or something, but we pretty much operate that way still. i am unaware of any background checks run on me, and i've coached my kids for the last 3 seasons. my brother and brother-in-law have similar experiences (baseball and soccer leagues). not that i'm opposed to it.

however, they are pretty tight with regards to organization. everything, including practice times and locations, meetings, and obviously games, are schedules by the league. and while it's not an official rule of the league, it's understood and expressly encouraged to not just drop your kids off and leave. in the 3 years and 30-someodd kids i've coached, only once has a parent done that, and they informed me and had good reason and were back before we had our mid practice break. i've actually been pleasantly surprised with the parents' involvement.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 19, 2018, 11:17:20 AM
maybe it's alabama being behind the times or something, but we pretty much operate that way still. i am unaware of any background checks run on me, and i've coached my kids for the last 3 seasons. my brother and brother-in-law have similar experiences (baseball and soccer leagues). not that i'm opposed to it.
I mean, considering the recent Senate election, I'm sure a joke about Alabama's concern (or lack thereof) over background checks and contact with minors is there to be made, but out of fear of driving this thing even farther off course...

As to the no drop off thing, my kids are young enough that I would never consider it yet, but I imagine at some point wouldn't you WANT no parents at practice?  I think by the time I was 9, my parents just dropped me off for basketball and soccer practice (baseball was different with my dad coaching).  I would think having them at pracitce leads to kids looking to their parents, not the coach, and might make the coach hesitant to coach up the kids too much with dad looking on.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 19, 2018, 11:34:53 AM
My experience ties it to age. My 14U team got very few parents anywhere near. 12Us were similar. 10Us some stick around. 8Us a lot stick around. If the parent is willing to help out, he or she can be a great asset. If they are there to provide "extra" coaching for their kid, I don't want them there.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 19, 2018, 12:58:34 PM
Wisconsin's Chris Mueller (Orlando) and Mark Segbers (New England) are first round MLS picks (6th and 9th overall). That's kinda cool.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 19, 2018, 02:46:43 PM
Wisconsin's Chris Mueller (Orlando) and Mark Segbers (New England) are first round MLS picks (6th and 9th overall). That's kinda cool.
How the hell were they so bad until they got hot, won the BTT and got an auto-bid?  Didn't they finish like 6th in the conference?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 19, 2018, 02:54:56 PM
I mean, considering the recent Senate election, I'm sure a joke about Alabama's concern (or lack thereof) over background checks and contact with minors is there to be made, but out of fear of driving this thing even farther off course...

As to the no drop off thing, my kids are young enough that I would never consider it yet, but I imagine at some point wouldn't you WANT no parents at practice?  I think by the time I was 9, my parents just dropped me off for basketball and soccer practice (baseball was different with my dad coaching).  I would think having them at pracitce leads to kids looking to their parents, not the coach, and might make the coach hesitant to coach up the kids too much with dad looking on.
considering how deeply red alabama is and the fact that blue won, i'd think that speaks well of alabama's concern over those issues mentioned.
as for the other point, you're probably right. my kids are not yet at that age.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on January 19, 2018, 03:09:37 PM
How the hell were they so bad until they got hot, won the BTT and got an auto-bid?  Didn't they finish like 6th in the conference?
You have reached beyond my knowledge of college soccer. :-)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 26, 2018, 02:56:08 PM
mls just approved new rule letting mls clubs keep 100% of proceeds from selling player. good move that should have been made from the beginning.

link (https://twitter.com/andrew_wiebe/status/956945576028966917)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on January 26, 2018, 03:18:33 PM
mls just approved new rule letting mls clubs keep 100% of proceeds from selling player. good move that should have been made from the beginning.

link (https://twitter.com/andrew_wiebe/status/956945576028966917)
How does this work with a salary cap? 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 26, 2018, 03:41:48 PM
How does this work with a salary cap?
i'm not sure, i don't know the mls cap rules and those can make big differences in the effect. i'm barely a soccer novice, much less expert, but i think other leagues, particularly in europe, don't have issue working them together.
as it's been, though, clubs had a disincentive to sell players because they didn't get their value. or rather, other clubs/leagues had disincentive to buy mls players due to having to pay way over value. this kept a lot of players in mls that should have a had a chance at europe, which would further their development.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 31, 2018, 01:30:03 PM
The Concacaf (N American) Champions League gets underway in February, and runs through April.

Here is the BRACKET  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_CONCACAF_Champions_League)

---------------

There are 5 MLS teams that will be participating (based on their 2016 accomplishments); 4 from the US and one from Canada.
They are:
-Seattle Sounders FC: MLS Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_MLS_Cup_Playoffs) Winner
-FC Dallas: Supporters Shield (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) / US Open (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Lamar_Hunt_U.S._Open_Cup) Champions
-Red Bull NY: Eastern Conference (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) Champion
-Colorado Rapids: Supporters Shield runner up (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) (at large bid, as Dallas snapped up two of the four automatic qualifiers for the USA)
-Toronto FC: Canadian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Canadian_Championship) Champion

----------------

Colorado and Toronto will face each other in the opening round of 16. Dallas faces the team from Panama, Seattle faces the team from El Salvador, and New York faces one of the two Honduras teams.

The round of 8 "could" be all USA vs Mexico, IF the four teams from each country win their opening round match up.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 31, 2018, 05:14:34 PM
So while it would appear that the MLS has five Concacaf Champions League spots locked down between the USA and Canada, it is possible that only three would qualify. Both the US Open and the Canadian Championship could theoretically be won by teams outside of the MLS.

In that event there would only be three MLS teams in the field. In theory, the three would be: 1) the MLS Cup Champion, 2) the Supporters Shield Champion, and 3) the Champion of the MLS Conference opposite the Supporters Shield Champion.

However, since Canada's lone bid goes to their Tournament Champion regardless of their MLS accomplishments, there does exist an unlikely scenario where the MLS Cup Champion, the Supporters Shield Champion, and the Champion of the MLS Conference opposite the Supporters Shield Champion could all be left out of the Concacaf Champions League.
-A Canadian Team would have to win each MLS Conference. Let's say Vancouver(West) and Toronto(East).
-One of them wins the Supporters Shield, while the other wins the MLS Cup.
-A non-MLS team (or Montreal) wins the Canadian Championship.

In that scenario, the four spots allotted to the USA would go to the US Open Champion, as well as the top three remaining US-based MLS teams from that season's standings.

The MLS Cup Champion and the two MLS Conference Champions (including the one that won the Supporters Shield) would all be sitting at home watching from their couch.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 02, 2018, 05:51:33 PM
ussf president election coming up next week i think. i know very little about the process and the candidates. anyone have any insights?

also, hope solo actually does something i mostly agree with. filed a complaint with the usoc about the ussf focusing to much on mls and not enough on other aspects they are supposed to govern. and with some good points. link (https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/2018/2/1/16956492/ussf-candidate-hope-solo-files-complaint-olympic-committee)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 02, 2018, 06:19:54 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71AH-%2BYV1%2BL._SX463_.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 27, 2018, 03:50:18 PM
The Concacaf (N American) Champions League gets underway in February, and runs through April.

Here is the BRACKET  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_CONCACAF_Champions_League)

---------------

There are 5 MLS teams that will be participating (based on their 2016 accomplishments); 4 from the US and one from Canada.
They are:
-Seattle Sounders FC: MLS Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_MLS_Cup_Playoffs) Winner
-FC Dallas: Supporters Shield (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) / US Open (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Lamar_Hunt_U.S._Open_Cup) Champions
-Red Bull NY: Eastern Conference (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) Champion
-Colorado Rapids: Supporters Shield runner up (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Major_League_Soccer_season) (at large bid, as Dallas snapped up two of the four automatic qualifiers for the USA)
-Toronto FC: Canadian (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_Canadian_Championship) Champion

----------------

Colorado and Toronto will face each other in the opening round of 16. Dallas faces the team from Panama, Seattle faces the team from El Salvador, and New York faces one of the two Honduras teams.

The round of 8 "could" be all USA vs Mexico, IF the four teams from each country win their opening round match up.
The second leg of the round of 16 gets underway tonight, in the Concacaf Champions League, and runs through Thursday, March 1st. 
You can see the results of the first leg by clicking on the bracket link in the quote box. Those games were  on Feb 20-22. 
The United States is not off to a great start. All of the teams either lost or tied during the first leg.
Toronto FC was the only MLS team to win, and that was against the Colorado Rapids. 
Red Bull NY is the only team to draw. 
FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders FC joined Colorado in the loss column. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 01, 2018, 10:38:50 AM
fc dallas won, but tied on aggregate and lost on away goals. they're out.

toronto and colorado tied, which puts toronto advancing and colorado exiting on 2-0 aggregate.

redbulls and sounders both play today. redbulls just need a win or 0-0 draw to advance on away goals. sounders need to win by 2 to win by aggregate or win 1-0 to win on away goals.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 03, 2018, 05:45:12 PM
fc dallas won, but tied on aggregate and lost on away goals. they're out.

toronto and colorado tied, which puts toronto advancing and colorado exiting on 2-0 aggregate.

redbulls and sounders both play today. redbulls just need a win or 0-0 draw to advance on away goals. sounders need to win by 2 to win by aggregate or win 1-0 to win on away goals.
Both of those things happened. 
So Seattle, Red Bull NY and Toronto will play Liga MX teams in the Quarterfinal round, which gets underway March 6th.
-----------
Columbus Crew take down Toronto 2-0, week 1 of the MLS Regular Season. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 08, 2018, 02:36:25 PM
ny rb (2-0), toronto (2-1) and sounders (1-0) all got wins in first leg of the qtrs. ny rb were away.

ny rb and toronto play return matches next tuesday, sounders on wed.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 12, 2018, 07:07:25 AM
After a 3-2 win over Montreal, the Columbus Crew move to 2-0 in this, their final season of existence. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 19, 2018, 10:47:50 AM

So the Champions League Semifinals will be Mexico vs MLS for both match-ups: 

Red Bull NY vs Guadalajara, Toronto vs America

The first leg is April 3rd/4th. The second leg will be April 10th. 

----------------

The Crew remain undefeated in MLS play, posting a big bad scoreless tie vs Philly. 2-0-1
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 04, 2018, 08:48:06 AM

Columbus Crew went 3-1-1 in March. 

Second place in the Eastern. 


-------------------------------------------------

Toronto beat America 3-1 on the road in the first leg of the Champion's League Semifinals

Red Bull NY locks horns with Guadalajara at home tonight. 

The second leg games are both on April 10th.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 05, 2018, 04:44:12 PM

The Red Bulls suffered a 1-0 loss at home in their 1st leg game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 15, 2018, 03:09:24 PM

So it will be Toronto vs Guadalajara for the Championship, and the first leg of the Final is on Tuesday. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 18, 2018, 08:54:41 AM

Uh oh, Toronto dropped the first leg of the Champion's League Final 2-1 at home. 

The second leg will be on April 25th at Guadalajara. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on April 18, 2018, 09:37:50 AM
Columbus Crew - After starting off the season 3-0 the Crew have cooled off going 0 wins - 2 losses - 1 tie in their last 3.

Interesting, Again this year the Crew have the most March and April (Cold Games low attendance) compared to any other team. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 30, 2018, 11:40:37 PM
So Guadalajara defeated Toronto on penalty kicks in the Champions League Final.

The US Open gets underway on May 6th. The first round is just a bunch of semi-pro teams. 

22 USL teams enter in the second round May 16th

The 20 US based MLS teams don't get involved until the 4th round on June 6th. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 01, 2018, 09:43:18 AM
damn, forgot about 2nd leg and didn't watch.

uefa cl 2nd leg of semis are today (bayern and real madrid) and tomorrow (roma and liverpool) if you want to catch some high quality soccer.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 01, 2018, 10:00:17 AM
The Crew are 4-3-2 heading into May in this, their final season of MLSoccer.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on May 01, 2018, 01:11:44 PM
Have fans moved on or are they still showing up?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 01, 2018, 01:13:15 PM
Some are done with it, while others want to soak up one last year of memories. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on May 01, 2018, 03:27:06 PM
damn, forgot about 2nd leg and didn't watch.

uefa cl 2nd leg of semis are today (bayern and real madrid) and tomorrow (roma and liverpool) if you want to catch some high quality soccer.
My team is knocked out of Champions, but remains alive in FA Cup, so there you have it...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 12, 2018, 10:44:46 AM
Round 1 of the US Open is completed.

The winners have to play the USL teams in round 2, on May 16th.

2018 Bracket https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DczYdXVWsAEEMCI.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 12, 2018, 08:50:09 PM
Just past half time on the Crew Fire MLS game. Crew up 2-0

Local channel 53 The CW, if anyone else wants to watch.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 12, 2018, 09:01:04 PM
Have fans moved on or are they still showing up?
In yet another deceitful / poor practice of Precourt/MLS; 22 teams report tickets sold, Only the Columbus Crew reports tickets scanned at the gate.  But only about 9k die hard fans show up to the game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 17, 2018, 11:52:49 AM
US Open

http://thecup.us/2018/04/04/2018-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup-schedule-results/

There was actually quite a few semipro teams that took down their USL opponent in round 2. Enough so that there will be two games in round 3 that don't involve a USL team. So at least two semipro teams will make it to the fourth round, where the MLS teams are introduced. There will be five more semipro teams that will be going up against a USL team in round 3. There will also be five round 3 games played between 2 USL teams. 

The winners of those 12 games will be shoehorned into a 32-team bracket with the 20 US-based MLS teams. It will simply be a normal bracket format from that point forward. 

Cincinnati will play Pittsburgh on May 23rd. The two teams have already played once in the USL regular season, resulting in a 2-2 draw. They will play twice more after this. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdXSTt8W0AA1TB5.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdXU-5nWsAIZ0mY.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 24, 2018, 11:58:50 AM

US Open Cup

The Bracket  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup)is set

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TLvzVAAAToJe.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TMmzUwAE0rxx.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 24, 2018, 12:02:10 PM
I'm bummed. I was hoping that the Crew would have one more crack at FC Cincinnati after last year's Cupset. But alas. They'd both have to win their round 4 game in order to lock horns with each other.

The Cinderella story so far is FC Golden State; an amateur team that has already taken down two USL teams. They will square off with the LA Galaxy in round 4.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 24, 2018, 12:02:46 PM
US Open Cup

The Bracket  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup)is set

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TLvzVAAAToJe.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TMmzUwAE0rxx.jpg)
Bumping the match ups to this page
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on May 24, 2018, 12:09:16 PM
Pittsburgh had been playing really well, I think they were the last undefeated USL team this year (but they were like 5-0-5, so not in 1st), but Cincinnati is the best USL team this season, so no shame in that loss.  I think I may take my son down to one of their games in a couple weeks.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 24, 2018, 08:20:07 PM

Oh yeah, those games are all on June 6th. 

Also on June 6th the Canadian Championship gets underway. In the past, the three MLS teams would be seeded according to the MLS standings, while the two USL teams, Ottawa and Edmonton, would play for the 4 seed. Well Edmonton folded, so instead of just giving Ottawa the 4 seed, the top semi-pro team from each Ontario and Quebec will play a round, whereby the winner will get Edmonton's spot against Ottawa for the 4 seed, at the end of June. 

So the June 6th game is Oakville(ONT) vs Blainville(QUE), with a second leg on June 13th.  

Essentially a play-in round for the play-in round. 

:91:

Bracket  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Canadian_Championship)

.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 29, 2018, 05:58:19 PM

Cincinnati got their MLS promotion. 


(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1001580639794139139/ClRc7w1P_400x400.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 30, 2018, 09:03:10 AM
Cincinnati got their MLS promotion.


(https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1001580639794139139/ClRc7w1P_400x400.jpg)
Garber said, “We don’t have the level of corporate support in the community that that team needs to be successful, and the level of support here in Cincinnati almost rivals other MLS small-to-mid-market clubs and totally outranks what has been committed to in Columbus.”
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 30, 2018, 09:43:42 AM
 

Looks like it's happening next season. So they slid to the front of the line, ahead of Miami and Nashville by a year. 

I guess we can pencil in Cincy, Miami and Nashville to the East, with Austin in the West. 

Two thirteen-team divisions.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Major_League_Soccer_club_locations_2017.png/500px-Major_League_Soccer_club_locations_2017.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on May 30, 2018, 09:55:15 AM
I know Detroit was in the running, but it seems like their bid was far less serious.  It was a couple of MSU alums and current NBA owners (Dan Gilbert - Cavs & Tom Gores - Pistons) leading the bid, so it seems like they could have been a lot more serious about it if they wanted to.  They scrapped plans for a new outdoor stadium, and were going to play in Ford Field, which hurt them.  There was also a strong push AGAINST the bid by fans of Detroit FC, which has actually grown to be a substantial fan base for a low tier soccer club, so I think MLS was worried about granting a team to a city where the hardcore soccer fan base was opposed to the team.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Hoss on May 30, 2018, 11:27:17 AM
OT...but do we have any futbal-tactics gurus in here?

My daughter is going to be playing left defender (fullback? Whatever) in a 3-3-4 alignment this fall, in her first year of 11v11...supposedly an aggressive version, if that matters. If anybody can describe the responsibilities of that position, I'd be interested to hear it. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 30, 2018, 02:52:39 PM


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DectwEbUQAAsRaV.jpg)

Deportivo Saprissa (Costa Rica, 1D) 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 31, 2018, 11:08:11 AM

Heading into June...

.
Eastern Conference 

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)262138322717104-2-14-1-1
2Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)251.7914734181085-1-12-2-3
3New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)241.8513733261975-0-02-3-3
4New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)222117312612144-1-13-2-0
5Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)191.5812651222024-3-12-2-0
6New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)191.4613544221934-2-21-2-2
7Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)181.38135531516-14-1-21-4-1
8Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)141.08134721824-62-4-12-3-1
9Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)100.91113711420-63-3-10-4-0
10Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)90.691331001429-152-3-01-7-0
11D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)90.9102531418-41-0-11-5-2

.

Western Conference 

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)251.92137242413114-1-23-1-2
2FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)231.9212615201373-0-43-1-1
3Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)211.7512633241952-0-34-3-0
4Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)201.8211632191724-0-02-3-2
5Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)191.46136611726-95-1-01-5-1
6Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)181.512543272074-2-01-2-3
7Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)171.21144551927-82-1-42-4-1
8LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)161.23135711822-43-4-02-3-1
9Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)161.23135711622-64-2-11-5-0
10San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)90.75122731823-51-3-11-4-2
11Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)80.810262712-51-3-11-3-1
12Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)80.73112721320-72-3-10-4-1

.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 31, 2018, 03:03:13 PM
OT...but do we have any futbal-tactics gurus in here?

My daughter is going to be playing left defender (fullback? Whatever) in a 3-3-4 alignment this fall, in her first year of 11v11...supposedly an aggressive version, if that matters. If anybody can describe the responsibilities of that position, I'd be interested to hear it.
wiki does a decent job of basic descriptions. read both the fullback and wingback sections. it's a fairly demanding position with both offensive and defensive responsibilities, especially if it's an aggressive version, makes me think they'll be wanting her involved in the attack q good bit.

wiki link (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_football_positions)

this one is similar (https://www.football-bible.com/soccer-info/soccer-positions-explained.html)

and another one (https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles)
this last one has some names of greats associated with the position. maybe you can google some of their highlights or something.

there are a couple decent videos on youtube about positions and roles as well.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Hoss on June 01, 2018, 10:01:11 AM
Thanks for the info! Sounds like it will be quite a challenge…we’ll definitely need to polish up her dribbling, but her inexperience will probably continue to be the biggest hurdle. She is a little behind most of the others in the mental part of the game, because she came into it late. The speed and size she has though, so that’s a good place to start. Has a real knack for passing too, and we have been scheduling private lessons to work on defender technique.

I think we both will be happier with this new shape because it will mandate that she play up front, and get her chances to shoot and make assists, in lieu of being the “failsafe” on defense. She was constantly playing as the last defender in the old shape because she didn’t trust the other two not to get beat (and who were then nowhere to be found if SHE got beat). That conservative mindset put her at loggerheads with the coach at times, and kept her from playing much offense...I really had to work on her to start being more aggressive, and push up when the ball was on her side. Now she won’t have choice, from the sound of it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 01, 2018, 10:42:24 AM
Interesting that your coach wants to use such an aggressive formation.   Do you know if that is due to his style or is it a reflection of the players on the team?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Hoss on June 01, 2018, 12:44:01 PM
IDK that its unusual in that regard. I don’t recall seeing many opponents who played with a heavy defensive lean…that’s probably not something that is going to be attractive to younger kids.

Scoring has been a problem this year however, so if I had to hazard a guess as to the thinking behind this change, scoring more goals would be it. IDK that its an issue so much with his “fast break” offense as it has been the girls outgrowing the 9v9 field; its just become darn difficult to run past people. On the larger 11v11 pitch, his offensive approach might well be effective again.

Conversely though, we may be switching from a very effective defensive alignment to one that breaks more often for the same reason. We’ll see. One of her friends is moving up from the developmental team to play an inside defender spot, and she’s really good; great instincts, and a bruiser. She cleans up mistakes very well. If they can find a decent outside defender on the other side, we could be fine.

It sounds like it will be more entertaining to watch, regardless.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 01, 2018, 02:37:29 PM
Heading into June...
Columbus ranked 2nd looks nice, but since we played so many cold March games, everyone else has 2 games to catch up. The points per game looks like a better ranking and has the Crew listed in 4th.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 02, 2018, 09:39:41 PM
The Crew win the final installment of the Trillium Cup, by virtue of a road win and a home draw vs Toronto. 

(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.espncdn.com%2Fphoto%2F2010%2F1111%2Fsoc_g_trillium_cup_576.jpg&hash=1c06b961cf743c9f83481812e5619119)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 02, 2018, 11:22:27 PM
The Crew win the final installment of the Trillium Cup, by virtue of a road win and a home draw vs Toronto.

(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.espncdn.com%2Fphoto%2F2010%2F1111%2Fsoc_g_trillium_cup_576.jpg&hash=1c06b961cf743c9f83481812e5619119)
Go Crew. 12k showed up today.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 03, 2018, 09:21:09 PM
Apparently Columbus has a women's team. I had no idea.

http://www.columbuseaglesfc.com/wp/

I was on a bike ride tonight, and they were playing a game in front of a bunch of crazy Crew fans banging on their drums and chanting endlessly.

Far out.

(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.columbuseaglesfc.com%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FlogoSTC-1.png&hash=cb3c83193ec5781e91b78db8580766d2)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 06, 2018, 03:53:34 PM
US Open Cup

The Bracket  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup)is set

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TLvzVAAAToJe.jpg)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dd-TMmzUwAE0rxx.jpg)
Louisville got the first USL over MLS Cupset, knocking off the New England Revolution. 
DC United edged USL N Carolina FC in a shoot out, and will get Philly in the round of 16. 
The rest of the games are tonight. The Crew draw their biggest rival, the Chicago Fire, at home. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 06, 2018, 10:22:49 PM
I'm bummed. I was hoping that the Crew would have one more crack at FC Cincinnati after last year's Cupset. But alas. They'd both have to win their round 4 game in order to lock horns with each other...
.
...and they both lost. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 06, 2018, 11:24:39 PM
Oh yeah, those games are all on June 6th.

Also on June 6th the Canadian Championship gets underway.

 the top semi-pro team from each Ontario and Quebec will play a round.

So the June 6th game is Oakville(ONT) vs Blainville(QUE), with a second leg on June 13th.  

Essentially a play-in round for the play-in round.


Bracket  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Canadian_Championship)

Blainville beat Oakville 2-1 in the first leg in Quebec. The second leg will be in Ontario June 13th. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 07, 2018, 12:15:23 PM

So three USL teams survived their MLS opponent to move onto the round of 16. 
Louisville and Nashville beat the New England Revolution and the Colorado Rapids respectively, and will get to play against each other in the round of 16, so at least one USL team is guaranteed to make it to the Quarterfinal round.
additionally Sacramento beat the Seattle Sounders, and will face Los Angeles FC in the round of 16.
Full round of 16 bracket: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_U.S._Open_Cup)


The Round of 16 will take place June 16-20.


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DfG7Bq1UYAAi9lT.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 15, 2018, 01:08:02 PM
Rough way to lose for Morocco 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 15, 2018, 06:13:48 PM
Wow that Spain-Portugal match was just incredible.  I'm not a huge Ronaldo fan, but I'm also not a hater, and that was a masterful performance.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 16, 2018, 11:05:19 PM
Blainville beat Oakville 2-1 in the first leg in Quebec. The second leg will be in Ontario June 13th.
And 1-0 in the second leg.

Blainville will play The Ottawa Fury from the big bad USL on June 20th and 27th. The winner gets the four seed, and goes up against Toronto in their National semifinal in July, with the Montreal Impact taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps in the other semifinal.

------------------------

Portland, Philadelphia and Sporting KC have already advanced to the July 18th US Open Cup Quarterfinals, by beating the LA Galaxy, Red Bull NY and FC Dallas, respectively.

The rest of the games in this round are on Monday - Wednesday.

------------------------

And now back to your regularly scheduled World Cup updates...

(World Cupdates?)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 17, 2018, 01:41:33 PM
Without a rooting interest, I'm struggling to get any more into this than say, Champions League.  Can enjoy some pretty good soccer, but honestly if it wasn't running unopposed while I had my coffee in the morning I probably wouldn't have watched any of it yet.  And I'm the guy who is watching Qualifying and Gold Cups when the US is playing.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 17, 2018, 05:15:42 PM
Some pretty fun soccer today with Mexico and Switzerland playing well
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 17, 2018, 08:18:13 PM
Without a rooting interest, I'm struggling to get any more into this than say, Champions League.  Can enjoy some pretty good soccer, but honestly if it wasn't running unopposed while I had my coffee in the morning I probably wouldn't have watched any of it yet.  And I'm the guy who is watching Qualifying and Gold Cups when the US is playing.
Yah, I haven't seen any world cup.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 17, 2018, 08:30:47 PM
So far pretty fun for me actually. Brazil looked amazing for 20 minutes but then looked disorganized. No one has looked particularly great. Might make for some drama.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 18, 2018, 12:59:40 PM
Wow that Spain-Portugal match was just incredible.  I'm not a huge Ronaldo fan, but I'm also not a hater, and that was a masterful performance.


that last goal for his hat trick was something special...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 18, 2018, 01:02:24 PM
So far pretty fun for me actually. Brazil looked amazing for 20 minutes but then looked disorganized. No one has looked particularly great. Might make for some drama.
ISL continues to play better than their parts.   They won't win it all, but I certainly could see them being disruptive.   The best teams so far, imo, seem to be Spain and Portugal.    But we will see.  It is early.
Like the Stanley cup playoffs, so far I've been impressed with the matches. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 18, 2018, 04:00:06 PM
England with a late goal to win against Tunisia. England looked like the bad news bears at times in that game, but I'm probably rooting for them this year.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 19, 2018, 05:12:56 PM
Another fun day with Senegal and Japan earning upset victories
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 19, 2018, 05:44:24 PM
Another fun day with Senegal and Japan earning upset victories
Those 3rd minute red cards will bite you every time
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 19, 2018, 10:15:04 PM
Yah, I haven't seen any world cup.
Without a rooting interest, I'm struggling to get any more into this than say, Champions League.  Can enjoy some pretty good soccer, but honestly if it wasn't running unopposed while I had my coffee in the morning I probably wouldn't have watched any of it yet.  And I'm the guy who is watching Qualifying and Gold Cups when the US is playing.
I love international soccer, even when the US isn't playing.  There are plenty of national teams I enjoy watching that aren't my own-- and a few that I love to root against, as well. ;)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 20, 2018, 08:13:45 AM
I love international soccer, even when the US isn't playing.  There are plenty of national teams I enjoy watching that aren't my own-- and a few that I love to root against, as well. ;)
Yeah, I want to, I just have a hard time getting into events if I don't have a rooting interest.  I enjoy morning sports.  Euro soccer, Olympics, Open Championship, etc...  So when it's on, I'll watch it.  It's good soccer, and enjoyable, but I miss being invested.  I'm not "anti" anyone enough to find a rooting interest in that direction.
The show Cristiano Renaldo is continuing to put on is truly a spectacle though.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 20, 2018, 11:31:46 AM
Yeah, I want to, I just have a hard time getting into events if I don't have a rooting interest.  I enjoy morning sports.  Euro soccer, Olympics, Open Championship, etc...  So when it's on, I'll watch it.  It's good soccer, and enjoyable, but I miss being invested.  I'm not "anti" anyone enough to find a rooting interest in that direction.
The show Cristiano Renaldo is continuing to put on is truly a spectacle though.
have to agree with utee, even without the usmnt in this world cup, it's been fantastic so far.
helps that i have some close friends from colombia so i've kinda adopted them as my team of choice for this cup. though after yesterday, they might want me to lose interest.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 20, 2018, 12:03:42 PM
I've spent a lot of time in France and Belgium, so those are my teams of choice this go-round. Normally Italy would have been my #2, but well, there you have it.

My i s c & a aggie wife has a lot of German ancestry, so that's the team she's picked.  I told her "way to go out on a limb there." :)

My son and daughter both play and love soccer these days, and my son is a Ronaldo fan (what 8yo boy ISN'T?), so he's pulling for Portugal, and my daughter I think has latched on to Germany as well, because of my wife. 

So we're a bit of a house divided but having a lot of fun with it.  In some ways I can enjoy it more without the stress of worrying about the US, although of course I'd much rather have the USMNT in the tourney than not.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 20, 2018, 12:09:25 PM
have to agree with utee, even without the usmnt in this world cup, it's been fantastic so far.
helps that i have some close friends from colombia so i've kinda adopted them as my team of choice for this cup. though after yesterday, they might want me to lose interest.
Yeah, how fantastic it is I never disagreed with.  I'm just saying when I don't have a dog in the fight, it puts a cap on my overall interest.  It's not speaking to how good or bad the tournament is.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 20, 2018, 01:38:13 PM
Yeah, how fantastic it is I never disagreed with.  I'm just saying when I don't have a dog in the fight, it puts a cap on my overall interest.  It's not speaking to how good or bad the tournament is.
I feel similarly about OTHER sports-- for example, now that Texas has been knocked out of the CWS, I have less interest in it.  I still really enjoy college baseball and will watch whatever games are convenient, but without Texas remaining, I'm not nearly as interested as I was 3 days ago.
But for me, soccer is somehow different. I think it's because the USA isn't a power or even all that great traditionally, so the vast majority of games I've watched, have not revolved around the USMNT.  I'm always happy when we're in there, but I don't ever expect us to contend, so it doesn't interfere with my interest or enjoyment of the rest of the event.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 20, 2018, 04:53:06 PM
Yeah, how fantastic it is I never disagreed with.  I'm just saying when I don't have a dog in the fight, it puts a cap on my overall interest.  It's not speaking to how good or bad the tournament is.
i meant fantastic from a viewable experience. but i will agree it would be better with a serious rooting interest involved.
btw, 2026 wc coming to us (and mex/ca). gonna be a tough ticket, but i'll be damned if i don't try my best to go to at least 1 game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 20, 2018, 04:54:58 PM
I feel similarly about OTHER sports-- for example, now that Texas has been knocked out of the CWS, I have less interest in it.  I still really enjoy college baseball and will watch whatever games are convenient, but without Texas remaining, I'm not nearly as interested as I was 3 days ago.
But for me, soccer is somehow different. I think it's because the USA isn't a power or even all that great traditionally, so the vast majority of games I've watched, have not revolved around the USMNT.  I'm always happy when we're in there, but I don't ever expect us to contend, so it doesn't interfere with my interest or enjoyment of the rest of the event.
maybe if you didn't picked a blue blood from each sport to follow you'd have a more fulfilling experience with all others as well. :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 20, 2018, 05:07:30 PM
Yeah, how fantastic it is I never disagreed with.  I'm just saying when I don't have a dog in the fight, it puts a cap on my overall interest.  It's not speaking to how good or bad the tournament is.
Weren't you the one that was busting my chops for liking the MLS, because it wasn't the top league in the world?
So now you've gone from only wanting to see the "best players in the world" to needing some sort of natural, geography-based rooting interest?
Make up your mind, homey.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 20, 2018, 06:12:25 PM
Weren't you the one that was busting my chops for liking the MLS, because it wasn't the top league in the world?
So now you've gone from only wanting to see the "best players in the world" to needing some sort of natural, geography-based rooting interest?
Make up your mind, homey.
Huh?  I'm not saying I don't care about the World Cup because I have Pittsburgh Riverhounds games to go to.  I'm failing to see any inconsistency.  The World Cup, and Gold Cup/Confederations Cup, are my jam, but my interest has waned without a rooting interest this year.  And hell, I've still followed and watched SOME, which is more than I can say about any local soccer.  So I think that's pretty in line with my point, that even at a reduced interest level, my interest in world class soccer is still vastly greater than any sort of local rooting interest.

And FTR, I wasn't giving you grief.  You basically said if the Crew moved, you were done with soccer, and I simply said that I had never heard anyone's interest in soccer be solely dependent on the existence of a lower level club in their general vicinity.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 20, 2018, 06:22:19 PM
(https://media0.giphy.com/media/tq4PuoUVgsK9q/giphy.gif)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 21, 2018, 12:07:09 PM
.

The US Open Cup Quarterfinals are set.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgUEieEUwAAhwBz.jpg)

So Louisville is the lone USL team that will be barkin' with the big dawgs. They play the Chicago Fire. The Quarterfinal round is July 18th.

-------------------------------------------

The Ottawa Fury won the first leg of the Canadian Championship play-in round, but only 1-0. Leg 2 is Wed June 27th.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 21, 2018, 03:13:21 PM
Oof the Argentina goalie
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 21, 2018, 04:08:27 PM
Oof the Argentina goalie
He's lucky he's not Colombia's goalkeeper...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 22, 2018, 10:37:52 AM
And FTR, I wasn't giving you grief.  You basically said if the Crew moved, you were done with soccer, and I simply said that I had never heard anyone's interest in soccer be solely dependent on the existence of a lower level club in their general vicinity.
MLS is the highest level soccer nationally available. If the Crew leave, my interests in soccer will also drop to practically zero. 
World Cup 94' started my attraction to the beautiful game. Columbus getting a franchise in 96' turned me into a season ticket holder Crew fanatic. 
With the USA not making the World Cup, I've watched zero games. And with the Crew leaving town I'll not follow another team.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 22, 2018, 02:58:55 PM
I did like the MLS a lot better in the early days, when they Americanized the Hell out of the game. There were no ties, the clock counted downward instead of upward, there were cheerleaders, and the team names weren't nearly as generic. 

Alas, they knuckled under and compromised with all the blouse wearing poodle walkers, and Europeanised all of that stuff, while maintaining the divisions and the playoffs. Of course I'd a lot rather have that compromise than one that was the other way around, where they got rid of the divisions and playoffs but kept the shootouts and NCAA clock rules. But it seems like about a third of these games are ending in draws, which makes the product much less watchable imo. 

Whoever complained about the cheerleaders needs to be rounded up, so that they can all get kicked in the crotch by an NFL punter. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 23, 2018, 11:36:24 AM
I have surprisingly found myself rooting for Mexico to make a run in this thing
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on June 23, 2018, 03:57:53 PM
Pretty awful way to lose for Sweden. Got deked pretty good. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 23, 2018, 06:03:29 PM
That was one hell of a game with Sweden and Germany
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 25, 2018, 11:57:25 AM
Sweden gave that game away...   they were content with letting Germany kick at them.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 25, 2018, 11:57:53 AM
Sporting KC had a heck of a comeback the other night vs Houston.   2 goals in the final 5 minutes to win 3-2
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 25, 2018, 12:05:26 PM
I have surprisingly found myself rooting for Mexico to make a run in this thing
Fans of El Tri are the worst.  I love Mexico, but I loathe Mexico's national soccer team. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 25, 2018, 12:18:52 PM
Fans of El Tri are the worst.  I love Mexico, but I loathe Mexico's national soccer team.

I'm not a big fan of the way a good deal of CONCACAF teams play or their fans act, to be honest.  And I've never cheered on Mexico before, didn't plan on doing so this year, but I've enjoyed watching them play, and wouldn't mind more of it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 25, 2018, 04:46:22 PM
I haven't had direct interactions with any of the other CONCACAF fan bases so I can't really comment on that.  But over the years I've had pretty thorough interactions with Mexico fans.  Here in the USA, abroad in Mexico, and even in Europe.  Almost invariably, they are hostile and nasty the moment they find out you're from the US.  

I'd root for Oklahoma or Texas A&M before I'd root for El Tri

But, that's just, like, my opinion, man. ;)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 25, 2018, 04:52:23 PM
not rooting for mexico, but don't hate their team/players, but their fans are awful and make it to where i can't root for them.

portugal and spain advance today, both coming quite close to making it interesting.

tomorrow will be interesting to see if argentina can finally get a win and maybe advance if they get some help from croatia.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 26, 2018, 04:00:28 PM
Argentina somehow through

Argentine-France and Spain-Russia already set as a pair of really good knockout games.  Denmark-Croatia and Portugal-Uruguay as the other two.  Bracket half filled
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 26, 2018, 04:13:09 PM
Argentina somehow through

Argentine-France and Spain-Russia already set as a pair of really good knockout games.  Denmark-Croatia and Portugal-Uruguay as the other two.  Bracket half filled
that arg/nig match was crazy. i'm a messi fanboy so glad they snuck in, but they better figure it out quick or it won't last long.
and, imo, the spain/russia looks weakest of the r16 matchups so far, though not bad. russia has impressed, but spain is so loaded.
if portugal and argentina advance, we get messi vs ronaldo in r8. not likely, imo, but would be really fun.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 27, 2018, 11:46:26 AM
So is Mexico trying, or trying to send Germany home?  Not actually watching
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 27, 2018, 11:49:30 AM
Never mind, if Germany scores a late one here, Mexico somehow goes home, if their score holds
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 27, 2018, 12:00:30 PM
Plus you probably would like to avoid Brazil as your next match.  Likely get them now.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 27, 2018, 12:06:24 PM
Not to mention, if Brazil and England win, there's a shot of having Renaldo-Messi and Neymar-Kane as your July 6 quarterfinals.  I might have to figure out how to work from home for that.  Stupid Wednesday Independence Day
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 27, 2018, 03:46:32 PM
with brazil likely winning, the left side of the bracket now has:

uraguay
portugal
france
argentina
mexico
brazil

and if colombia and japan both win, colombia would be in this group.

belgium and england are playing for the WINNER to join that group. with both assured to advance, could we see some shenanigans from one of them to avoid that death row?

right side includes (as of now):

spain
russia
croatia
denmark
sweden
likely swiss

much easier path, from a blue blood/name standpoint.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 28, 2018, 10:34:13 AM
Yeah, I've really been looking forward to Belgium-England, but I'm not sure how much drama there will be.  It could be, who takes the harder dive? :)

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 28, 2018, 10:44:20 AM
.

The Ottawa Fury won the first leg of the Canadian Championship play-in round, but only 1-0. Leg 2 is Wed June 27th.


...and another 1-0 victory for the Fury in the second leg. 
The first leg of the Canadian Semifinals will be July 18th, with the second leg on the 25th. 
The match ups again will be Toronto-Fury and Impact-Whitecaps. So three MLS with a USL. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 28, 2018, 10:57:09 AM
Yeah, I've really been looking forward to Belgium-England, but I'm not sure how much drama there will be.  It could be, who takes the harder dive? :)


And just wait til 2026 when they really screw the whole thing up with the 3 team groups.

Should be fun, to basically eliminate fun qualifiers and group play in the name of what boils down to a 32 team single elimination tournament every four years.  IMO, this is one of the greater format screw ups of all time, in any sport.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 28, 2018, 12:03:30 PM
So Japan and Senegal finished tied in points and goal differential, but Japan advances based on Fair Play because they had 4 yellow cards to Senegal's six?  What kind of weird ass rule is that?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2018, 12:13:50 PM
They have to pick something - after that it's coin flipping time.

England v. Belgium is interesting.  Would you rather play Japan in the first round but likely face Brazil in the second?  Or face Colombia in the first round but then get either Sweden or Switzerland in the second?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2018, 12:21:22 PM
My quote button isn't working, but yes, the new format is ridiculous.  The World Cup is nearly perfect as it is - the group stage creates some of the most compelling drama in any tournament.  So disappointing that they would change it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 28, 2018, 12:39:54 PM
What is the official why behind the change?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 28, 2018, 12:42:29 PM
What is the official why behind the change?
Same reason behind the format change to every sport ever, money.  More money to be made on 48 teams vs. 32.  But I think it destroys the qualifying rounds, and makes the group play part wonky, and ultimately not that interesting. So many of those groups you are going to know in advance which 2 will get out.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on June 28, 2018, 12:46:43 PM
That might be the reason.. I was just wondering if there was an official statement I missed.

Initially when I heard this I assumed they'd keep the 8 groupings, but expand to 6 teams.   Even if they only moved on 2 from each, they'd have more games and more inventory to sell.   If they moved on 3, that would expand it even more.... 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 28, 2018, 02:54:09 PM
They have to pick something - after that it's coin flipping time.

England v. Belgium is interesting.  Would you rather play Japan in the first round but likely face Brazil in the second?  Or face Colombia in the first round but then get either Sweden or Switzerland in the second?
tbh, i think i'd rather a coin flip than the subjective whim of the refs. some of these refs won't pull a card for blood, other will kick the grass out of the match for tripping if they could.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 28, 2018, 02:59:49 PM
That might be the reason.. I was just wondering if there was an official statement I missed.

Initially when I heard this I assumed they'd keep the 8 groupings, but expand to 6 teams.   Even if they only moved on 2 from each, they'd have more games and more inventory to sell.   If they moved on 3, that would expand it even more....
the 'official' reason given:
Fifa’s expressed ambition for this expanded tournament is that it will allow less celebrated footballing nations – think China and India – to join “the world’s greatest party” or whatever they call it nowadays.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 01, 2018, 01:23:59 AM
Heading into July...

*Sorted by PPG, due to popular request. 

East

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)372.061811343820186-2-25-1-2
4New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)291.93159423316176-1-13-3-1
2New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)311.82179443424107-0-12-4-3
5New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)271.5917746302556-2-21-2-4
3Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)301.5819856241956-2-32-3-3
6Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)231.28186752731-44-4-22-3-3
8Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)211.24176832125-45-2-21-6-1
7Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)211.171871102231-95-3-02-8-0
9Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)191.121761012437-134-4-12-6-0
10Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)151154832429-53-3-21-5-1
11D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)100.77132742127-61-0-11-7-3

.

West 

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/mls?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
2FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)32216925251785-0-44-2-1
1Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)321.88179353118136-1-23-2-3
3Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)301.88169433525104-0-35-4-0
4Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)261.7315735242134-0-23-3-3
7Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)211.415663312475-2-01-4-3
5Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)231.35177822132-116-1-11-7-1
6Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)231.35176652634-83-1-43-5-1
8LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)211.31166732526-14-4-02-3-3
9Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)1611651011930-114-3-11-7-0
10Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)120.8153931321-82-4-21-5-1
11Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)120.8153931928-93-4-20-5-1
12San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)120.71172962835-71-4-31-5-3
.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 01, 2018, 01:55:48 PM
Fightin Putins win the day
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 01, 2018, 05:31:50 PM
Wow.  What a day.  Both games tied in regulation, OT, and decided on penalty kicks.  Man.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 01, 2018, 09:20:00 PM
Some people don't like the PKs but my Lord was watching them entertaining.  First the Russia crowd was thunderous, and then the goalies were ridiculous in Sweden-Croatia
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 01, 2018, 09:48:17 PM
Yeah, that's why I never doubt the host country magic.  Aside from Brazil's total collapse against Germany four years ago, it seems like the host always outperforms expectations.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 01, 2018, 10:04:36 PM
Home field advantage is real. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on July 02, 2018, 02:08:48 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2784165-youth-soccer-team-found-alive-after-9-days-trapped-in-thailand-cave (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2784165-youth-soccer-team-found-alive-after-9-days-trapped-in-thailand-cave)

Members of a youth soccer team and their coach have been found alive following nine days spent trapped in a cave in Thailand, per CNN's Kocha Olarn and Lauren Said-Moorhouse (https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/02/asia/thai-cave-rescue-intl/index.html).
All 12 players of the team known as Wild Boar, as well as their coach, were located in the Tham Luang Nang Non cave system on Monday.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 02, 2018, 03:15:21 PM
Welp, I thought Belgium looked the best going into the knockout round, but looks like the concerns about just how bad the bottom half of their group was, combined with finishing with a meaningless game against England were valid.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 02, 2018, 03:34:31 PM
Welp, I thought Belgium looked the best going into the knockout round, but looks like the concerns about just how bad the bottom half of their group was, combined with finishing with a meaningless game against England were valid.
Well, look who woke up
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 02, 2018, 06:12:29 PM
That was one of the best soccer games I've seen.  While Belgium was the big favorite, Japan looked great and nearly got a winner. The teams went up and down all game, and we got a legendary ending
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 03, 2018, 03:30:38 PM
England and Colombia has been great as the teams are going up and down and they also seem to hate each other
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 03, 2018, 04:57:37 PM
Wow, Columbia with the extra time equalizer, then seemingly had it won in PKs then dinged one of the crossbar, and had one stopped to seize defeat from the jaws of victory.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2018, 06:24:51 PM
I'm really hoping for Belgium-France and Croatia-England in the semis.  That would be a fantastic set of matches.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 04, 2018, 07:27:22 AM
The Crew win their final International Friendly 2-0. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on July 06, 2018, 02:23:12 PM
Wow, Columbia with the extra time equalizer, then seemingly had it won in PKs then dinged one of the crossbar, and had one stopped to seize defeat from the jaws of victory.
watched this game with some friends from colombia, place went crazy at the equalizer, then heartbreak on the 2 missed penalties.

Quote
I'm really hoping for Belgium-France and Croatia-England in the semis.  That would be a fantastic set of matches.  

agree, really like those mtchups, and like those teams as well.

as a spurs fan:
england - kane, dele, trippier, dier, and rose are all on roster.
belgium - alderwiereld, vertongen, dembele
france - lloris
croatia - former spur modric

also really like de bruyne and lukaku on belgium and pogba and mbappe from france are fun to watch.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 07, 2018, 08:14:11 PM
Guess I'll take merry ole England. 

(https://sportshub.cbsistatic.com/i/r/2018/07/07/0d52b0c3-12c2-4a10-b159-a748462ddeec/resize/670x377/cdf11b97a13c0a7ad5b052f4e89f54de/world-cup-bracket-england-croatia.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 07, 2018, 11:06:08 PM
Had a family reunion today and missed Russia Croatia, which sounds like yet another classic
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on July 09, 2018, 10:58:39 AM
it was a great match.  

I'm looking forward to the semi-finals.    All 4 teams have been playing well.  I think Croatia will slow down England and disrupt what they want to do with the ball.   I've been impressed with Belgium all tourney so I'm going to stick with them winning it all
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 09, 2018, 11:05:28 AM
it was a great match.  

I'm looking forward to the semi-finals.    All 4 teams have been playing well.  I think Croatia will slow down England and disrupt what they want to do with the ball.   I've been impressed with Belgium all tourney so I'm going to stick with them winning it all
Yeah I said that early, with my only hesitation being just how bad the group they had to get through was.  They've proven their merit though.  In one game anything can happen, but I wouldn't pick the Belgium-France winner to lose any osrt of best-of or aggregate match against the England-Croatia winner.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 09, 2018, 12:16:51 PM
In one game anything can happen, but I wouldn't pick the Belgium-France winner to lose any osrt of best-of or aggregate match against the England-Croatia winner.
Agreed.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 09, 2018, 06:31:41 PM
I'm really hoping for Belgium-France and Croatia-England in the semis.  That would be a fantastic set of matches.  

Sweet.  My wish came true.
While I'm at it, I'm really hoping for the Texas Longhorns to win the national championship in NCAA football in 2018/9. :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 09, 2018, 06:50:24 PM
Sweet.  My wish came true.
While I'm at it, I'm really hoping for the Texas Longhorns to win the national championship in NCAA football in 2018/9. :)
You say, as if you picked the semifinals before the cup even started. 
Nice try though. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 10, 2018, 07:57:42 AM
Nah, I'm gonna roll with it anyway.  

Anyway, looking forward to my two favorite countries (other than USA and USMNT of course) battling it out today.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 10, 2018, 08:45:12 AM
Croatia and England? 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 10, 2018, 09:39:46 AM
I said "today."
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 10, 2018, 09:50:08 AM
Oh.... I see... 

NTTAWWT...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 10, 2018, 10:15:03 AM
But I do like England, and Croatia's on the list to visit when my i s c & a aggie wife and I go for the Eurocup in 2020.  We're definitely hitting Budapest, and Croatia, and after that I'm not sure.  We're debating heading back up north for the "Beer Tour" including Germany and Belgium, or staying down south for the "Wine Tour" of Italy/France/Spain.

We've been to Southern Europe together, but only I have been to the Northern European countries.  It's a tough choice.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on July 11, 2018, 04:27:51 PM
the England/Croatia semi has been great.   This has been so much better than the Olympics a few years ago
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 11, 2018, 04:41:02 PM
Well, shit
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on July 11, 2018, 04:44:27 PM
I thought Belgium would win it all earlier in the tourney.   France has been excellent.   IMO, France/Belgium were the two best teams this past 2 weeks. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 12, 2018, 08:20:28 AM
Agree, Ent.  

But Croatia is really good too.  Should be a really fun final, and the consolation game might not be so bad either, with Kane still vying for the Golden Boot.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on July 12, 2018, 02:17:25 PM
I thought Belgium would win it all earlier in the tourney.   France has been excellent.   IMO, France/Belgium were the two best teams this past 2 weeks.
i picked france to win it all (had them beating germany, lol). but for some reason i found myself rooting for belgium.
the semi's were great. crazy that croatia is only second team to come from behind at half to win a semi round game in history of wc.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 15, 2018, 09:14:50 PM
Frenchies get it done.  Half of the goals in the game were silly - own goal by Croatia, dumb handball by Croatia, France's goalie having an oopsie.  The other half were three stunning goals.  France deserved the win with their suffocating defense in the second half.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 18, 2018, 07:08:48 PM
.

The US Open Cup Quarterfinals are set.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DgUEieEUwAAhwBz.jpg)

So Louisville is the lone USL team that will be barkin' with the big dawgs. They play the Chicago Fire. The Quarterfinal round is July 18th.

-------------------------------------------
.
As these games are about to get underway, none of the Eastern Conference teams currently hold a playoff spot in the MLS standings. You have to be in the top six, and Philly, Chicago and Orlando are 7, 8 and 9 respectively. So USL Louisville might be able to make a run in this thing.
In the Western Conference three out of four are currently holding playoff spots. LA, Sporting KC and Portland are 2, 3 and 4 respectively, while Houston is knocking on the door at the 7 spot. 
--------------
The first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals is also tonight. The only team that is currently holding an MLS Playoff spot is Montreal, and they are barely in at the 6 spot in the Eastern Conference. Vancouver is in the 8 spot in the Western Conference, and top seeded Toronto is bringing up the rear at the 10 spot in the Eastern Conference. So USL Ottawa could also make a run at this thing. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 19, 2018, 08:12:10 AM
Philly, Chicago, Houston and LA all advance to the August 8th US Open Cup Semifinals.

So LAFC is the only team that currently holds a playoff spot in the MLS standings. Louisville and, by extension, the USL has been eliminated. 

----------------------

In the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals The Montreal Impact beat Vancouver 1-0 at home. Toronto beat the Ottawa Fury 1-0 on the road. The second leg is July 25th. So the Ottawa Fury is the last USL team standing. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on July 21, 2018, 11:58:26 PM
Columbus Crew vs. Orlando City game tonight was a-freakin'-mazing!

Highlights - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuZrBhpxSEI
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 26, 2018, 09:18:12 PM
 



In the first leg of the Canadian Championship semifinals The Montreal Impact beat Vancouver 1-0 at home. Toronto beat the Ottawa Fury 1-0 on the road. The second leg is July 25th. So the Ottawa Fury is the last USL team standing.
Toronto finishes off The Ottawa Fury. 
The Whitecaps, however, pull off the stunner over the Impact in the second leg of the Canadian semifinals. 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Canadian_Championship
The First leg of the Canadian Final will be August 8th in Vancouver, with the second leg on August 15th in Toronto. 
The winner secures Canada's lone auto-bid for the Champions League. Even if the loser goes onto win both the Supporter's Shield and the MLS Cup, it matters not. They will be eliminated from Champions League contention no matter what. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 30, 2018, 07:30:40 AM

Heading into (August/All-Star Break)...

.
East

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)472.042314454826227-2-37-2-2
2New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)431.9522135443271610-0-13-5-3
3New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)411.952113624222208-2-15-4-1
4Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)361.57231076302917-2-33-5-3
5Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)281.222391312939-107-4-02-9-1
6New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)281.3321777333216-3-31-4-4
7Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)271.292181032934-55-4-23-6-1
8Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)2312361253446-124-6-22-6-3
9Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)2212271413251-195-5-12-9-0
10Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)221.052161143539-44-4-22-7-2
11D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)170.94184952935-63-1-11-8-4

.

West

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings%20?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)4222112363525107-0-45-3-2
2Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)361.71211056443595-0-55-5-1
3LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)351.59221075433676-4-14-3-4
4Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)341.7919937302556-0-33-3-4
5Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)331.5721966393096-2-33-4-3
6Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)311.41229943139-88-1-21-8-2
7Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)291.32228953444-105-2-43-7-1
8Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)281.272291213544-98-3-11-9-0
9Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)271.2921786393276-3-21-5-4
10Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)261.24217952224-24-4-23-5-3
11Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)170.812141252536-113-5-31-7-2
12San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)130.622121272940-111-5-41-7-3

.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 09, 2018, 07:52:06 AM
US Open Cup Semifinals
Philidelphia blasted the Chicago Fire 3-0 in the Eastern Semifinal. 
Houston defeated LAFC on penalty kicks. 
The Final match is on September 26th, in Houston, with a Champions League spot on the line. 

Canadian Championship Final
Toronto and Vancouver tied 2-2 in the first leg in BC. 
The second leg is August 15th in Ontario, for Canada's sole Champions League bid.

.

Kinda crazy how you can run these teams through a tourney over the course of the regular season, and yield results that are completely nonsensical when compared to the regular season standings. Both of the US Open Cup Finals participants are currently out of the MLS Playoff race. The same can be said of three of the four semifinal participants. 

Same goes with Canada. The only team that is currently in the MLS Playoff hunt was eliminated in the Semifinals. Toronto is having a horrible year as the defending MLS Cup/Supporter's Shield winners. Not only are they going to host a game with Canada's lone Champions League bid on the line, but they also made it to the Final match of this year's Champions League during the early portion of the MLS season, slaying multiple Mexican powerhouses along the way. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 16, 2018, 12:51:12 AM


Toronto wins the Canadienne Cup, which comes with a Champions League bid. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dkr2uoZU0AECLE7.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 20, 2018, 12:29:56 PM
My daughter has the first game of her 16U season on Wednesday. She's an 8th grader, but playing mostly with high schoolers, which should be interesting. Fortunately, she's got decent height and has always been ok with physical play.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 23, 2018, 09:28:01 PM
The final installment of the Crew-Fire rivalry ends in a draw. 

Technically the point lifts Chicago out of last place in da East, so it's conceivable that they could go on a run and make the playoffs. Although it is also highly unlikely. (Even though they did make it to the final four in the US Open.)

So in all likelihood, this is the way it ends. 

**pours out 40**
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 24, 2018, 01:51:44 PM
Thoughts on the Premier League start?

Aresenal's worst in 25+ years (as long as the league as presently constituted has existed), but also haven't very often started with two of the perennial powers in a row--they were plenty competitive last weekend.

So who among the usual suspects will challenge City for this year's title? 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 30, 2018, 10:23:36 PM

Heading into September... 

(Sorted by Points per Game)

East

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
2Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)542.082616465530258-2-48-2-2
1New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)552.0427176450262411-2-16-4-3
3New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)481.8526146649341510-0-34-6-3
4Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)401.54261187333308-2-33-6-4
5Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)391.526121133739-27-4-25-7-1
6Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)331.2227101433445-118-4-12-10-2
7New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)291.162571083841-36-4-31-6-5
8D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)271.132471163942-36-2-11-9-5
9Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)271.042671364348-55-5-22-8-4
11Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)230.922571623859-215-6-22-10-0
10Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)240.892761563752-154-7-32-8-3

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

West

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
2Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)451.82513664730178-2-35-4-3
1FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)461.77261367433588-1-45-5-3
3Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)431.652612775040107-1-55-6-2
5Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)401.6251177373528-2-33-5-4
6Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)381.52251195322666-4-25-5-3
4Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)411.5227121054244-29-1-33-9-2
8Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)371.422610974351-85-2-55-7-2
7LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)381.41271098494816-4-44-5-4
9Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)291.122691523852-148-4-11-11-1
10Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)281.08267127413836-5-31-7-4
11Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)240.922661463148-175-6-31-8-3
12San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)200.772641484050-102-6-52-8-3

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

/And of course the Dynamo host Philly for the US Open Cup Final on September 26th.
//Toronto already won the Voyageur's Cup. Threepeat. 
///Dallas hosts the Crew Sept 15th for the final installment of the Pioneer Cup. The Crew already won the final Trillium Cup vs Toronto. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on August 30, 2018, 11:05:31 PM
Thoughts on the Premier League start?

Aresenal's worst in 25+ years (as long as the league as presently constituted has existed), but also haven't very often started with two of the perennial powers in a row--they were plenty competitive last weekend.

So who among the usual suspects will challenge City for this year's title?
Couldn’t be happier with my spurs right now. Starting slow has been a killer last couple years. This year on fire so far. Outside of Liverpool the next 6 epl matches spurs should be able to rack up some points. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 16, 2018, 11:27:10 AM
A scoreless tie between the Crew and Dallas in the final installment of the Pioneer Cup.

By rule, Columbus gets to keep the cup, as all time head to head goals is the tie breaker.

So Columbus will be taking both of their rivalry trophies to the grave, having also won the Trillium Cup vs Toronto earlier in the season.

(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmegasportsnews.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F05%2FPioneer-Cup-Crew-Dallas-FC-courtesy-of-Columbus-Crew.jpg&hash=aec384973bc003717c8f4a7b11d5a41c)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 23, 2018, 11:22:26 AM
The US Open Cup Final is on Wednesday of this week, with the Houston Dynamo hosting the Philly Union, with a 2019 Champions League birth on the line. 

...

Speaking of which, I need to issue a correction with regards to the US qualification for the 2019 Champions League. Normally it is the way that I stated: MLS Cup winner, Supporters Shield winner (most "pts" during regular season), US Open Cup winner, and the top team in the division opposite the Supporters Shield winner. 

Due to a scheduling change, for one year only, the 2019 qualifications span two MLS seasons; 2017 and 2018. Thus the qualifications for this year only will be different from the typical format, and those qualifications are:

1. 2017 US Open Cup winner: Sporting KC
2. 2018 US Open Cup winner: Houston or Philly
3. 2017 MLS Cup winner: *see note below
4. 2018 MLS Cup winner: TBD

*note: since a Canadian team (Toronto) won the 2017 MLS Cup, that spot will instead go to the US team with the most combined regular season "points" over the 2017 and 2018 MLS seasons. TBD

/Since Toronto won both the 2017 and 2018 Canadian Championship (Voyageurs Cup) they get Canada's lone bid. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 26, 2018, 10:08:22 PM

Houston defeats Philly in the US Open Cup Final 3-0. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DoEFwW5U4AEpPu-.jpg)

They probably won't qualify for the MLS Playoffs, but they have already punched their ticket to the 2019 Champions League. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 30, 2018, 10:06:31 PM
Heading into October, which is the final month of the regular season. Sorted by Points per game.
.
East

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1x - Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)632.033119666538279-2-410-4-2
2x - New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)62231197557322513-2-16-5-4
3x - New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)531.6632159855411411-1-44-8-4
4Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)481.553113993938110-2-43-7-5
5Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)471.5231141254345-28-5-26-7-3
7D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)381.312910118534859-2-21-9-6
6Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)401.2931121544252-109-4-23-11-2
8New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)351.1730811114449-56-4-52-7-6
9Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)331.13091565458-47-6-22-9-4
10e - Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)3113181674657-116-7-32-9-4
11Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)250.862971844066-265-6-42-12-0

.
West

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1x - FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)541.83015694938119-1-56-5-4
2Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)521.733015875537189-2-46-6-3
3Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)501.673014885846128-1-66-7-2
5Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)471.573014115413298-5-26-6-3
4Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)481.553113994645110-2-43-7-5
6Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)461.4831131175050010-1-43-10-3
7LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)441.423112118605918-4-44-7-4
8Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)401.3330111274759-126-4-55-8-2
9Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)361.230111634558-1310-4-11-12-2
10Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)351.17309138504558-5-31-8-5
11e - Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)240.83061863259-275-7-31-11-3
12e - San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)200.653141984766-192-8-52-11-3

.

Notes:
-34 total games per team when it is all said and done.
-The Supporter's Shield, which is awarded to the Regular Season Champion, appears to be between Atlanta and Red Bull NY. Atlanta maintains a one point lead, even after losing to the RBs 2-0 on Saturday.
-Dallas, Atlanta and the two NYC teams have already clinched a playoff spot (x), while Chicago, San Jose and Colorado have already been eliminated (e).
-The top six teams in each Conference make the playoffs.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 06, 2018, 09:32:08 PM
Orlando and Toronto were eliminated from Playoff contention today. 

Toronto won the MLS Cup and the Supporter's shield last year. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: 847badgerfan on October 06, 2018, 11:21:20 PM
Next y'all will be watching Lacrosse. Or Labatt's. Or whatever.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 07, 2018, 06:01:18 PM
Philly, KC and LAFC have clinched. 

Minnesota is out. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MrNubbz on October 07, 2018, 06:12:19 PM
Next y'all will be watching Lacrosse. Or Labatt's. Or whatever.
Really watch something 'Murican - like the W.S.O.P. or the Iditarod when the time comes.Lacrosse is fine Jim Brown and the original Americans played that
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 09, 2018, 10:56:08 PM
Houston is out. 

4 teams competing for two spots in the East, and 5 teams fighting over 3 spots in the West. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 13, 2018, 09:59:06 PM
New England is eliminated, even though they won their game tonight. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 18, 2018, 12:08:49 PM
Seattle clinched a Playoff spot last night. 

So there are three teams in the East and four teams in the West that have yet to either clinch or become mathematically eliminated. 
East: Columbus, DC, Montreal
West: Portland, Salt Lake, LA Galaxy, Vancouver
Two from each group will wind up making the playoffs.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 21, 2018, 09:54:25 PM
One week to go...
.
East

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1x - Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)692.0933216669402911-2-410-4-2
2x - New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)682.0633217561332813-2-18-5-4
3x - New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)531.61331510856441211-1-44-9-4
4x - Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)501.523315135484719-6-26-7-3
5x - D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)501.52331411860501013-2-21-9-6
6Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)481.4533131194043-310-2-43-9-5
7Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)461.3933141544752-511-4-23-11-2
8e - New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)381.1533913114855-77-4-52-9-6
9e - Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)3313391865563-87-7-22-11-4
10e - Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)310.943381874861-136-7-32-11-4
11e - Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)280.853382144373-306-7-42-14-0

.
West

#ClubPTSPPG (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ppg)GP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1x - Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)591.793317886339249-2-58-6-3
2x - Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)571.733316896750179-1-77-7-2
3x - FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)571.733316895142910-2-56-6-4
4x - Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)561.733171155036149-5-28-6-3
5x - Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)541.643315995346711-2-44-7-5
6Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)491.4434141375558-311-2-43-11-3
7LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)481.453313119646138-4-45-7-5
8e - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)441.3333121385266-146-5-56-8-3
9e - Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)361.0933111934768-2110-6-11-13-2
10e - Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)351.063391685556-18-6-31-10-5
11e - Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)280.853371973462-285-8-32-11-4
12e - San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)210.643342094869-212-9-62-11-3

.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 22, 2018, 06:25:17 PM
Though their 2018 Supporter's Shield is still up in the air, Atlanta has clinched a Champion's League spot. 

By rule they get the spot that would normally go to the 2017 MLS Cup winner. Since that was a Canadian Team (Toronto) it goes to the team with the most aggregate "points" over 2017 and 2018. Red Bull NY has clinched second place on that list, which is important because they get the final Champion's League bid if the 2018 MLS Cup winner is them, a Canadian Team, or a US team that has already earned a bid (Sporting KC (17 US Open Cup), Houston (18 US Open Cup) or Atlanta (see above). 

Houston is already eliminated from the Playoffs, so it won't be them. The other eliminated (e) teams cannot qualify for the 2019 Champions League except Toronto, who has already earned Canada's lone bid (Voyageurs Cup).
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 28, 2018, 09:03:35 PM
Red Bull NY wins the Supporter's Shield. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqoVeGHX4AIuCkJ.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 01, 2018, 11:46:23 PM
The Crew take down DC United on penalty kicks. 

Next up is a two legged Conference Semifinal vs the Supporters Shield champion NY/NJ Metrostars. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 02, 2018, 09:09:50 AM
https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1058244865056620544
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 03, 2018, 10:06:59 PM
Regular Season and Tournament! 

https://twitter.com/OtterbeinSports/status/1058898395170041861
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 04, 2018, 05:12:27 PM

The Crew take down Red Bull NY in game 1. 

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/1059206039319572480
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 09, 2018, 07:48:45 AM
Portland advances over Seattle to the Western Final. 

The other three are decided on Sunday.

Here's the matchup grid for what the Crew would need in order to advance. 

(https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/images/CPL18-RBNYvCLB-Scenarios%20(1).jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 11, 2018, 10:09:02 PM
So it will be Sporting KC and Portland in the Western Final. Atlanta and Red Bull NY in the Eastern Final. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Cincydawg on November 12, 2018, 07:08:07 AM
I chanced across the game here in ATL last night.  It seemed to be loud there, in TV, was kind of exciting, for like 10 minutes.

I then changed to BBC Americans nature program on penguins.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on November 12, 2018, 09:23:47 AM
sporting kc did all they could to give that game away...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on November 12, 2018, 03:19:05 PM
Wisconsin women into the 2nd round near me in Palo Alto, CA this weekend. Friday afternoon will be tough to get to, but if they advance, I will probably watch (them lose to Stanford) on Sunday...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 30, 2018, 08:08:42 AM
The MLS Cup will be Atlanta vs Portland on Dec 8
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 08, 2018, 11:08:20 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dt5yZOCWwAE1KpE.jpg)

MLS Cup tonight. 

If Portland wins, they also get a Champions League bid. Atlanta already has one, so Red Bull NY will get in if Atlanta wins. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 08, 2018, 10:07:40 PM
Atlanta wins the MLS Cup

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dt8VFLVW4AEMDoo.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 09, 2018, 09:10:56 PM
The Concacaf (N American) Champions League bracket is set, and gets underway Feb 19. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_Champions_League

The first round is basically a bunch of Caribbean/Central American teams getting wiped out by the Mexican/MLS teams, with an eye towards having four Mexico vs MLS quarterfinal match ups in round 2.

The five MLS teams are Atlanta United, Red Bull NY, Houston Dynamo, Sporting KC and Toronto FC. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 31, 2018, 09:40:10 AM
FC Cincinnati will balance the divisions at 12 each, and with it comes a revised playoff format. 

14 teams instead of 12, one off matches all the way through instead of 2 legged quarter/semifinals, and first round byes for Conference Champions only. 

(https://imagesvc.timeincapp.com/v3/mm/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn-s3.si.com%2Fs3fs-public%2F2018%2F12%2F17%2Fmls-playoff-bracket-new.jpg&w=800&q=85)

The regular season will remain at 34 games, which is the perfect number to play each team in your own division twice, once at home and once on the road, and each team in the opposite division once. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 09, 2019, 10:09:32 PM
https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/1083128812295077889
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 19, 2019, 11:42:56 AM


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DwV3ez0VsAA3Bjh.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on January 20, 2019, 12:05:21 PM
Here's a link I use for scores on MLS and Premier League. Has anything and everything you would ever want to know about soccer scores World wide.

https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/england/premier-league/
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on January 23, 2019, 07:01:16 PM
Atlanta United's CONCACAF Champions League first round opponent (Herediano) is off to a poor start in 2019. Midway through the fourth round of matches, they are dead last in the 12 team Costa Rican Primera Division.

https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/costa-rica/primera-division/

http://www.espn.in/soccer/matchstats?gameId=529155
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 23, 2019, 07:27:13 PM
I knew that USA and Mexico each get 4 auto bids, and Canada gets one. Hadn't really looked much into the others until just the other day. 

Five of the seven Central American countries each get one auto bid. So that uses up all but two. 

One of the two remaining auto bids goes to the Caribbean, where all of those countries have a giant tournament to fight over their singular auto bid. Then the other three Caribbean semifinal participants enter into a second tournament with a bunch of Central American teams. 

In this second tournament each Central American Country gets two auto bids except for Belize who only gets one. For Belize and Nicaragua the second tournament is their only possible path to a champions league bid, since neither country gets an auto bid to the main champions league tournament. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 05, 2019, 09:24:17 AM
anyone else watch the january friendlies?

i knows it's weak camp and weak competition, but based on what i saw the past week or 2... we win the wc 2022. :72:

seriously though, it was nice to see some good soccer from the usmnt. been a long time.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 05, 2019, 09:56:06 AM
anyone else watch the january friendlies?

i knows it's weak camp and weak competition, but based on what i saw the past week or 2... we win the wc 2022. :72:

seriously though, it was nice to see some good soccer from the usmnt. been a long time.
Is it 2022 or 2026 when they broke the damn thing by screwing up the format by (1) making qualifications a complete joke, and (2) basically making it a big single elimination final tournament; and have to play it in like December because they are staging it in the middle of the desert?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 05, 2019, 11:19:02 AM
2022 it's in dec in desert. but still same 32 team, 4 team group stage + 4 knockout rounds format

2026 it's in usa/canada/mexico (primarily usa). but going from 32 teams to 48, and doing a 3 team group instead of 4 with 2 advancing, and adding an extra knockout stage. or that's last i heard.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 13, 2019, 09:21:20 AM
champions league rd 16 kicking off today. should be some good matches.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on February 20, 2019, 12:08:43 PM
CONCACAF Champions League play started yesterday. Panama entry defeated Toronto 4-0 in their first leg. Houston was 1-0 over the Guatemala entry.



Scroll down to middle of page for results.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_Champions_League

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 20, 2019, 12:30:34 PM
CONCACAF Champions League play started yesterday. Panama entry defeated Toronto 4-0 in their first leg. Houston was 1-0 over the Guatemala entry.



Scroll down to middle of page for results.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_Champions_League


damarcus beasley scored the goal for the dynamo. i don't follow mls a lot but i thought he retired.
shot was a howler too.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 20, 2019, 06:17:21 PM
Thanks for the heads up. Soccer was pretty far off of my radar right now. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on February 20, 2019, 07:31:51 PM
Atletico put a pretty big dent in Juve's (and Ronaldo's) chances at the Champions League title today. Man City had a big win at Schalke (with 3 away goals).

Bayern and Barca basically held serve yesterday with nil-nil away games against Liverpool and Lyon, respectively.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on February 21, 2019, 09:26:24 AM
Better link for CONCACAF Champions League results. Even has a countdown to next match. lol  

https://www.sofascore.com/tournament/football/north-central-america/concacaf-champions-league/498

And the website I prefer for all soccer results.

https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/north-america/concacaf-champions-league/

Live scoring on both links.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on February 21, 2019, 09:31:33 AM
Atletico put a pretty big dent in Juve's (and Ronaldo's) chances at the Champions League title today. Man City had a big win at Schalke (with 3 away goals).

Bayern and Barca basically held serve yesterday with nil-nil away games against Liverpool and Lyon, respectively.
https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/europe/champions-league/
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 21, 2019, 06:00:33 PM
atletico punking juve was surprising. juve been on fire this season.

city managing to come back from that first half debacle... shalke had it gifted to them and choked. 2 iffy (but probably correct) penalties and city down to 10 and still concede 2 late goals to lose. at home. to top off the suck from that match, mckinnie might be hurt too.

spurs pulled out a big win, though was a tale of 2 halves. bvb were better side in first, but couldn't find the net. pulisic had a couple good chances but couldn't finish. spurs and jan/son, on other hand, didn't have much issues taking over after halftime. and now they're likely to have kane and dele back for second leg, not looking good for bvb. liking my spurs right now. coys

didn't watch much of the rest.

interesting note, of the 8 rd16/leg1 matches only 1 match wasn't tied 0-0 at halftime, shalke/city.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 21, 2019, 07:11:47 PM
Sporting KC and Toluca tonight in the lone MLS vs Liga MX match up in the opening round. 

So far all of the USA teams have won the first leg. Atlanta plays tonight as well.

Defending runner up Toronto might as well not even play the second leg after losing game 1 by four goals. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 22, 2019, 05:36:29 AM
Kansas City won. 

Atlanta.... didn't. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 23, 2019, 08:13:13 PM
The Crew defeat FC Cincinnati 3-0 in a trial run of the Hell is Real Derby, finishing the preseason at 2-0-2.

The two teams meet twice during the regular season, both times in August. Cincinnati won the lone game between the two teams in a 2017 US Open Cupset 1-0. 

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/1099474141810446336
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 24, 2019, 10:35:59 AM
Apparently there is a seven team Canadian Premier League starting up this year. Coast to coast participation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Premier_League

The league brings FC Edmonton back from the dead with their records intact, upgrading their status from "extinct" to "coming off of a one year hiatus." Ottawa FC will remain in the USL.

In related news, the 2019 Canadian Championship field has been expanded in order to include these seven teams.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Championship
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on February 24, 2019, 06:19:48 PM
Apparently there is a seven team Canadian Premier League starting up this year. Coast to coast participation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Premier_League

The league brings FC Edmonton back from the dead with their records intact, upgrading their status from "extinct" to "coming off of a one year hiatus." Ottawa FC will remain in the USL.

In related news, the 2019 Canadian Championship field has been expanded in order to include these seven teams.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Championship
https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/canada/canadian-premier-league/
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on February 24, 2019, 09:43:24 PM
The Crew defeat FC Cincinnati 3-0 in a trial run of the Hell is Real Derby, finishing the preseason at 2-0-2.

The two teams meet twice during the regular season, both times in August. Cincinnati won the lone game between the two teams in a 2017 US Open Cupset 1-0.

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/1099474141810446336
Love seeing the Crew kick the crap out CinCin.
#HellIsReal!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 25, 2019, 02:20:26 PM

(https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3286fde/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/1280x720!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fewscripps.brightspotcdn.com%2F8e%2F81%2Fd920c73440ac85dcc06e8e7e8e6a%2Fhell-is-real.jpg)
.
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTWls61eKodttLbestx-4j4GHdXE0dEh0VT-V49YS63RXmnf8Tp)

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on February 28, 2019, 10:00:35 PM
Atlanta wins 4-0. Advances with 5-3 aggregate score. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 01, 2019, 07:30:59 AM
All four USA teams advance. 

They will all play a Mexican team except Sporting KC, who was the only one to face a Mexican team in the opening round. They will instead play the Panama team that knocked off Toronto. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D0jDlfdWkAAWHTI.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on March 02, 2019, 07:08:00 PM
Was the first round seeded? The Mexican team SKC played shouldn't even be in the same league with the other three. Houston, Atlanta, and NY Red Bulls will play the #1, #2, and #6 Mexican Primera Division teams. The team SKC played is at #15. Two points above relegation if they do that with the last three teams.

https://www.scoreboard.com/soccer/mexico/primera-division/
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 02, 2019, 07:53:01 PM
Not seeded traditionally, necessarily. They try to line it up so that the second round is all MLS vs Liga MX. But with five MLS teams there has to be one such match in the opening round. The other seven round one games feature a team from MLS/Liga MX vs a team from Central America/Caribbean. Obviously there are upsets from time to time, like the team from Costa Rica that just ate Toronto's lunch. Now Toronto is coming off of a bad MLS season of course, but they also made it all the way to the final match of this thing last year. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 02, 2019, 10:09:50 PM
Crew open the season playing the defending Supporters Shield winner to a draw. 

https://twitter.com/ColumbusCrewSC/status/1102018270423666688
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 03, 2019, 08:00:45 AM
My thoughts from the Game:

1) Wholly f#ck! we had a game today!
2) As an Avid Buckeye Football fan, today's weather was down right pleasant.
3) 17.9K announced attendance, I'll take it; but had hoped for the stands to look more full. The one row of NYRB supporters was cute.
3) The Pregame season ticket holder "brunch" was delightful, but why only Corona was offered for the free drink passes?
4) Santos, Santos, Santos, he has they flashes of speed, jets down the wing, everyone gets excited, then face plant. uggg. (literally, no one touched him, he just ran until he tripped and did a face plant, and kinda ended the game.)
5) Fernandez (https://www.newyorkredbulls.com/players/omir-fernandez) for New York needs to be carded for his theatrics. The card he got on Harrison was an abomination. (Afful had position jumped up to chest the ball down, in the replay his elbow was away from his body (important.) Fernandez comes flying in Jet Lie jump kick style, he is way late and out of position on the challenge, gets no where close to the ball, but during his reckless challenge his head collides with Aful's elbow, and he "knocks" himself out. Literally lies motionless on the field. Ref stops the game, issues the card, they cart Fernandez off the field, he pops right up and checks himself back in before New York even kicks the free ball awarded to him for the foul. err.) 
6) The type of soccer I enjoy most starts with a creative dominant center midfielder. It seems to me Artur and Trapp's favorite play is the pass back to a defender. Love Higuin's play style, but he doesn't control the midfield. Seems like all we do is the 4-2-3-1, is that a weakness of this formation or not having a dominant center?
7) Seeing Berhalter up in the stands was a pleasant treat.
8) So glad I found the Super Secret Hiawatha exit, to leave the stadium by,

GLORY TO COLUMBUS!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 08, 2019, 11:07:40 PM
All four USA teams beefed it in the first leg of the quarterfinals.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 09, 2019, 01:22:17 PM
All four USA teams beefed it in the first leg of the quarterfinals.
beefed = did not win
combined score of 1 - 9. Not looking good for USA.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 13, 2019, 12:54:37 PM
that redbulls game went south fast. rb score 2 early to lead 2-0 and even up the aggregate, hold on for about 70 minutes, then floodgates open, and end up down 4-2 after 4 goals in less than 10 minutes. was kinda amazing really. one of them being a blast from beyond the midline.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 13, 2019, 12:56:29 PM
also, ronaldo with a hattrick to keep juve in the uefa cl and top atleti. that was a fantastic match.

looking forward to today's matches.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 13, 2019, 01:12:21 PM
Kansas City probably has the best chance of advancing out of the USA teams. Their first leg was a 2-1 road loss to the Costa Rican team. They host leg 2 tomorrow.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 15, 2019, 08:22:14 AM
KC advances to the semifinals, along with a trio from Mexico.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1rCUdSXcAA0s01.jpg:large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 16, 2019, 05:16:48 PM

The Crew defeated Dallas, winning the Pioneer Cup for the third consecutive season. 



(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmegasportsnews.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F05%2FPioneer-Cup-Crew-Dallas-FC-courtesy-of-Columbus-Crew.jpg&hash=aec384973bc003717c8f4a7b11d5a41c)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 21, 2019, 02:52:01 PM
might get our first look at a decent full lineup for ggg tonight. not thrilled with the forward pool called in, but i understand their reasoning. 

much better comp this window, should be a little more exciting.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 31, 2019, 09:56:36 AM
The Crew upended the defending Champs Atlanta in a torrential downpour. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D29AfQWW0AEk-5b.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 06, 2019, 07:38:01 PM
Looking like an all Mexico Champions League Final, after KC got obliterated in the first leg of the semifinals 5-0. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 12, 2019, 08:17:21 PM
And, KC is out. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on April 23, 2019, 12:52:15 PM
Good tilt for the league title in the Premier League for the first time in a few years; but 3-6 can't seem to get out of each other's way fast enough. Tottenham looks to be in good shape for third, but Chelsea, Aresenal, and ManU all have a shot at 4th (and an outside shot at 3rd)--and all have tough games remaining.

And for the first time in a while, Bayern isn't a lock to win the Bundesliga.

France, Spain, and Italy are up to their usual tricks without any drama.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 23, 2019, 01:57:53 PM
spurs have cl to contend with and are extremely thin. they have a favorable run in, but with injuries it's going to be a tough juggle to stay in contention for cl and stay above water in pl.

good news is all 3 other contenders dropped points this weekend as well. let's hope their form keep up.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on April 23, 2019, 02:42:53 PM
Chelsea, Man-U, and Arsenal all looked like they wanted someone else to move up this weekend--much worse outcomes than Tottenham's loss to City. I think Man-U's loss was the worst outcome of the three, but none were what their teams faithful wanted to see this close to the end in a race that is this close. Man-U has City to deal with tomorrow, and has Chelsea left to go. Chelsea has Man-U, Watford, and Leicester. Arsenal has two more in the top 10 (Leicester and Wolverhampton), and Tottenham's best remaining game is Everton (which looks tough). 

Seems like Tottenham and Arsenal have the inside track, but yeah, they are all looking like damaged goods.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 29, 2019, 01:47:11 PM
it's like hot potato right now, no one wants it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on April 29, 2019, 07:03:36 PM
Odds are it finishes the way it is now, with Tottenham and Chelsea taking 3rd and 4th, but Aresenal and ManU have the easiest remaining games, and it's easy to see how they trip into the remaining Champions League positions. All four have been tanking in spectacular fashion.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 30, 2019, 11:47:32 AM
max possible points (current points):
spurs 76 (70)
chelsea 74 (68)
arsenal 72 (66)
Man U 71 (65)

spurs have a substantial lead on goal diff, so 2 points very likely get them in top 4. 3 points is a lock, 2 and they are comfortable, 1 pt and still in ok shape with the goal diff. with bournemouth away and everton at home, it's not guaranteed, but likely.

chelsea have watford at home and leicester away. that's a tough final 2 matches. they need at least 3 to stay in contention, imo.

arsenal have brighton at home and burnley away. i would expect at least 4 points from that. should put a lot of pressure on chelsea to get a win.

man u have huddersfield and cardiff. should be 6 points. still will be unlikely even with the 6.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 30, 2019, 11:50:30 AM
and, of course, big champions league semi final today with ajax. i'd expect spurs to sit back, look for clean sheet and maybe sneak out with a win from counter attacks. their attacker threat is depleted with kane injured and son suspended for the first leg. but ajax have made stronger clubs pay at home.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on April 30, 2019, 03:56:27 PM
I agree with you on everything, except both ManU and Aresenal's ability to fail to capture points against bad teams. At this point, it wouldn't surprise me. I agree that Spurs should be in; I think Chelsea is more likely than not last in.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 05, 2019, 07:51:58 PM

FWIW Monterrey won the N American (Concacaf) Champions League. 

The 2020 qualifications are a little different with only Mexico(4), USA(4) and Canada(1) getting auto-bids. The C American/Caribbean countries have to qualify through a pair of international qualification Tournaments. 

Mexico gets their fall and spring finalists. So America and Cruz Azul qualified through their fall tourney. Spring is tbd. If one or both of them make it back to the spring final then the remaining bids are doled out using the aggregate Liga MX standings from spring and fall combined. 

Canada gets the Voyageurs Cup winner only. 

USA gets the MLS Cup winner, the US Open Cup winner, the Supporters Shield winner, and the top team in the division opposite the Supporters Shield winner. If one team wins multiple qualifiers, or if one or more Canadian teams win them, then the remaining USA field will be filled out using MLS regular season standings (points). 

So the key qualification tournaments remaining are the Liga MX spring tourney (both finalists), the US Open Cup winner, the Voyageurs Cup (Canadian) winner, the MLS Playoff winner, the Caribbean Championship winner, and the top six teams from the Concacaf League Tourney (C America+). 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on May 06, 2019, 12:11:53 PM
...ManU and Arsenal's ability to fail to capture points against bad teams...
As I was saying.

Arsenal isn't technically eliminated, but it is practically eliminated (in addition to winning while Spurs lose, it needs an 8-goal swing, I think, in goal differential).
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 06, 2019, 12:23:39 PM
that's correct. as a spurs supporter, i'm not sure if i should be elated or prepare myself for the unlike but inevitable 8 point swing next weekend.

think i'll just focus on the ucl semi for now. Ajax up 1-0 on agg, with an away goal. still, it's a clear and achievable path to the finals for spurs, though certainly not easy.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 08, 2019, 05:25:24 PM
if you didn't watch the semi finals of the ucl, you missed some instant classics. man, as a spurs supporter, still shaking. can't believe it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 08, 2019, 10:14:49 PM

The Dayton Dutch Lions beat the Erie Commodores in the opening round of the 2019 US Open Cup. So they will get to lock horns with ELA's Pittsburgh Riverhounds of the USL in round 2 on May 14th. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on May 09, 2019, 02:10:22 PM
if you didn't watch the semi finals of the ucl, you missed some instant classics. man, as a spurs supporter, still shaking. can't believe it.
Yeah, that was pretty much insane.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on May 10, 2019, 10:02:12 AM
if you didn't watch the semi finals of the ucl, you missed some instant classics. man, as a spurs supporter, still shaking. can't believe it.
Barca demonstrated that even in a sport where most players can't use their hands, you can't play it with both hands wrapped firmly around your neck. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on May 16, 2019, 07:49:09 AM
ICYMI. Here comes Atlanta United from the bottom of the standings. Finally learned how to score without Almiron. Keeping the other team from scoring has not been an issue. Set a MLS record last night with their fifth consecutive shutout win. 

And doing it now without Barco who is away at the U-20 World Cup. In his last game before leaving he scored a goal and assisted on the other two goals in a 3-0 shut out of SKC. Earning MLS Player of the Week.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 16, 2019, 08:24:03 AM
US Open Cup.

The Riverhounds knocked off the Dayton Dutch Lions, and will play their USL brethren, the Indiana Eleven in round 3. Louisville is the only other team from the greater Midwest that will be playing in round 3 at the end of May. 

Only three sub USL teams made it past round 2, and all three will have to knock off a second USL team in round 3 if they hope to make it to round 4, where the MLS teams enter the fray. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 20, 2019, 04:27:29 PM
damarcus beasley, after 89 years (or close to it), has announced his retirement.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 22, 2019, 03:52:08 PM
link (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fifa-abandons-plans-to-expand-2022-world-cup-in-qatar-to-48-teams-due-to-political-and-logistical-issues-ztlq6bk9c)

fifa abandons plan for 48 team world cup in 2022. i thought this was already settled, but apparently it's now official i guess.
2026 wc still set for 48 teams.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on May 22, 2019, 05:07:35 PM
link (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fifa-abandons-plans-to-expand-2022-world-cup-in-qatar-to-48-teams-due-to-political-and-logistical-issues-ztlq6bk9c)

fifa abandons plan for 48 team world cup in 2022. i thought this was already settled, but apparently it's now official i guess.
2026 wc still set for 48 teams.
Yeah, when I saw the headline I was thinking it was better news than it actually was.  Forgot they weren't planning on doing this til 2026 anyway, and seems like that is still on.

Still terrible by making qualification rounds completely pointless, and reducing the group play phase to weird 3 team groups.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 23, 2019, 12:47:19 AM

Canadian Championship. 

In round one both armature teams were eliminated, as well as Pacific FC from the Canadian Premier League. The other six CPL teams will play in the three round 2 games in June. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 23, 2019, 11:31:28 AM
concacaf inaugural 2019-2020 league of nations schedule released. usa's group schedule (locations tbd):

link (https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/us-mnt-learns-schedule-for-concacaf-nations-league-group-stage)


DateHomeAwayKickoff Time (ET)
Saturday, Sept. 7CanadaCuba8 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10CubaCanada7:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11USACuba7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 15CanadaUSA7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15USACanada7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov 19CubaUSA7:30 p.m.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 23, 2019, 11:35:42 AM
2019 gold cup 40 man provisions roster released link (https://www.goldcup.org/en/article/provisional-40-player-rosters-announced-for-the-2019-concacaf-gold-cup)

Goalkeepers (5): B. Guzan, E. Horvath, S. Johnson, T. Miller, Z. Steffen
Defenders (15): T. Adams, R. Cannon, C. Carter-Vickers, M. Fossey, G. Garza, O. Gonzalez, A. Gutman, N. Lima, A. Long, D. Lovitz, M. Miazga, T. Ream, A. Robinson, M. Robinson, W. Zimmerman
Midfielders (9): M. Bradley, D. Holmes, S. Lletget, W. McKennie, D. Mihailovic, D. Nagbe, C. Pulisic, C. Roldan, W. Trapp
Forwards (11): J. Altidore, J. Amon, P. Arriola, C. Baird, Ty. Boyd, J. Gyau, J. Lewis, J. Morris, C. Ramirez, J. Sargent, G. Zardes


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on May 23, 2019, 12:19:29 PM
concacaf inaugural 2019-2020 league of nations schedule released. usa's group schedule (locations tbd):

link (https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/us-mnt-learns-schedule-for-concacaf-nations-league-group-stage)


DateHomeAwayKickoff Time (ET)
Saturday, Sept. 7CanadaCuba8 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 10CubaCanada7:15 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 11USACuba7 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 15CanadaUSA7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15USACanada7:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov 19CubaUSA7:30 p.m.


I'm torn on this.  I enjoy the Gold Cup, and like having somewhat meaningful friendlies, but I'm not sure beating up on Canada and Cuba is best for development.  Then again, I'm not sure how good the Euro rosters the send to play us in friendlies are.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on May 23, 2019, 11:33:33 PM
I'm torn on this.  I enjoy the Gold Cup, and like having somewhat meaningful friendlies, but I'm not sure beating up on Canada and Cuba is best for development.  Then again, I'm not sure how good the Euro rosters the send to play us in friendlies are.
The Gold Cup was pretty exciting until they decided to make it every 2 years. Now its just a clown show and glorified friendly tourney. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 31, 2019, 11:51:31 PM
Uefa champions league tomorrow at 2 ct. on TNT.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool FC.

COYS
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 01, 2019, 10:41:29 AM
US Open Cup

The Crew draw Pittsburgh, and Cincy draws Louisville CFC. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D765bJRXsAAdcP3.jpg:large)

Orange County FC is the Cinderella, as only sub-USL team to make it to the MLS round. They had to knock off two USL teams in order to get here, including the one that resides in Orange County. The play the LA Galaxy. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 11, 2019, 04:18:01 PM
USWNT is going bonkers against Thailand, they were up 3-0 at the half, and it really shouldn't have been that close.  They scored 4 goals in 6 minutes early in the second, up 7-0 just like that.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 11, 2019, 04:42:49 PM
10-0

Yeesh.

EDIT: 11-0.  Tied a WC record for goals scored in a game

EDIT 2.0: 12-0.  38-2 edge in shots
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 11, 2019, 04:52:02 PM
13-0, finally over
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 11, 2019, 05:30:03 PM
Sheesh. At what point do you dial it back (Lloyd scored the 13th in stoppage time)? They scored five in the last 13 minutes of the game. Morgan had five herself.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 11, 2019, 08:49:55 PM
Sheesh. At what point do you dial it back (Lloyd scored the 13th in stoppage time)? They scored five in the last 13 minutes of the game. Morgan had five herself.

Radio heads where barking about this as well. I say you poor it on in the World Cup. 1st Tie breaker is goal differential. There is also an award for player with most goals scored. Gotta take what you cam get. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on June 11, 2019, 10:31:47 PM
Lopsided beatings is what got softball bounced from the Summer Olympics.  I assume there are more than 3 or 4 competitive teams in soccer, just not Thailand.   
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 11, 2019, 10:42:12 PM
It's pool play.  As long as goal differential is part of the formula there remains incentive to continue scoring.  What happens if the USA beats Chile by the same 2-0 that Sweden did,  then the USA draws against Sweden, and then Sweden doesn't miss the second extra point and beats Thailand 14-0?  Then the USA becomes the #2 team out of the group.

Also, 24 is just too many teams in the women's WC.  16 would probably be more than enough.  

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 11, 2019, 10:44:57 PM
USA did get a favorable draw.  Based on the SPI, the 2nd and 3rd worst teams in the field are both in their group.  Sadly, Thailand was only the 3rd worst, Chile is rated lower, and that's who we get next.

Parity in the women's game has been improving.  IIRC for the first few events it just boiled down to US or China, everything before it was meaningless.  I don't think it goes 32 teams deep, but then again the lowest rated team in the field, Argentina, forced a surprising tie in their opener against Australia.  I wouldn't undersell how impressive the US was today.  This isn't UConn in the first round of the basketball tourney.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 12, 2019, 12:42:00 PM
The top of the women's game is quite competitive, much more so than softball was in the Olympics. IIRC, that was the US, Canada, and no one else. Here, there are probably five teams with a legit shot at the title, and five more with an outside shot (basically, down to Brazil at #10).

I was amused listening to and reading the talking heads discussion of how the celebrations (not the goals) would turn the USA into the villains in this tournament...as if the USA aren't already the villains. I don't follow the game enough to know what teams are considered dirty, but you can bet that USA is Goliath and everyone is gunning for "us." Back in 2011, you can bet everyone outside of here was cheering for Japan as the underdog that made good.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 12, 2019, 02:02:39 PM
What's with the women's game trying to squelch anything that even vaguely resembles a competitive spirit? Hope Solo was a legend, and got cut for behaving in a post game press conference in a manner which you'd expect just about any jock to behave after a tough loss. Now they are bellyaching about too many goals when that is the tie breaker?

Meanwhile Megan Rapinoe is of course free to protest the National Anthem as a member and representative of the US National team without consequence, but I digress.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 12, 2019, 02:07:39 PM
The top of the women's game is quite competitive, much more so than softball was in the Olympics. IIRC, that was the US, Canada, and no one else. Here, there are probably five teams with a legit shot at the title, and five more with an outside shot (basically, down to Brazil at #10).

I was amused listening to and reading the talking heads discussion of how the celebrations (not the goals) would turn the USA into the villains in this tournament...as if the USA aren't already the villains. I don't follow the game enough to know what teams are considered dirty, but you can bet that USA is Goliath and everyone is gunning for "us." Back in 2011, you can bet everyone outside of here was cheering for Japan as the underdog that made good.

Absolutely.  The thought that the rest of the world needs some kind of additional motivation to consider us the "villain" is laughable.

That said, I come from the Darrell K Royal school of celebration, where he said, "Act live you've been there before."  I found the celebrations to be a tad over the top, but also, it's the World Cup and scoring a goal isn't a small deal, so it's not my place to take that away from them.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 12, 2019, 03:37:09 PM
What's with the women's game trying to squelch anything that even vaguely resembles a competitive spirit? Hope Solo was a legend, and got cut for behaving in a post game press conference in a manner which you'd expect just about any jock to behave after a tough loss. Now they are bellyaching about too many goals when that is the tie breaker?

Meanwhile Megan Rapinoe is of course free to protest the National Anthem as a member and representative of the US National team without consequence, but I digress.
Hope Solo got cut at the end of a long line of transgressions, for which she had already been on thin ice.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 12, 2019, 03:46:34 PM
She said Sweden played soft or scared or whatever once they gained a one goal lead, and that was deemed to be some heinous, unforgivable transgression after which they could no longer keep her on the roster.

If a FB coach or player displayed poor sportsmanship in a post game presser then the talking heads might take him over the coals for a segment or two, and then that would be the end of it.

It is not as though they were making an example out of some scrub. Kind of an all timer of a great goalie here.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 12, 2019, 04:19:58 PM
Solo is the quintessential crazy goalie (they are common in hockey and soccer--I played keeper in both...).

She was a difficult and not particularly well-liked teammate. It didn't start with her criticism of Scully in 2007, but that sure didn't help. She would lash out at teammates frequently, she had been disciplined for a domestic violence arrest (she beat up her nephew, though why is an open question--the criminal charges were eventually dropped), and for accompanying her husband while he drove a USWNT van while intoxicated (he got a DUI for that one). And she most definitely did not get along with Coach Ellis. Calling the Swedes "cowards" was bad, but my understanding is that it was her reaction to the suspension following that, not the "cowards" comment itself, that led to her dismissal.

Fair to say that her suing US Soccer over wages (which, of course, the whole team has done now) in 2015 didn't help. And I believe she is on record saying that if they invited her back, she would say no unless the wages were fixed to her liking.

She was/is a great talent as a keeper, but also a headcase. In a lot of ways she was a great ambassador for the game because, let's not kid ourselves, she is among the most attractive women to play for the USWNT, but when you're an ambassador, your conduct gets higher scrutiny.

A pack player who made a comment like she made after the Sweden game may not have been suspended. A star/ambassador for the men's team might have been suspended, particularly if he already had a dicey record with the team. And whether that player would end up dismissed entirely would likely fall into the same category as what happened with Solo: the details matter. 

And at the end of that, if the USWNT really felt she gave them the winning edge that they otherwise wouldn't have, they would probably have tried to get her back. While she may still be the best, #2 may have been close enough that USWNT could afford to drop the baggage. And even for a position like keeper, if #2 at stopping the ball gets along with her teammates better, that might make the whole team better than with the better ball-stopper.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 12, 2019, 04:21:14 PM
She also has to be near 40 by now anyway right?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 12, 2019, 04:29:49 PM
Born July 1981 according to the font of all wisdom...but keepers might be able to play longer if they stay healthy.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 12, 2019, 05:29:54 PM
Solo is the quintessential crazy goalie (they are common in hockey and soccer--I played keeper in both...).

She was a difficult and not particularly well-liked teammate. It didn't start with her criticism of Scully in 2007, but that sure didn't help. She would lash out at teammates frequently, she had been disciplined for a domestic violence arrest (she beat up her nephew, though why is an open question--the criminal charges were eventually dropped), and for accompanying her husband while he drove a USWNT van while intoxicated (he got a DUI for that one). And she most definitely did not get along with Coach Ellis. Calling the Swedes "cowards" was bad, but my understanding is that it was her reaction to the suspension following that, not the "cowards" comment itself, that led to her dismissal.
That's a slow Tuesday morning for Pac Man Jones.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 12, 2019, 06:03:10 PM
I don't follow the NFL well enough to really know anything about Pac Man Jones. I know that Terrell Owens outwore his welcome in San Francisco, despite being a great talent. That kind of thing happens.

Abby Wambach called the suspension "a lifetime achievement award" not too long after it happened. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

As noted above, look out when they play Chile...a team rated lower than Thailand. But maybe this will serve as a warning to Chile not to give up in the 80th minute, even if they are down big. It can still get a lot worse.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 15, 2019, 04:19:14 PM
US Open Cup

The Crew took down Pittsburgh, and Cincy beat Louisville.

Here's the bracket for the next round.

(https://cdn.ussoccer.com/-/media/project/ussf/2019-stories/open-cup/2019-open-cup-bracket-p1.ashx?la=en-us&rev=a01f057e1c5348afa10b43e97f5ba6c0&hash=F471CBB87D0A98C767A4249DE5E9A575)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup)

*Atlanta beat Charleston and will play the Crew.

There were a pair of USL over MLS round 4 Cupsets. St Louis beat the Chicago Fire, and will face Cincy in the next round. New Mexico took down the Colorado Rapids, and will play Dallas in round 5.

.

Canadian Championship

Round 2 is in the books, and now the MLS/USL teams will be introduced in the quarterfinal round, minus Toronto who gets a bye to the semifinals as the defending Champion. Toronto will play the winner of the Ottawa Fury (USL) vs the Halifax Wanderers (CPL). On the other side of the bracket the Montreal Impact play York (CPL) out of suburban Toronto, and the Vancouver Whitecaps play Calvary (CPL) out of Calgary, Alberta.

(https://www.maple-leaf-forever.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DwkXv_rWoAEQM2d.jpg)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Championship (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_Canadian_Championship)

All three of the CPL teams that had round one byes lost their round two game.

The winners of these two tourneys of course get a bid to the 2020 Champions League. The US teams that don't win this can still qualify by either winning their MLS Conference (East or West) or the MLS Cup. The Canadian teams that don't win the Voyageurs Cup are toast. (Technically one CPL team will also have a path to the Champions League through another qualifying tourney, but the odds of them actually pulling it off are quite slim). 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 15, 2019, 06:09:45 PM
US Open Cup

The Crew took down Pittsburgh, and Cincy beat Louisville.

Here's the bracket for the next round.

(https://cdn.ussoccer.com/-/media/project/ussf/2019-stories/open-cup/2019-open-cup-bracket-p1.ashx?la=en-us&rev=a01f057e1c5348afa10b43e97f5ba6c0&hash=F471CBB87D0A98C767A4249DE5E9A575)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_U.S._Open_Cup)

*Atlanta beat Charleston and will play the Crew.

There were a pair of USL over MLS round 4 Cupsets. St Louis beat the Chicago Fire, and will face Cincy in the next round. New Mexico took down the Colorado Rapids, and will play Dallas in round 5.

.

Canadian Championship

Round 2 is in the books, and now the MLS/USL teams will be introduced in the quarterfinal round, minus Toronto who gets a bye to the semifinals as the defending Champion. Toronto will play the winner of the Ottawa Fury (USL) vs the Halifax Wanderers (CPL). On the other side of the bracket the Montreal Impact play York (CPL) out of suburban Toronto, and the Vancouver Whitecaps play Calvary (CPL) out of Calgary, Alberta.

(https://www.maple-leaf-forever.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/DwkXv_rWoAEQM2d.jpg)

The winners of these two tourneys of course get a bid to the 2020 Champions League.



There were no fans allowed at the Atlanta-Charleston match. WTF!?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 15, 2019, 11:10:03 PM
Seems like the level of play from 2015 to 2019 jumped by more than I ever recalling from one cycle to the next.  I think I possibly watched more already than I did of the entire men's event last year.  Vivianne Miedema from the Dutch is a name I just learned a week ago, and she might be my favorite player to watch.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 16, 2019, 09:57:51 AM
Columbus has some sorta pro women's team called the Eagles FC. I was looking at their roster to see if it was basically an OSU alumni team like the Ohio Machine used to be in lacrosse, but there actually aren't any Buckeyes on their roster at all. In fact they only have two players from the Big Ten, one that played at Wisconsin and another from Indiana. There's a third gal that played at Michigan initially, but then transferred to Kentucky.

Really it is insanely Mac heavy. Not only are most of their players Mac alumni, but they seem to have some sorta soccer internship program whereby active college players (perhaps a limited number?) can play for them without derailing their eligibility. They have four players that are currently Ohio Bobcats, one that plays for Kent, one that plays for CMU, two play for Bowling Green, one for Wright State, and a pair of active players from Mt Vernon Nazarene, with is an NAIA up the road. They also have a goalie that is a Louisville commit who still has one year of HS to play in the Fall.

One of their players is an assistant coach (and alum) from Ohio Dominican, another is an assistant coach at Denison, their head coach is the Capital head coach, and play their games at Otterbein. So they pretty much involve every central Ohio Collegiate WSoc team to some degree or another, except Ohio State.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 17, 2019, 01:55:53 PM
Goalie for China Women's team was incredible against Spain. 0-0 draw. Spain should have won by at least 5-0. Check the stats.

https://www.scoreboard.com/game/china-spain-2019/zV87eRZF/#game-summary|game-statistics;0|lineups;1 (https://www.scoreboard.com/game/china-spain-2019/zV87eRZF/#game-summary|game-statistics;0|lineups;1)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 17, 2019, 04:52:33 PM
Goalie for China Women's team was incredible against Spain. 0-0 draw. Spain should have won by at least 5-0. Check the stats.

https://www.scoreboard.com/game/china-spain-2019/zV87eRZF/#game-summary|game-statistics;0|lineups;1 (https://www.scoreboard.com/game/china-spain-2019/zV87eRZF/#game-summary|game-statistics;0|lineups;1)
Spain just needed that draw to advance.  Interesting to see a couple of the early women's soccer powers, who just happened to be first, starting to fade.  US, China and Norway were probably the three best early on, now China didn't even qualify in 2011, and got knocked out in the group stage this year.  Norway looks primed to advance, but I think that's the end of the line for them.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 17, 2019, 04:58:34 PM
Gold Cup kicked off yesterday too.  Not sure the field expansion was necessary.  As much of a mess as the USMNT is right now, they open against Guyana?

They better play with pace, with no Brooks or Yedlin on the back line, fresh off surrendering 3 first half goals to Venezuela.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 18, 2019, 04:45:34 PM
Some drama here with Australia routing Jamaica, meaning France or Germany would have to play Brazil in a round of 16 game.

Right now Brazil, Italy and Australia would all have 6 points, Italy would be +5, and both Brazil and Australia +3, but Australia with the edge in goals for at 8-5.  So Brazil would finish 3rd
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 19, 2019, 06:32:13 PM
Crew got bounced from the Open cup by Hot-lanta yesterday.

Everyone see US woman's team sublimly golf clap after scoring so as not to upset the internet world who was upset that they cheered in their previous match?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 19, 2019, 07:44:12 PM
Crew got bounced from the Open cup by Hot-lanta yesterday.

Everyone see US woman's team sublimly golf clap after scoring so as not to upset the internet world who was upset that they cheered in their previous match?
They need to moon the cameras and tell them to "kiss my ass". :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 19, 2019, 07:47:12 PM
Crew got bounced from the Open cup by Hot-lanta yesterday.

Everyone see US woman's team sublimly golf clap after scoring so as not to upset the internet world who was upset that they cheered in their previous match?
Did they allow fans at the Crew match?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 19, 2019, 10:34:55 PM

New Mexico United (USL) adds Dallas to their MLS scrap heap in the US Open Cup. Up next? Minnesota United in the quarterfinals. 

Also St Louis took down Cincinnati. So that's two USL teams in the quarterfinals, each with a pair of wins over MLS teams. They have to play Atlanta next. 

There's a late West Coast game late tomorrow night, so I'll search out the quarterfinal bracket after work on Friday. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 20, 2019, 09:47:45 AM
New Mexico United (USL) adds Dallas to their MLS scrap heap in the US Open Cup. Up next? Minnesota United in the quarterfinals.

Also St Louis took down Cincinnati. So that's two USL teams in the quarterfinals, each with a pair of wins over MLS teams. They have to play Atlanta next.

There's a late West Coast game late tomorrow night, so I'll search out the quarterfinal bracket after work on Friday.
Are the losing MLS teams playing without key players? Atlanta is without top scorer, Josef Martinez, who is playing for Venezuela in the Copa America Tournament.

https://www.scoreboard.com/bracket/pv9U2FP5/zZMJRMhP/#draw (https://www.scoreboard.com/bracket/pv9U2FP5/zZMJRMhP/#draw)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 20, 2019, 02:46:50 PM
Some drama here with Australia routing Jamaica, meaning France or Germany would have to play Brazil in a round of 16 game.

Right now Brazil, Italy and Australia would all have 6 points, Italy would be +5, and both Brazil and Australia +3, but Australia with the edge in goals for at 8-5.  So Brazil would finish 3rd
Appears that England or the Netherlands will have to play Brazil. Assuming the teams tied with 9 points are seeded by goal differential. They are tied with 4 GD, which is low for the 9 point teams. How else would they do it? The rout of Thailand put the USA at the top of the heap. So why did they catch so much grief!?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 20, 2019, 03:45:23 PM
Appears that England or the Netherlands will have to play Brazil. Assuming the teams tied with 9 points are seeded by goal differential. They are tied with 4 GD, which is low for the 9 point teams. How else would they do it? The rout of Thailand put the USA st the top of the heap. So why did they catch so much grief!?

It's a valid question.  To be fair, most of the "grief" I saw wasn't from the fact that they scored the goals, but rather that they chose to celebrate those goals.  I'm not sure where to draw the line between celebration, and excessive celebration.  But it seems pretty obvious that at least some of the outcry from the global audience was nothing more than rancor at the mean old USA being such big bullies. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 20, 2019, 05:02:18 PM
Why the hell is the US having to play Spain? They should be playing the fourth best third-place team which is Nigeria. Guess France gets Nigeria. :smiley_confused1:
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 20, 2019, 05:11:23 PM
NCAA must have learned seeding from FIFA.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 20, 2019, 09:57:31 PM
Bermuda playing Costa Rica really feisty early.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 21, 2019, 08:38:38 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9j1tzXXoAYB-RI.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 22, 2019, 02:01:36 PM
Upcoming Australia-Norway is most even, and correct, match up of WWC knockout round. If 1-16 seeding had been used they would be #'s 8 & 9.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 23, 2019, 09:00:23 AM
Upcoming Australia-Norway is most even, and correct, match up of WWC knockout round. If 1-16 seeding had been used they would be #'s 8 & 9.
Even matchup indeed.  And fittingly, it went overtime, and then to PKs.

Anyone watch the USAMNT play Trinidad and Tobago?  Their keeper sure was a mouthy little shit, right up until the US scored its 3rd or 4th goal.  Then he just quietly moped for the rest of the match.

I really can't stand CONCACAF.  I hate the way all the small Central American and island nations play the game.  So much flopping, so many fouls, and the CONCACAF officials just let it ride because if they called every single one of them, most teams would end up with 11 red cards and no players to finish a game.  Obviously it can't happen, but I'd love to see the USA petition to join UEFA instead. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 24, 2019, 09:00:08 AM
Even matchup indeed.  And fittingly, it went overtime, and then to PKs.

Anyone watch the USAMNT play Trinidad and Tobago?  Their keeper sure was a mouthy little shit, right up until the US scored its 3rd or 4th goal.  Then he just quietly moped for the rest of the match.

I really can't stand CONCACAF.  I hate the way all the small Central American and island nations play the game.  So much flopping, so many fouls, and the CONCACAF officials just let it ride because if they called every single one of them, most teams would end up with 11 red cards and no players to finish a game.  Obviously it can't happen, but I'd love to see the USA petition to join UEFA instead.
I think merging with CONMEBOL is the more likely scenario.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 24, 2019, 12:49:47 PM
Bit of a shaky looking first half for the women.  1-1 at half.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 24, 2019, 01:36:26 PM
Pretty fortunate for the US there
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 24, 2019, 01:54:08 PM
Spain must feel like they are playing the Dutch
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 24, 2019, 01:58:35 PM
Escaped.  Can't play like this on Friday
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 24, 2019, 03:07:07 PM
Man, I'd rather lose than win because of Rapinoe.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 24, 2019, 04:23:06 PM
Lots of discussion around VAR and penalties. That won't end with the US match today. Both PKs were technically correct calls addressing behavior the laws are intended to stop (cleat-up, late tackles), but neither was a big hit to the attacker in the grand scheme of fouls that result in PKs.

I'm sure it ends up being political, but I really don't understand the animosity toward Rapinoe. She is one of best players--if not the best--on the team. Her form of protest is milquetoast at worst.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 24, 2019, 06:10:27 PM
I think merging with CONMEBOL is the more likely scenario.
CONMEBOL is only a slight improvement wrt style of play.  Maybe we can go independent.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 24, 2019, 06:15:42 PM
Lots of discussion around VAR and penalties. That won't end with the US match today. Both PKs were technically correct calls addressing behavior the laws are intended to stop (cleat-up, late tackles), but neither was a big hit to the attacker in the grand scheme of fouls that result in PKs.

I'm sure it ends up being political, but I really don't understand the animosity toward Rapinoe. She is one of best players--if not the best--on the team. Her form of protest is milquetoast at worst.

I don't think the first one was in doubt at all.  The second was a "soft foul" but it was still late with studs out that hit the leg.  They might have let it go at midfield but in the box, that's just not going to fly.

In general, that Spain side is probably the dirtiest women's team I can ever recall playing in world competition.  The refs let things get way out of hand with respect to fouling Morgan and Rapinoe early on, many fouls that didn't get called at all, several extremely hard and deliberate fouls that should have been yellows, and enough of those on the same Spanish players that they could EASILY have handed out double-yellows (and consequently red) to TWO different Spanish players. Spain CLEARLY started off with a strategy that they were going to foul the shit out of Morgan, and that was a risky strategy that finally hurt them on the second PK.  They were playing with fire all day and they finally got burned.

Spain played dirty AF and I was watching with my 11yo daughter who plays Club here in Austin, and I was embarrassed having to watch that kind of display with her.  She watches all of the women's soccer and she was pretty shocked at how dirty Spain played.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 24, 2019, 07:22:06 PM
Will be interesting to see if France decides to play its game, or to try to rough up the US instead.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 25, 2019, 09:25:55 AM
I don't think the first one was in doubt at all.  The second was a "soft foul" but it was still late with studs out that hit the leg.  They might have let it go at midfield but in the box, that's just not going to fly.

In general, that Spain side is probably the dirtiest women's team I can ever recall playing in world competition.  The refs let things get way out of hand with respect to fouling Morgan and Rapinoe early on, many fouls that didn't get called at all, several extremely hard and deliberate fouls that should have been yellows, and enough of those on the same Spanish players that they could EASILY have handed out double-yellows (and consequently red) to TWO different Spanish players. Spain CLEARLY started off with a strategy that they were going to foul the shit out of Morgan, and that was a risky strategy that finally hurt them on the second PK.  They were playing with fire all day and they finally got burned.

Spain played dirty AF and I was watching with my 11yo daughter who plays Club here in Austin, and I was embarrassed having to watch that kind of display with her.  She watches all of the women's soccer and she was pretty shocked at how dirty Spain played.
I didn't get to see the match and didn't bother to watch the recording when I learned US didn't score except by penalty. Were the US coaches up and objecting to the rough play? Every time I see them they are sitting on their asses. Based on what you are saying I probably would have been ejected.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 25, 2019, 11:10:28 AM
Nah, I don't think it's really Jill Ellis's style to work the refs or anything.  You could tell our players were extremely frustrated, but I feel like they did a pretty good job of not retaliating and making it worse for themselves.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 25, 2019, 02:51:58 PM
Lots of discussion around VAR and penalties. That won't end with the US match today. Both PKs were technically correct calls addressing behavior the laws are intended to stop (cleat-up, late tackles), but neither was a big hit to the attacker in the grand scheme of fouls that result in PKs.

I'm sure it ends up being political, but I really don't understand the animosity toward Rapinoe. She is one of best players--if not the best--on the team. Her form of protest is milquetoast at worst.
the protest is weak, and generally i'm fine with those type protests (kneeling, etc.) even if i think what they're protesting and/or how is stupid. however, when you're representing the nation/thing you're protesting, it seems hollow and disingenuous.

rapinoe should have come out of the game, though. not for her protest, but severe lack of good play. those 2 penalties hide the fact she had a pretty terrible game overall. getting hacked contributed, but she couldn't win 50/50 balls, couldn't beat her man 1v1, and just overall looked tired.

we play like that against france, who is going to get the home cooking if there is any, we'll lose pretty convincingly.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 25, 2019, 09:58:51 PM
End of Jamaica-Curacao has been fantastic
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 25, 2019, 10:10:53 PM
the protest is weak, and generally i'm fine with those type protests (kneeling, etc.) even if i think what they're protesting and/or how is stupid. however, when you're representing the nation/thing you're protesting, it seems hollow and disingenuous.

.

Yeah, that's my beef. If you think that this country is so awful, then put your money where your mouth is and don't sign up to play for said awful country's National Team.

It is particularly aggravating after the way Hope Solo was treated simply for behaving like a stereotypical jock in a press conference. I'd rather have her represent my country than the unpatriotic Rapinoe any day of the week, and twice on Sunday.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on June 25, 2019, 10:30:20 PM
I don't know Rapinoe's protest (but can guess) and may not agree with it being classy, but it's very difficult to express anything earnestly in america and do it unpatriotically. Because freedom of expression or civil disobedience, almost to any unpopular extent, is the literal guts of Our patriotism. We're a nation moreso built on that principle than we are built on the principles of waving flags and loving troops. On that balance, for example, joining an anthem or sitting it out are the same. Both sides regard the first amendment, I guess, but only the first one (allowance to be however unpopular) inspired it.

We were the first nation to promise minority opinions had a home forever. And even when we hate those minority opinions, we should love how our country has this legacy.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 25, 2019, 10:56:24 PM
I don't know Rapinoe's protest (but can guess) and may not agree with it being classy, but it's very difficult to express anything earnestly in america and do it unpatriotically. Because freedom of expression or civil disobedience, almost to any unpopular extent, is the literal guts of patriotism. We're a nation moreso built on that principle than we are built on the principles of waving flags and loving troops. On that balance, for example, joining an anthem or sitting it out are the same. Both sides regard the first amendment, I guess, but only the first one inspired it.

We were the first nation to promise minority opinions had a home forever. And even when we hate those minority opinions, we should love how our country has this legacy.

Protesting the National Anthem is a deliberately unpatriotic act. 

You have the right to be unpatriotic, and I am not arguing that you should not have that right. I certainly went through an unpatriotic phase as a surly teen. But playing for the US National team is a privilege, not a right (again, see Hope Solo). 

Protesting the Nation should be more than enough reason for the National Team to say thanks but no thanks, in my personal and perhaps misguided opinion. But such are the times in which we live. 

The funniest part of her protest was when she lost her mind because they once played the National Anthem while her team was still in the locker room. Evidently she feels that she should have the right to protest, but that others shouldn't have the right to protest her protest. 

People are strange. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on June 25, 2019, 11:22:15 PM
People who sit out of the anthem aren't "protesting the nation," they are protesting things that happen in the nation. These are not identical. Protesting america is a darker, misanthropic thing - wanting america to end or be destroyed. And that's not a common credo. If any of our citizens take that tack they occupy less than a thousandth of the population. And Rapinoe playing for the United States, presumably liking it and her teammates, excludes her. Protesting america was Osama bin Laden's credo, to take an extreme example.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 25, 2019, 11:30:29 PM
People who sit out of the anthem aren't "protesting the nation," they are protesting things that happen in the nation. These are not identical. Protesting america is a darker, absolute thing - wanting america to end or be destroyed. And that's not a common credo. And certainly not Rapinoe's. Protesting america was Osama bin Laden's credo.

I respectfully disagree.

They are protesting what they believe to be the "things that happen in this nation" BY protesting the National Anthem. 

I can flip you the bird, and then say that I am doing it for some other reason. But that doesn't change the fact that I am still flipping you the bird. 

She has the right to protest the National Anthem, the National team has the right to let her play anyway, we have the right to take issue with it, and you have the right to think that we are misguided for taking issue with it. What a great country we live in. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on June 25, 2019, 11:55:12 PM
You are confusing "disrespect toward aspects of a nation" with the word unpatriotic. But that doesn't work. It's a false equivalence. Just as you aren't unpatriotic if you disrespect liberal aspects of america. It's not one or the other. It's both, always. Neither you nor Rapinoe can be unpatriotic by disrespecting the American things you disapprove of. That your example will never include sitting out the anthem is irrelevant.

The crux here: It's counter-productive to want to silence unpopular protests because by that logic you'd have to accept yourself to be silenced the next time a majority disagreed with you. Which happens to not be an American ideology because it's a fascist one.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 26, 2019, 01:21:59 AM

I suppose that we will simply have to agree to disagree, seeing as your odds of bringing me around to your way of thinking are even slimmer than my odds of bringing you around to mine. 

I am still rooting for the National team, but I Hope, perhaps Solo, that we don't win another game because of Rapinoe. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on June 26, 2019, 01:36:33 AM
I gave up on convincing the internet was wrong some time ago. Or at least I tried to try and want to keep it up. My motivation here is just to be my version of real. You're doing the same. I think that's nice. Brainwashing to increase my clan is boring anyway. And if you ask Kant, unethical. You're an end unto yourself. It's good that you're out there. And if people with different bends can take an even-keeled second to get along in disagreement, that's good for everyone.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 26, 2019, 09:10:29 AM
I gave up on convincing the internet was wrong some time ago. Or at least I tried to try and want to keep it up. My motivation here is just to be my version of real. You're doing the same. I think that's nice. Brainwashing to increase my clan is boring anyway. And if you ask Kant, unethical. You're an end unto yourself. It's good that you're out there. And if people with different bends can take an even-keeled second to get along in disagreement, that's good for everyone.
Yup, agree with all of the above.

I respect and encourage people with differing opinions.  I don't learn much from people who already agree with me.  And I'm a strong proponent of the 1st Amendment.

What I dislike, is people that believe there should be no consequences for exercising their 1st Amendment rights.  The only thing you're guaranteed, is that the government won't throw you in jail for it. There was never a guarantee that everyone must like your opinion, or agree with it.  There was never a guarantee that public figures making public displays of their opinions wouldn't result in negative repercussions, such as advertisers pulling their endorsements from your professional organization because it is harming their business, or concert promoters pulling the backing of a musical artist because it's bad for their business, or employers terminating an employee because it's bad for their business.

This idea that exercising 1st Amendment Rights should be free from consequences is decidedly UN-American, rather it's the sacrifice one makes for standing up for your opinion that is the truly "American" ideal.  Just my opinion of course, and hopefully my employer won't terminate ME for expressing it. :)


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on June 26, 2019, 09:43:51 AM
I'm all for consequences ... disdain even when called for, and maybe by sitting out of the anthem Rapinoe deserves that from a third or half of the population. I'm cool with that part. My argument wasn't to say otherwise. It was to specify ideas and definitions. Namely, that in America, whose foundation was laid by subversion and (sometimes not so civil) disobedience, perhaps an earnest protest can never be unpatriotic.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 26, 2019, 12:41:27 PM
"I ain't going to the fucking White House"

Ok now I'm a fan
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Cincydawg on June 26, 2019, 12:44:20 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX56rbqZhto (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX56rbqZhto)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 26, 2019, 12:49:17 PM
If you thought I was finished bitching about the WWC seeding, think again. There were 8 European/Scandinavian teams in the final knockout round. ALL were matched against non-E/S teams. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE. The US was the only one that advanced to the quarterfinals.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 26, 2019, 01:31:02 PM
I didn't pay much attention, how did they perform the seedings?  Is there a legitimate reason it turned out that way, or just some home-cooking? :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 26, 2019, 03:20:01 PM
I didn't pay much attention, how did they perform the seedings?  Is there a legitimate reason it turned out that way, or just some home-cooking? :)

Pre-slotted based on Group
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 26, 2019, 03:59:24 PM
Pre-slotted based on Group
Well I know that, but was there something deliberate done with the groups?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 26, 2019, 04:21:34 PM
Well I know that, but was there something deliberate done with the groups?
I don't think so.  I think FIFA used to hand pick the groups to ensure good TV viewership for group play, but I believe this is the first time it's totally random within the pots.

The problem is that there were 9 UEFA teams in the tournament so 3 groups had 2 and 3 groups had 1.  Groups A, B and D had 2, and a UEFA team came in first in all three, and came in 1-2 in A and B.  Groups C, E, and F had one, with the UEFA team winning C and E, and coming in second (Sweden) in F.

So the 8 UEFA teams to advance were all distributed, but all came in 1st or 2nd in their Group, meaning they were totally pre-selected.

I would think the only argument would be that you only use Group play to determine the 16 to advance, then you reseed 1-16 based on the seeding you used to split to pods.

Then you'd get...

#1 USA vs. #46 Cameroon
#8 Japan vs. #9 Sweden
#5 Canada vs. #13 Norway
#4 England vs. #15 China
#3 France vs. #16 Italy
#6 Australia vs. #12 Spain
#7 Netherlands vs. #10 Brazil
#2 Germany vs. #39 Nigeria
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 26, 2019, 04:29:57 PM
I don't think so.  I think FIFA used to hand pick the groups to ensure good TV viewership for group play, but I believe this is the first time it's totally random within the pots.

The problem is that there were 9 UEFA teams in the tournament so 3 groups had 2 and 3 groups had 1.  Groups A, B and D had 2, and a UEFA team came in first in all three, and came in 1-2 in A and B.  Groups C, E, and F had one, with the UEFA team winning C and E, and coming in second (Sweden) in F.

So the 8 UEFA teams to advance were all distributed, but all came in 1st or 2nd in their Group, meaning they were totally pre-selected.

I would think the only argument would be that you only use Group play to determine the 16 to advance, then you reseed 1-16 based on the seeding you used to split to pods.

Then you'd get...

#1 USA vs. #46 Cameroon
#8 Japan vs. #9 Sweden
#5 Canada vs. #13 Norway
#4 England vs. #15 China
#3 France vs. #16 Italy
#6 Australia vs. #12 Spain
#7 Netherlands vs. #10 Brazil
#2 Germany vs. #39 Nigeria

OK, this is what I expected, so I guess I'm a little confused about what Ala's complaint is above?

I mean, in a perfect world I'd always like to see the teams re-seeded through the multiple stages of a tournament, but in reality, not many tournaments bother to do that.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 26, 2019, 05:17:16 PM
I don't know Rapinoe's protest (but can guess) 
You've probably already googled it, but she (1) doesn't sing; and (2) doesn't put her hand on her heart. The National Team requires that the athletes stand, and she does. So basically, she does what about 90% of every sports crowd does.

As I said above, milquetoast at worst. Proof is that outside of certain information agencies, it gets nary a mention, which makes it an awfully ineffective protest. The whole point of protest is to draw attention to yourself, and thus have the opportunity to get attention for the issue you care about. The lack of attention Rapinoe gets for failing to sing (yawn) shows how ineffective it is. Her hair is a much bolder statement.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 26, 2019, 05:18:09 PM
i very much disagree with reseeding in tournaments. i don't want to see the top seeds get the easiest path, nor the bottom the hardest.

that's all assuming the initial seeding is good.

the gold cup is a fustercluck of tournament format, btw.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 26, 2019, 05:35:05 PM
You've probably already googled it, but she (1) doesn't sing; and (2) doesn't put her hand on her heart. The National Team requires that the athletes stand, and she does. So basically, she does what about 90% of every sports crowd does.

As I said above, milquetoast at worst. Proof is that outside of certain information agencies, it gets nary a mention, which makes it an awfully ineffective protest. The whole point of protest is to draw attention to yourself, and thus have the opportunity to get attention for the issue you care about. The lack of attention Rapinoe gets for failing to sing (yawn) shows how ineffective it is. Her hair is a much bolder statement.


this is my biggest gripe about it. i don't like her protest, but that's beside the point and i'll defend her right to do it.

but, imo, her chosen form of protest doesn't accomplish anything she wants. case in point is i'm not 100% sure what she's protesting. i can probably guess, but it's not bringing me any closer to her point she's trying to make. it's also so weak i'm not concerned with looking up why she's doing it. the only thing people are discussing is if she should be required to stand/salute/sing for the anthem. not the topic of the protest.

a few years back there was a woman that turned down a cap with the uswnt due to her religious beliefs concerning the pride jerseys. agree or disagree, that protest was strong and sparked discourse over the topic of the protest, not the protesting act itself. it wasn't that far reaching cause she wasn't as well know as someone like rapinoe, but it was at least on topic.

protests should either be directly relatable to the topic or so strong people look up why they're doing what they're doing. otherwise it's folly. jmo
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: bayareabadger on June 26, 2019, 06:11:17 PM
You've probably already googled it, but she (1) doesn't sing; and (2) doesn't put her hand on her heart. The National Team requires that the athletes stand, and she does. So basically, she does what about 90% of every sports crowd does.

As I said above, milquetoast at worst. Proof is that outside of certain information agencies, it gets nary a mention, which makes it an awfully ineffective protest. The whole point of protest is to draw attention to yourself, and thus have the opportunity to get attention for the issue you care about. The lack of attention Rapinoe gets for failing to sing (yawn) shows how ineffective it is. Her hair is a much bolder statement.


You don't think protest can be personal in nature? A small thing you do for whatever reason? 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: bayareabadger on June 26, 2019, 06:13:16 PM
this is my biggest gripe about it. i don't like her protest, but that's beside the point and i'll defend her right to do it.

but, imo, her chosen form of protest doesn't accomplish anything she wants. case in point is i'm not 100% sure what she's protesting. i can probably guess, but it's not bringing me any closer to her point she's trying to make. it's also so weak i'm not concerned with looking up why she's doing it. the only thing people are discussing is if she should be required to stand/salute/sing for the anthem. not the topic of the protest.

a few years back there was a woman that turned down a cap with the uswnt due to her religious beliefs concerning the pride jerseys. agree or disagree, that protest was strong and sparked discourse over the topic of the protest, not the protesting act itself. it wasn't that far reaching cause she wasn't as well know as someone like rapinoe, but it was at least on topic.

protests should either be directly relatable to the topic or so strong people look up why they're doing what they're doing. otherwise it's folly. jmo
This seems to be sparking something, some strong feelings? But as you said, the downside of anthem protests is they always end up back at some folks calling for some kind of adverse consequences for violating a PC code of conduct. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on June 26, 2019, 06:26:35 PM
You don't think protest can be personal in nature? A small thing you do for whatever reason?


Actually, no. The nature of protest is that it is public expression. A small thing done without the goal of attracting attention--something intended as a personal rather than a public affirmation--isn't a protest. It's just that, a personal affirmation.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 27, 2019, 04:59:32 PM
jozy's goal was nice, though he did good.

miazga was pretty good, morris and cannon were ok, the rest were not great to bad, imo. good thing panama was worse.

people seems to hate donovan now, but i think his take was pretty spot on. yes, it's good to see a win, but we haven't seen our best(ish, minus injured players) team vs another good side. wish we didn't have to wait until knockout rounds before we did, but that's concacaf gold cup group stages for you.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 28, 2019, 07:45:10 AM
Alright. I'm preparing myself for "USA-France: The Foulening."

I don't know if France will try to hack us all night like Spain did, that's not really their game.  But I do know that the refs are not likely to call the home team for much, if the first part of this tournament is any indication.  Our women are going to have to play a focused game and avoid frustration.  Hopefully Morgan is a little more healed up than she was on Monday.  

Anyway, here we go!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2019, 03:23:58 PM
Rapinoe has dominated the first twenty minutes
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2019, 04:59:18 PM
Pretty strong effort to take down the frenchies. Next stop England
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 28, 2019, 06:23:20 PM
Rapinoe es en fuego, I love it.

I think overall France outplayed us, but not by a huge margin, and it certainly could have been 3-1, plenty of calls like that go the other way.    After a super-physical game against Spain and with less rest than France, I thought we played pretty well overall.  France is good.  This game probably could have been a semi if things break differently in the pools.

I was a little surprised they were just letting France literally knock over our players in the last 5 minutes of gametime and the final 5 minutes (ahem!) of stoppage.  But home cookin' gonna home cook.

Anyway, on to England.  Another team with one more day of rest than we'll get. 


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 30, 2019, 04:46:02 PM
Took the kids to a USL game last night, which is the level below MLS.  They had a blast.  Our oldest is looking like soccer is his sport, and he had an absolute blast, wants to get season tickets.  So I think I might be there more frequently going forward
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on June 30, 2019, 05:57:20 PM
If the Ref in the Jamaica-Panama Gold Cup Semifinal doesn't find his yellow and red cards, he is going to be in serious trouble. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 30, 2019, 07:10:53 PM

In a result that parallels what one might expect to see on the cfb gridiron, the Columbus Eagles posted a 3-0 victory in their home finale against the Ann Arbor Lumber Jills. 

(https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E7TU1Wg7FFJ9lViFmiYqG3gBj1o=/0x151:649x590/1200x800/filters:focal(282x202:384x304)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64014262/CEFCvsCLE_92.0.jpg)

Madison Costner (CMU/Dublin Jerome) put the game out of reach, with a pair of goals down the stretch!

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 01, 2019, 10:47:26 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgTqT9LL4mQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgTqT9LL4mQ)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 01, 2019, 02:36:13 PM
Rapinoe es en fuego, I love it.

I think overall France outplayed us, but not by a huge margin, and it certainly could have been 3-1, plenty of calls like that go the other way.    After a super-physical game against Spain and with less rest than France, I thought we played pretty well overall.  France is good.  This game probably could have been a semi if things break differently in the pools.

I was a little surprised they were just letting France literally knock over our players in the last 5 minutes of gametime and the final 5 minutes (ahem!) of stoppage.  But home cookin' gonna home cook.

Anyway, on to England.  Another team with one more day of rest than we'll get.



Like most sports, the referees really don't want to take over a close game at the end. There's so much discretion in awarding fouls in soccer, that this is pretty common at the end of a game--especially one with stakes like this one.
France had more possession, but the U.S. had the lead, so while it's nice that Rapinoe, et al., gave France credit, I don't know that I agree that France outplayed the U.S.. Dunn had a good game; Rapinoe had a good game; Morgan had a good game; Naeher had a good game, etc.
I was surprised that VAR wasn't used on the offside call that took the 3rd U.S. goal off the board. It was awfully close/questionable. That was a huge call for France.
I really like women's soccer, but for kicks Saturday morning I watched a men's game from the UEFA Champions League on my DVR. They really are different games. I read an article once written by a woman professional cyclist calling out men who seemed to puff out their chest if they could beat her during a training ride. There was a lot to the piece, but one key takeaway was, "I'm competing against women, not men--and our body types are different, so we perform differently." That's fair about women's soccer, too--and I think the USWNT, as well as their strongest competitors, are doing a good job of really upping the women's game. I think the next two big areas of improvement are goal keeping and individual ball skills (more players like Marta and Tobin Heath needed). And the women's game will always be different than the men's game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 01, 2019, 03:01:24 PM
Like most sports, the referees really don't want to take over a close game at the end. There's so much discretion in awarding fouls in soccer, that this is pretty common at the end of a game--especially one with stakes like this one.
France had more possession, but the U.S. had the lead, so while it's nice that Rapinoe, et al., gave France credit, I don't know that I agree that France outplayed the U.S.. Dunn had a good game; Rapinoe had a good game; Morgan had a good game; Naeher had a good game, etc.
I was surprised that VAR wasn't used on the offside call that took the 3rd U.S. goal off the board. It was awfully close/questionable. That was a huge call for France.
I really like women's soccer, but for kicks Saturday morning I watched a men's game from the UEFA Champions League on my DVR. They really are different games. I read an article once written by a woman professional cyclist calling out men who seemed to puff out their chest if they could beat her during a training ride. There was a lot to the piece, but one key takeaway was, "I'm competing against women, not men--and our body types are different, so we perform differently." That's fair about women's soccer, too--and I think the USWNT, as well as their strongest competitors, are doing a good job of really upping the women's game. I think the next two big areas of improvement are goal keeping and individual ball skills (more players like Marta and Tobin Heath needed). And the women's game will always be different than the men's game.
The biggest disservice done to women's sports is assuming they are just women playing the men's game, and hence the most coverage goes to the female "versions" of popular men's sports, basketball and base(soft)ball.  Every single sport, male to female is played completely different, and IMO, women's basketball and softball are two of the absolute least watchable things.  Whereas women's soccer is a different, but fantastic version of soccer; and honestly I prefer the way women play volleyball and tennis, more volleys.  It's a more aesthetically pleasing version of the sport.  Again, just my opinion.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 01, 2019, 03:42:19 PM
Agreed. Though I like softball--maybe more than baseball; I don't particularly enjoy women's basketball.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: CWSooner on July 01, 2019, 03:56:59 PM
Fast-pitch softball--which we only get to see played by women--is a game played on the edge.  The games are often low-scoring, but tense, as one bad pitch could mean a home run.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on July 01, 2019, 06:11:57 PM
USMNT is going to have to play much better than they have been playing to beat Jamaica. Jamaica plays smash mouth futball.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 02, 2019, 12:53:04 PM
A USWNT win over England sure would be an appropriate way to kick off our celebration of American Independence this week... :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MrNubbz on July 02, 2019, 01:22:12 PM
A USWNT win over England sure would be an appropriate way to kick off our celebration of American Independence this week... :)

I hate soccer more than you hate the Rolling Stones/Doors.But insomnia subsides watching it



Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 02, 2019, 02:40:35 PM
Rapinoe not starting?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on July 02, 2019, 03:10:19 PM
Rapinoe not starting?
sounds like she's injured. didn't even warm up.

that, or she's visiting trump in white house.

edit: and as i type that, press, rapinoe's replacement, scores.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 02, 2019, 03:48:12 PM
Bummer dude.
Hopefully they can keep up their winning ways without the help of the Androgynous Wonder.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 02, 2019, 04:33:55 PM
sounds like she's injured. didn't even warm up.

that, or she's visiting trump in white house.

edit: and as i type that, press, rapinoe's replacement, scores.
I'm a big fan of Press.

I like the way she play soccer, too. :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 03, 2019, 10:07:13 AM
Best game of the tournament.  Wow, chipiness, controversy VAR decisions, a PK save in what, the 81st minute?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on July 03, 2019, 10:32:32 AM
Best game of the tournament.  Wow, chipiness, controversy VAR decisions, a PK save in what, the 81st minute?
Unbelievable call on the penalty shot. IMO the player was never touched, much less fouled. She went down because she missed the ball. Like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls the ball away from him.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2019, 10:46:52 AM
Unbelievable call on the penalty shot. IMO the player was never touched, much less fouled. She went down because she missed the ball. Like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls the ball away from him.
Looked highly questionable to me, too.  If anything, it appeared the Brit kicked her leg back oddly after whiffing on the ball, and that's what initiated any potential contact.  Good thing it didn't affect the outcome.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 03, 2019, 11:32:39 AM
I thought it was the right call. Tough, but correct. Sauerbrunn's shin brushed the shooters calf as she was bringing it off the ground and pushed it off her line. It doesn't take much contact to alter the shot. Not the worst foul you've ever seen, but denied the attacking player her shot--and she had established position with a direct shot on net from point blank range. That's denial of a goal scoring opportunity (with an attempt to play the ball, so a caution, not a send off). And--if what I describe above is what happened--Sauerbrunn's penalty probably preserved the win. Is there a chance Naeher makes the save there? Yes. She was in position and making the right play on it, but that's a low percentage save.

Call on the offside was correct, and tough, too. It's like being pregnant: you are or your aren't, there's no close. And she was off. In the "old" days that call relied entirely on the assistant referee and it was a 50/50 call. VAR is frustrating, but for those people who think the rules should be enforced as written, this is an improvement (same for the keepers staying on their line during PKs).
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on July 03, 2019, 11:39:27 AM
i didn't see any contact until after the ball was past her, and minimal at that. looked like a straight dive to me.

but the offside var was questionable at best. that was the narrowest of lines offsides i might have ever seen.

i really love the way the uswnt plays... when they play soccer and not the bs time wasting tactics. i absolutely loathe taking the ball in the corner like we do. we gave up 3-4 great chances at a 3rd goal just to waste 10-20 seconds when there were 10+ minutes left. our counter is deadly, lets end the game instead of milking it dry.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 03, 2019, 11:44:27 AM
i didn't see any contact until after the ball was past her, and minimal at that. looked like a straight dive to me.
I added my thoughts on the offside above.

As for the contact, the replay we saw on TV was a poor one to show the contact because it started late. The contact is as White is lifting her right foot off the grass. It was minor, but it altered her swing. Did she dive afterward? Of course she did. But the contact was there. You can see it here:

(https://i.imgur.com/hwDZOtb.png)

After the send off, the time wasting was exactly the right thing to do. With England playing down one, no question the right thing to do is keep possession and burn clock. It was more like the end of a basketball game than I'd like to watch (as a spectator), but still the right call.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 03, 2019, 12:02:09 PM
Two more thoughts:
1) Naeher was the player of the match for the USA. Her save at the end of the first half was spectacular--I'm stunned that it didn't make it into Fox's highlight reel. Her save on the PK was great, too. While the shot itself was underwhelming, Naeher guessed correctly and made a strong dive; she would have saved a much better shot, too (only a high one would have beat her to that side, which clearly wasn't what the shooter was going for).

2) That send off for England was the nail in the coffin. The Lionesses were largely controlling the match at that point, and a studs-up tackle--in the opponent's half of the pitch!--when you already have a caution in the books is a huge error in judgment. If the English are looking to place blame, start there. With as many chances as they were getting, the additional 11 minutes remaining probably would have provided several more.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2019, 12:32:00 PM
I added my thoughts on the offside above.

As for the contact, the replay we saw on TV was a poor one to show the contact because it started late. The contact is as White is lifting her right foot off the grass. It was minor, but it altered her swing. Did she dive afterward? Of course she did. But the contact was there. You can see it here:

(https://i.imgur.com/hwDZOtb.png)

After the send off, the time wasting was exactly the right thing to do. With England playing down one, no question the right thing to do is keep possession and burn clock. It was more like the end of a basketball game than I'd like to watch (as a spectator), but still the right call.

Eh, I'm not really seeing what you saw.  The ball is passing her in that shot, she's busy whiffing and not making contact with it.  Her leg is then thrown weirdly backward, likely in an attempt to initiate contact so she can then take a dive and get a call.  It certainly worked as she intended.  But highly questionable at best and no effect on her play because she was already busy missing the ball.  We can agree to disagree here, won't bother me a bit.  I'm just thankful it didn't affect the outcome of the game.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 03, 2019, 01:39:09 PM
Disagree (and I guess we can agree to that, but...): this is earlier than what you are describing. What you see here is she is about to plant her left foot, and she is beginning the swing of her right foot toward the ball, but it is thrown off by Sauerbrunn's contact. The whiff (the awkward miss) is at the end of this swing that is just starting here--it hasn't happened yet--and almost certainly this contact caused the miss.

And that was the problem with the replays shown--they didn't start early enough for the viewer to really focus on where the foul occurred, which is here.

But don't take my word for it, "I thought there was contact, but if I didn't go for it, she was going to score," Sauerbrunn said after the match.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 03, 2019, 03:48:17 PM
I think merging with CONMEBOL is the more likely scenario.
Thinking more about this, if they want to expand the World Cup, what about this...

A 4 year cycle where: (1) continental championships (Gold Cup, Euros, Copa America, Nations Cup, etc...) & World Cup preliminaries; (2) World Cup Qualifying; (3) WC Qualifying Stage 2 & Confederations Cup; (4) World Cup.

Then you re-do World Cup Qualifying, and eliminate the continental stages.  Top 56 skip the preliminaries.  Remaining 150ish compete for the remaining 56 spots during Year 1.

Year 2, instead of an expanded "World Cup" you take your 112 teams, and split them into 16 different 7 team groups, with 16 host nations.  Over 3 weeks in the summer, you basically have a 112 team World Cup, where teams simply play the other 6 teams in their groups.  Each of the 16 group winners advance to the Year 4 World Cup, under the current 32 team format.

The 32 2nd and 3rd place teams are re-seeded, and play a 2 leg home and home series against each other during Year 3, with the 16 winners taking the remaining 16 spots in the tournament.  Then in the late summer you still have the Confederations Cup, with the winners of the Year 1 continental cups.

This way you keep the current 32 team format, which I think is close to perfect.  But now makes qualification it's own 3 week event, so that you have world football on the stage every other year.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2019, 04:52:50 PM
Disagree (and I guess we can agree to that, but...): this is earlier than what you are describing. What you see here is she is about to plant her left foot, and she is beginning the swing of her right foot toward the ball, but it is thrown off by Sauerbrunn's contact. The whiff (the awkward miss) is at the end of this swing that is just starting here--it hasn't happened yet--and almost certainly this contact caused the miss.

And that was the problem with the replays shown--they didn't start early enough for the viewer to really focus on where the foul occurred, which is here.

But don't take my word for it, "I thought there was contact, but if I didn't go for it, she was going to score," Sauerbrunn said after the match.

Still not gonna agree with you, and players often have no idea what's happening in the heat of the battle with specifics on timing.  So there you have it. *shrug*
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2019, 04:55:11 PM
Thinking more about this, if they want to expand the World Cup, what about this...

A 4 year cycle where: (1) continental championships (Gold Cup, Euros, Copa America, Nations Cup, etc...) & World Cup preliminaries; (2) World Cup Qualifying; (3) WC Qualifying Stage 2 & Confederations Cup; (4) World Cup.

Then you re-do World Cup Qualifying, and eliminate the continental stages.  Top 56 skip the preliminaries.  Remaining 150ish compete for the remaining 56 spots during Year 1.

Year 2, instead of an expanded "World Cup" you take your 112 teams, and split them into 16 different 7 team groups, with 16 host nations.  Over 3 weeks in the summer, you basically have a 112 team World Cup, where teams simply play the other 6 teams in their groups.  Each of the 16 group winners advance to the Year 4 World Cup, under the current 32 team format.

The 32 2nd and 3rd place teams are re-seeded, and play a 2 leg home and home series against each other during Year 3, with the 16 winners taking the remaining 16 spots in the tournament.  Then in the late summer you still have the Confederations Cup, with the winners of the Year 1 continental cups.

This way you keep the current 32 team format, which I think is close to perfect.  But now makes qualification it's own 3 week event, so that you have world football on the stage every other year.

I like the general idea, as long as we don't ever have to play CONCACAF teams.  :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 03, 2019, 04:58:31 PM
And I can't say I mind seeing Sweden-Netherlands going into overtime.  Can't be anything but good for the USA.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on July 03, 2019, 06:17:21 PM
I was talking with a colleague this morning about the World Cup, these two mildly controversial calls in yesterday's game, and VAR. As we discussed, the reality is that VAR hardly changes anything for 99.9% of soccer in the world. It's only at the most elite level that these discussions will ever take place. For the rest of us, we will continue to live with the referee's decision at that critical moment in the match. And she or he won't have any more than the ARs to talk questionable calls over with before making a final decision.

VAR has resulted in a change to the law relating to keepers leaving their line on PKs--and this World Cup will likely result in referees and ARs paying more attention to whether the keeper leaves her line early. Other than that, futbol as usual (with the new changes to the laws about handling, goal kicks, and drop balls--which also aren't huge changes as far as most players and games are concerned).
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on July 07, 2019, 12:46:03 PM
A really dominant final. And it looks like we found a World Cup MVP.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 07, 2019, 08:32:58 PM
Rapinoe going to the White House might be better than her not.  I bet she polls higher.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 07, 2019, 09:09:41 PM
Congrats to the USWNT on the World Cup, and kudos to the Androgynous Assassin on the clutch performances that fueled the run. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 07, 2019, 09:32:41 PM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js7XUk82V_A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js7XUk82V_A)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 11, 2019, 06:35:34 AM
US Open Cup

The final pair of USL teams were knocked out of the quarterfinal round. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_K3VWKXoAEYg4e.jpg)

The Final Four will have Atlanta, Orlando, Minnesota and Portland. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on July 11, 2019, 08:52:52 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js7XUk82V_A (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Js7XUk82V_A)
Was that #6 (Brian) or #8 (Ertz) that picked the flag up? Kudos to whoever.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 11, 2019, 09:13:37 AM
The articles say it was Kelley O'Hara, and definitely kudos to her.  You can see even in that brief clip that she seems mortified that it hit the ground.

I don't think Allie Long dropped in on purpose, she was caught up in the celebration.  But it seems pretty obvious to me that Rapinoe deliberately pushed it away and wanted nothing to do with it while she celebrated.  That's certainly her right, but it's not going to win her any favor.  Of course at this point, I'm not sure anything she did would be looked upon in a favorable light by those who dislike her stance.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Anonymous Coward on July 11, 2019, 10:52:08 AM
That's pretty forgivable. As mentioned, it was clearly a mistake and ultimately fixed. And the other two girls in the trio up front don't seem to "want nothing to do with it." They just seem ambivalent about its inclusion in the celebration. They are also too focused on everything else to know it's on the ground.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on July 11, 2019, 10:58:01 AM
The articles say it was Kelley O'Hara, and definitely kudos to her.  You can see even in that brief clip that she seems mortified that it hit the ground.

I don't think Allie Long dropped in on purpose, she was caught up in the celebration.  But it seems pretty obvious to me that Rapinoe deliberately pushed it away and wanted nothing to do with it while she celebrated.  That's certainly her right, but it's not going to win her any favor.  Of course at this point, I'm not sure anything she did would be looked upon in a favorable light by those who dislike her stance.


O'hara is listed as #5 on the roster. Can't tell if it as a 6 or an 8, but it definitely is not a 5.


https://www.ussoccer.com/players (https://www.ussoccer.com/players)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on July 11, 2019, 11:19:36 AM
O'hara is listed as #5 on the roster. Can't tell if it as a 6 or an 8, but it definitely is not a 5.


https://www.ussoccer.com/players (https://www.ussoccer.com/players)
whoever picked it up is wearing one of the "champions" jerseys with #19 on it. morgan and rapinoe also have it on, as well as some players in the background. long, however, still has on her #20 playing jersey.

you can clearly see the #19 early in the shot and smudged just after she's picked it up. and clearly see the 'champions' on the back where their names would normally be.

this jersey.

(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffanatics.frgimages.com%2FFFImage%2Fthumb.aspx%3Fi%3D%2FproductImages%252f_3614000%252fff_3614252-cef91457c529b97b0d85_full.jpg%26amp%3Bw%3D600&hash=96809da94439269960bf0f5cd072a13c)

edit: pic didn't work. here's a link (http://www.teamusashop.com/USWNT/Womens_Nike_White_USWNT_2019_FIFA_Womens_World_Cup_Champions_Nameplate_Authentic_Jersey)

i'll also side with whoever said it looks unintentional drop by long.(edit2-unintentional is probably wrong word, but not meant to disgrace usa) i also don't think rapinoe is pushing it away, looks more like shes making a "make room" move, slightly pushing away long and morgan to squeeze in and celebrate.

think we're trying to find stuff to dislike her at this point.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 11, 2019, 05:03:25 PM
All the articles say it was O'Hara, so I'm gonna go ahead and go with O'Hara.  You can't judge by the number of the jersey because most of the women were wearing the generic #19 Champions jersey by that point.  Anyway, good on her.

And like I said, people that are predisposed to dislike Rapinoe, won't view this as favorable.  People that don't already have a problem with her, will be forgiving.

For me it's the latter, I think she was doing her thing and it's certainly forgivable, but I absolutely DO believe she intentionally brushed it aside because she didn't want to have anything to do with it during a celebration that she views as her own, rather than the nation's.  That's ok, she played for it and earned it.

But it's pretty clearly a distinctly different mindset from an American who... say... wins a major event in the Olympics and goes immediately to seek out a person holding the American  flag and drapes it across her shoulders and parades around with it.  This is not just speculation, her comments over the past 6 months pretty firmly support that viewpoint regarding her actions with the flag last Sunday.  She's been quite clear about her feelings of the current state of the country and why she's protesting.  She's allowed to do that, and other folks are allowed to think unfavorably of her because of it.  God Bless the USA for that. :)

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 11, 2019, 05:54:21 PM

US Open Cup

The Semifinal pairings have been announced. 

Orlando hosts Atlanta, and Minnesota hosts the Timbers. 

Games will be played around August 7th. 




Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on July 12, 2019, 11:20:34 AM
US Open Cup

The Semifinal pairings have been announced.

Orlando hosts Atlanta, and Minnesota hosts the Timbers.

Games will be played around August 7th.





SMH on that one. Atlanta average attendance is greater than Orlando and Minnesota combined. Guess they don't care if they have any fans attending anyway. Hell, they didn't allow any at the Atlanta-Charleston match in Atlanta.


https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019-mls-attendance/ (https://soccerstadiumdigest.com/2019-mls-attendance/)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 21, 2019, 02:17:29 PM
CONCACAF announced qualifying changes for the final 32 team World Cup.  Top 6 in the FIFA rankings go straight to the Hex, instead of jumping in the round before.  7 and lower have their own qualifying, then instead of going straight to the inter-confederation playoff, the 4th place team from the Hex first plays the lower ranked group winner.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 25, 2019, 05:57:18 PM

Canadian Championship (Voyageurs Cup) 

The Calgary Cavalry executed the first ever CPL vs MLS upset in all of recorded human history, at the expense of the Vancouver Whitecaps in a two-legged H-A series. So now they will play the Montreal Impact in the semifinals, while the Ottawa Fury (USL) will lock horns with Toronto in the other semifinal. 

The Whitecaps are dead last in the MLS West, and ahead of only Cincinnati in the MLS crossover standings. The Impact and Toronto are both "bubble teams" in the East, heading into the final weekend before the all star break. 

(https://www.canadasoccer.com/files/20190112_CanChamp.jpg)
.

Leagues Cup

Apparently there is some new international single elimination tournament with a quartet of both MLS and Liga MX teams. No idea what the qualification criteria might be, but only the LA Galaxy prevented this thing from going to an all-Mexico semifinal round. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAS_LkAXUAA8EAu?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 28, 2019, 09:22:41 AM



MLS Standings: heading into the All Star break



Sorted by PPG


EAST




#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
4New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)351.75209383624125-1-44-2-4
1Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)391.63241176413657-2-34-5-3
2Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)361.57231193382998-1-33-8-0
3D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)361.524969312655-2-54-4-4
5New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)341.48231094393457-4-13-5-3
7New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)331.43239863439-56-4-23-4-4
8Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)321.3923995383806-4-33-5-2
6Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)331.3824101133138-76-4-14-7-2
9Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)261.132371153033-34-6-13-5-4
11Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)2412451093435-15-2-60-8-3
10Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)2412471432436-125-6-22-8-1
12FC Cincinnati (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/cincinnati)170.742351622253-313-6-12-10-1


.

WEST


#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)492.232215345923369-0-16-3-3
2Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)381.73221165332858-1-23-5-3
3LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)371.682212913031-18-4-04-5-1
4San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)371.68221174393368-3-13-4-3
5Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)351.59221075383086-1-44-6-1
7Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)311.4821984353233-1-26-7-2
6FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)331.4323986312656-1-53-7-1
8Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)311.4122994303007-2-12-7-3
9Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)301.362291033235-37-2-32-8-0
10Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)251.14226973339-64-4-32-5-4
12Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)200.912251253345-124-6-21-6-3
11Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)210.882441192341-183-5-41-6-5


.



The Midwest isn't doing so hot, with Minnesota as the only team that is even remotely in playoff contention.

LAFC is running away with the Supporters Shield. Double digit lead in the Pts column, and the only club over 2 pts/game. In fact they are nearly a half pt/game better than the next best team, at 2.23 vs 1.75 (NYCFC).

Top 7 teams in each Conference make the MLS Playoff Bracket at seasons end.


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 11, 2019, 01:07:42 PM

Hell Is Real 

The first installment winds up in a draw. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBpxzkJW4Ac1eQJ?format=jpg&name=small)

.

US Open Cup 

In the semifinal round Atlanta beat Orlando and Minnesota beat Portland. 

The final will be on August 27, between the two non-DC Uniteds, Atlanta vs Minnesota. Champions League bid on the line. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on August 14, 2019, 11:13:17 PM
Atlanta beats Club America to lift Campeones Cup

"The Campeones Cup is played out each year between the MLS champion and the Liga MX Campeon de Campeones, with Tigres defeating Toronto FC in the inaugural 2018 edition."

https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=539389 (https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=539389)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 14, 2019, 11:36:51 PM

Yeah, congrats to Atlanta. That is definitely a thing. 



Voyageurs Cup

The Canadienne Final is set, with Toronto set to square off with the Montreal Impact. Toronto will attempt to tie their own record of four straight. No matter what happens, these two teams will have combined for 11 of the first 12 of these things. The Whitecaps are the only other team to have ever won one. 

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/timeline/6d2ffd5530a2b4966710ef0467fa322f.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 14, 2019, 11:59:49 PM
So we are starting to get quite a bit of clarity with regards to the 2020 Champions League field.

The 4 Mexican bids are already set.
-Autumn Season: America (Champion), Azul (runner up).
-Spring Season: UANL (Champion), Leon (runner up).

Jamaica has a team in.
-Portmore United: won the Caribbean Tournament.

.

Canada is down to two teams for their lone autobid.
-Toronto vs Montreal, September 18th and 25th.

.

United States: 4 bids
-US Open Cup: Atlanta vs Minnesota, August 27th.
-Supporters Shield: LAFC currently enjoys a 10 point cushion over the field.
-Opposite Division Champion: East division is wide ass open. 9 teams within 12 "points."
-MLS Cup winner

.

The other 6 Champions League bids will be decided through the Concacaf League Tournament.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League)
The field is currently at 16 teams, but by the end of this month the bracket will have been whittled down to 8 quarterfinalists, six of which will wind up getting Champions League bids. It is mostly Central American teams in that Tourney, although Canada and Jamaica each have a team that is still alive as well. So one or both of those countries can still get a second team in, but they have gotta win one more round in order to have any chance.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on August 15, 2019, 08:59:05 AM
Hell Is Real

The first installment winds up in a draw.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EBpxzkJW4Ac1eQJ?format=jpg&name=small)
One of the most fun/emotional soccer games I've been too (I can't remember if it was the first or second Dos-Cero at Crew stadium, that atmosphere rivaled and OSU Football game. I've only been to one of those and am leaning towards the first one, but remember chanting Dos-a-Cero for a lot of the match.)

There was a an incredible amount of tailgating going before the game. Cincinnati fans were fun and respectful. Like the "harshest" thing I recalled being said was "Free Beer!, unless your wear Crew merch then it's $15 dollars." said with a smile.

FCC fans had am impressive loud march into the stadium. I was surprised they didn't look like more fans once they shoe horned into their corner. Once in the stadium the supporters sections were both loud and drum banging cheering constantly going on.

#daytonstrong - there was a moment of silence before the game, and both teams got together to pose for a support of Dayton Shooting survivors and families. Then in the 9th minute it got eerily silent, I asked my buddy what just happened; we looked it up later to see both the supporter groups had a second moment of silence in the 9th minute. Just another reminder that life is so much more important than the sporting distractions we choose to love.

Crew started off the game looking horrible. Fouls all going against them. Some deservingly so; One Crew non-regular starter, Maloney, twice did this two handed shove of an FCC player in the back, causing the Ref to blow his whistle. He would spin around and act all innocent, but the fouls were so bad even the Crew fanatics couldn't condone his bad play. Some were confusing; Artur playing defense got position on an FCC player, who then did this swim move to try and get past him, elbowing Artur just below his eye. Artur was called for the foul then sent to the sidelines to have the blood taken care of. After 23 minutes the Crew was down 0-2.

Food Lion Fans were delirious with Joy. The Banana teams fans stayed loud (unlike say OSU fans who get silent when the team looks like they are going to lose.) Just before Half Crew scored on a penalty kick from Zardes. Crew dominated the 2nd half and able to tie the game up on a rocket shot by Santos.

The last Ten minutes the Crew dominated, and missed 5 golden opportunities to win the game. Columbus fans went home disappointed at the missed chances, while Cincinnati Fans stayed and sang songs at holding on for a tie.

Man if every game was like this I think there would be tremendous support from the fans/community. The normal is (and I'm stereotyping now) rich elitist fans who show up to socialize, and don't really care about the product on the field.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on August 15, 2019, 01:49:27 PM
Good sport is good sport, no matter what. One of the most exciting soccer games I've been to--don't laugh (too hard)--was the championship game in our recreational city league for under 12s. The favorite dominated, but the underdog held on to force extra time. Our league doesn't use kicks from the mark (aka PKs) to decide these games, but instead follows a removing players protocol, starting with the keepers, every few minutes. The game went down to 2 v. 2 and had, I think, four overtime periods with 2 v. 2 until finally a goal was scored to win it. Because it wasn't the final match of the day, a bunch of other parents showed up, both from the game that was on the field next to it, and for the games scheduled afterward. So the tension kept ratcheting up, and more people were showing up. It was crazy. The kids were alternately exhausted and fired up. The spectators hung on every play. It was ridiculous. And all for a recreational, small city league. And the best part was that all the spectators and coaches were really well behaved. By the end, everyone knew it would crush the losing team, and elate the winners, and they had all the kids interests at heart. It was something to behold.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 18, 2019, 09:23:53 AM

Trillium Cup

First leg ends in a draw. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ECNzZRbWkAEqNoR?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 25, 2019, 09:11:54 PM

The Crew win the Hell is Real derby by taking a w in the second leg. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EC2tpiCX4AAiGUm?format=jpg&name=small)

So in the "rivalries" this is where we stand.

Manufactured rivalries
Hell is Real (Cincy): Crew with a win and a draw.
Pioneer Cup (Dallas): Crew win the lone match up. 
Trillium Cup (Toronto): First game was a draw, so the season finale on Oct 6 will determine who gets it. 

Traditional rivals
Chicago Fire: First leg was a draw, second leg is on Aug 31. 
DC United: Crew lost both games. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on August 27, 2019, 10:15:47 PM

Atlanta downs Minnesota to win U.S. Open Cup

Atlanta United hung on for a 2-1 win over Minnesota United to win the 106th edition of the U.S. Open Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Tuesday night.
The home team was gifted a dream start in the 10th minute when Leandro Gonzalez Pirez's cross took a wicked deflection and looped into goal over the head of Minnesota keeper Vito Mannone.
Gonzalo Martinez doubled Atlanta's lead minutes later, burying a cross from Justin Meram past Mannone to make it 2-0.

https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=555915 (https://www.espn.com/soccer/report?gameId=555915)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on August 28, 2019, 12:30:44 PM
Sept friendlies roster released (https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/berhalter-calls-26-players-for-matches-against-mexico-and-uruguay). honestly, looks like pretty good selections.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas; 0/0), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 60/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 8/0), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 15/0)
DEFENDERS (9): John Brooks (Wolfsburg/GER; 37/3), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 6/0), Sergiño Dest (Ajax/NED; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 7/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 11/2), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 8/0),) Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 35/1), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 10/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 9/2), Weston McKennie (Schalke/GER; 14/3), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 13/0), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 15/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 19/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 1/0)
FORWARDS (6): Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Tyler Boyd (Besiktas/TUR; 5/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 33/5), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 31/13), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen/GER; 7/2), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 51/10)

with weah, adams, yedlin and miazga all out from injury and bradley and altidore out with club matches during break, this is a pretty solid selection, imo. not sure why horvath isn't there, though.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 30, 2019, 11:02:23 AM
So we are starting to get quite a bit of clarity with regards to the 2020 Champions League field.



Jamaica has a team in.
-Portmore United: won the Caribbean Tournament.

.

Canada is down to two teams for their lone autobid.
-Toronto vs Montreal, September 18th and 25th.

.

United States: 4 bids
-US Open Cup: Atlanta
.

The other 6 Champions League bids will be decided through the Concacaf League Tournament.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League)
.


The Concacaf League Tourney is down to 8 quarterfinalists, 6 of which will get Champions League bids, including the 4 that wind up moving onto the semifinal round.

The pool of remaining clubs include two from Costa Rica, two from Honduras, and one from each Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador, and Jamaica. 



(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgeology.com%2Fworld%2Fcentral-america-map.gif&hash=024a0a45bad52ee612f51cfce934778e)


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on August 30, 2019, 11:09:16 AM
Sept friendlies roster released (https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/08/berhalter-calls-26-players-for-matches-against-mexico-and-uruguay). honestly, looks like pretty good selections.

GOALKEEPERS (4): Jesse Gonzalez (FC Dallas; 0/0), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United FC; 60/0), Sean Johnson (New York City FC; 8/0), Zack Steffen (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 15/0)
DEFENDERS (9): John Brooks (Wolfsburg/GER; 37/3), Reggie Cannon (FC Dallas; 6/0), Sergiño Dest (Ajax/NED; 0/0), Nick Lima (San Jose Earthquakes; 7/0), Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls; 11/2), Daniel Lovitz (Montreal Impact/CAN; 8/0),) Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 35/1), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United FC; 0/0), Walker Zimmerman (LAFC; 10/2)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy; 9/2), Weston McKennie (Schalke/GER; 14/3), Alfredo Morales (Fortuna Düsseldorf/GER; 13/0), Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas; 0/0), Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders FC; 15/0), Wil Trapp (Columbus Crew SC; 19/0), Jackson Yueill (San Jose Earthquakes; 1/0)
FORWARDS (6): Corey Baird (Real Salt Lake; 3/0), Tyler Boyd (Besiktas/TUR; 5/2), Jordan Morris (Seattle Sounders FC; 33/5), Christian Pulisic (Chelsea/ENG; 31/13), Josh Sargent (Werder Bremen/GER; 7/2), Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew SC; 51/10)

with weah, adams, yedlin and miazga all out from injury and bradley and altidore out with club matches during break, this is a pretty solid selection, imo. not sure why horvath isn't there, though.

Friendlies or CONCACAF Nations League?  I thought that was mostly replacing friendlies this year
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on August 30, 2019, 02:00:41 PM
friendlies. nations league starts in Nov. i think
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on August 30, 2019, 02:11:40 PM
friendlies. nations league starts in Nov. i think
Looked it up, it starts next weekend, but USA doesn't play in the first window.  We play our group games in October and November.  Hopefully we can sneak out of our group of death with Canada and Cuba.  Should be tremendous for player development.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 01, 2019, 12:41:51 PM


...and we have the Dreaded Double Draw in the two-legged Crew-Fire series. 



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDV5sFvU8AEpX35?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 01, 2019, 12:57:54 PM

So we enter September with five weeks left in the Regular Season (ends Sun Oct 6).

In the Western Conference LAFC has a commanding 18 "point" cushion over the 2nd place San Jose Earthquakes. They are also the only team in the West that has clinched a playoff spot, while the Vancouver Whitecaps are the only team already eliminated from playoff contention.

LAFC also enjoys an 11 "point" cushion over Philly (1st in the East) in the Supporters Shield race.

The Eastern Conference race appears to be rounding into form, with Philly, NYCFC and Atlanta beginning to separate from the rest of the pack. Other than Atlanta, the other two members of that top trio have already clinched a playoff spot, while Cincy is the only team that has already been eliminated from Playoff contention.

Sorted by Points per Game
.
East

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
2x - New York City FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/nycfc)501.852714585134178-1-46-4-4
1x - Philadelphia Union (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/philadelphia)511.7629158654421210-2-35-6-3
3Atlanta United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/atlanta)481.71281510347331410-1-35-9-0
5New York Red Bulls (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/ny-red-bulls)411.412912125474438-5-24-7-3
4D.C. United (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/d.c.-united)421.43011109393816-4-55-6-4
6New England Revolution (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/new-england)391.392810994147-67-5-33-4-6
7Toronto FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/toronto-fc)381.3628101084445-17-4-43-6-4
8Montreal Impact (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/montreal)371.2330111544256-147-5-24-10-2
9Orlando City SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/orlando)341.172991373539-46-7-13-6-6
10Chicago Fire (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/chicago)341.133081210444317-2-61-10-4
11Columbus Crew SC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/columbus)311.033081573344-115-6-53-9-2
12e - FC Cincinnati (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/cincinnati)180.642852032867-393-9-12-11-2


.
West

#ClubPTS (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings)PPGGP (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gp)W (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=w)L (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=l)T (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=t)GF (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gf)GA (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=ga)GD (https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings?sort=gd)W-L-TW-L-T
1x - Los Angeles Football Club (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/lafc)622.327193574284611-0-28-3-3
5Seattle Sounders FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/seattle)431.59271287424028-2-34-6-4
2San Jose Earthquakes (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/san-jose)441.5728131054843510-3-23-7-3
7Minnesota United FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/minnesota)421.56271296443778-1-54-8-1
6LA Galaxy (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/la-galaxy)421.5627131133841-39-4-14-7-2
3Real Salt Lake (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/real-salt-lake)431.5428131144035510-3-13-8-3
4FC Dallas (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/fc-dallas)431.482912107473899-1-53-9-2
8Portland Timbers (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/portland)401.482712114434036-3-26-8-2
9Sporting Kansas City (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/sporting-kc)371.3228101174145-47-5-33-6-4
10Houston Dynamo (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/houston)311.112891543849-117-3-42-12-0
11Colorado Rapids (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/colorado)301.072881464554-96-6-22-8-4
12e - Vancouver Whitecaps FC (https://www.mlssoccer.com/meta/club/vancouver)270.93061593053-234-6-42-9-5




.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on September 02, 2019, 09:09:25 PM

...and we have the Dreaded Double Draw in the two-legged Crew-Fire series.



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EDV5sFvU8AEpX35?format=jpg&name=small)
94th minute tying goal by the Fire was infuriating. They played better than we did most of the 2nd half, but man I thought the Crew was going to hold on.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on September 04, 2019, 12:16:35 PM
2019-2020 nations league to officially be qualifying for 2021 gold cup for concacaf. link (https://twitter.com/usmnt/status/1169257692969525249?s=21)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 14, 2019, 09:45:27 PM

Crew beat Atlanta. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEd4vpOXsAAacdq?format=jpg&name=small)


LAFC clinched the Western Conference, along with a Champions League bid. 

NYCFC is beginning to run away with the East, building a five "point" lead over second place Philly with less than a month to go. 

Atlanta clinched a playoff spot in defeat due to other scores around the league, and have already clinched a Champions League bid by winning the US Open Cup. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on September 16, 2019, 06:29:51 PM
A dinged up Norwich over Man City in the Premier League. No one saw that coming.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on September 16, 2019, 08:12:58 PM
Crew beat Atlanta.

LAFC clinched the Western Conference, along with a Champions League bid.

NYCFC is beginning to run away with the East, building a five "point" lead over second place Philly with less than a month to go.

Atlanta clinched a playoff spot in defeat due to other scores around the league, and have already clinched a Champions League bid by winning the US Open Cup.
And with the win the Crew still have a 1% chance of making the playoffs. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 18, 2019, 10:14:23 PM

Voyageurs Cup 

After suffering a humiliating loss to lowly Cincinnati over the weekend, the Montreal Impact pull off a stunning 1-0 upset of Toronto in the first leg of the Canadian Championship Final. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EEylnXnWkAEJyDS.jpg:small)

The second leg is in Toronto on Sept 25, with Canada's lone Champions League bid on the line. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 25, 2019, 09:50:32 PM

Voyageurs Cup

After trading 1-0 home wins, Montreal wins the resulting shootout and earns Canada's Champions League bid. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFWqJ5vXkAADWzx?format=jpg&name=small)



Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 26, 2019, 07:57:22 AM

Supporters Shield

LAFC clinches. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFXSckKUUAAFZtn?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 29, 2019, 08:09:40 PM

NYCFC clinched the Eastern Conference, nabbing a Champions League bid. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFq67gBW4AE3MF0?format=jpg&name=small)

So the MLS Champions League bids are all set except the MLS Cup winner. 
1 MLS Cup winner: ?
2 Supporters Shield winner: LAFC 
3 Opposite Division winner: NYCFC 
4 US Open Cup winner: Atlanta United
5 Voyageurs Cup winner: Montreal Impact

and, most importantly, the Crew actually won a game. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EFq6ifcXUAE4Oob?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on September 30, 2019, 12:36:57 AM
Go Crew!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 05, 2019, 05:34:00 PM
2020 Champions League (Concacaf) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Champions_League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Champions_League)

With the conclusion of the quarterfinal round of the 2019 Concacaf League Tourney ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019_CONCACAF_League) ) we now know the entire 2020 Champions League field, minus the MLS Cup winner. 

USA (4): Atlanta, LAFC, NYCFC, and the MLS Cup winner*
Mexico (4): America, UANL, Cruz Azul, and Leon
Canada (1): Montreal Impact
Jamaica (1): Portmore United
.
Costa Rica (2): Saprissa, and San Carlos
Honduras (2): Motagua, and Olimpia
El Salvadore (1): Alianza 
Guatamala (1): Comunicaciones 
.
*The MLS Playoff bracket will be revealed at the conclusion of Sunday's games. I will post it once it has been made available. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 06, 2019, 06:58:09 PM


MLS Playoffs 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGOpQrmWsAEzn0w?format=jpg&name=small)

The winner gets a Champions Legue bid unless it is a team that has already qualified (1W LAFC, 1E NYCFC and 2E Atlanta United) or a Canadian team (4E Toronto), in which case Seattle gets the bid by virtue of having the best regular season record (points) of the eligable teams. 

So as the Sounders sit in the catbird seat, they get the Champions League bid if the MLS Cup winner is a 1 or 2 seed from either conference, or the 4 seed from the Eastern Conference. If it is anyone else, then that team goes instead. 

/The Crew relinquished the Trillium Cup to Toronto on this, their final game of their 2019 campaign. 

//The MLS will take a week off as team USA plays Cuba and Canada, so this thing won't kick off until Oct 19. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 15, 2019, 08:10:47 PM
How is this Nations League helping anything, other than I guess being played FOR something?

Demolish a terrible Cuba team, that peaks with a Gold Cup qualification, followed by a no win situation against Canada tonight
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 15, 2019, 09:34:02 PM
USMNT is broken
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on October 15, 2019, 10:31:38 PM
USMNT is broken
 We will probably qualify because the quality in the top 6 of CONCACAF has fell off a cliff, but right now we are worse than 2017-18. 

Its not the manager people. Sure Greg is a mediocre coach but that should really be enough to win every match and/or draw a few against the best teams in this confed. Its the players, they just aren't good. Sure you could tell me that Bradley sucks, I won't disagree w/ you but I'll also remind you that Michael Bradley is STILL one of our best players. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 17, 2019, 10:00:57 AM
there's a generation gap that's too big. from bradley's gen to the young guys just starting to make their names, there's not enough international quality players. even pulisic, mckinnie, adams are still extremely young. brooks might be the only one in that age gap that's international quality, and he's hurt half the time.

having said that, we should still be winning the vast majority of concacaf matches, home and away. at least part of this is ggg fault.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 21, 2019, 05:50:08 PM
Round 1 in the books

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHaVf4JWkAA6mUM?format=jpg&name=large)

So Philly, Salt Lake and the Galaxy are the only teams remaining that can take the Champions League bid from Seattle.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 25, 2019, 06:24:24 PM
Toronto over NYCFC was unexpected.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EHuPRlFXUAAwlgp?format=jpg&name=large)

Seattle clinches the fourth and final (USA) Champions League bid.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 28, 2019, 01:34:26 PM
Hey, we finally won a battle for a dual national!

https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/3975815/ajax-defender-sergino-dest-chooses-us-over-netherlands (https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/3975815/ajax-defender-sergino-dest-chooses-us-over-netherlands)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 28, 2019, 02:31:59 PM
hopefully he can step up and be that lb we've been missing.

i feel like, when healthy, we should have a fairly competitive starting vi. especially if/when some of the younger guys like weah and sargent start to fulfill their potential.

steffen
yedlin - long/miazga - brooks - dest
adams - mckinnie
pulisic
boyd - morris
altidore

not a bad lineup as is.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 30, 2019, 10:26:14 PM

MLS Cup

It's Toronto and Seattle.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EILBX_sW4AEg-nl?format=png&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 10, 2019, 07:41:29 PM

MLS Cup

It was the Sounders.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJCw9z6UUAA9t5t?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 14, 2019, 07:25:39 PM
2020 Concacaf Champions League

(https://cdn.ussoccerplayers.com/images/2019/12/2020-concacaf-champions-league-bracket.jpg)

2020 Concacaf Champions League round of 16
Atlanta United FC (USA) vs FC Motagua (HON)
Club America (MEX) vs Comunicaciones FC (GUA)
Cruz Azul FC (MEX) vs Portmore United FC (JAM)
Los Angeles FC (USA) vs Club Leon (MEX)
Tigres UANL (MEX) vs Alianza FC (SLV)
New York City FC (USA) vs AD San Carlos (CRC)
Seattle Sounders FC (USA) vs CD Olimpia (HON)
Montreal Impact (CAN) vs Deportivo Saprissa (CRC)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Champions_League
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 16, 2020, 09:56:45 PM
Concacaf Champions league gets going on Tuesday and round one runs through the end of the month. (2 legs)

MLS regular season gets going after that

(https://res.cloudinary.com/concacaf-production/image/upload/c_fit,dpr_3.0,f_webp,g_center,q_auto,w_730/v1/championsleage-prod/_20_SCCL_Bracket)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on February 18, 2020, 12:56:56 PM
I like that there a 5 MLS teams here. Let's see if any of them can get past a Mexico club.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 25, 2020, 04:08:27 PM
i've never really followed mls much, but with the new franchise in nashville, i'm gonna try picking them up as my team. should be a long season.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on February 25, 2020, 09:41:13 PM
Crewsmas is in 5 Days!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 26, 2020, 12:31:52 PM
i've never really followed mls much, but with the new franchise in nashville, i'm gonna try picking them up as my team. should be a long season.
That's always been my biggest issue with club soccer.  Obviously Euro is the higher level, but every "rooting interest" has felt forced, and didn't really stick.  My best friend when I was young, had a father who moved here from England, as a life long Aston Villa fan, so I tried that, didn't stick.  Lived in London for a summer, in a part of the city that was primarily Chelsea supporters.  Tried again, didn't stick.  MLS is much worse, and neither Detroit or Pittsburgh have a team, so that's certainly not it.

If Pittsburgh ever got an MLS team, I'd buy in a little more I think.  I've gone to a couple Pittsburgh Riverhounds games.  They are fun enough.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 26, 2020, 01:19:02 PM
Pittsburgh is probably as strong a candidate to move up as anyone else. It would be cool to be able to claim that you were a fan of a team before they moved up.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 26, 2020, 03:41:42 PM
That's always been my biggest issue with club soccer.  Obviously Euro is the higher level, but every "rooting interest" has felt forced, and didn't really stick.  My best friend when I was young, had a father who moved here from England, as a life long Aston Villa fan, so I tried that, didn't stick.  Lived in London for a summer, in a part of the city that was primarily Chelsea supporters.  Tried again, didn't stick.  MLS is much worse, and neither Detroit or Pittsburgh have a team, so that's certainly not it.

If Pittsburgh ever got an MLS team, I'd buy in a little more I think.  I've gone to a couple Pittsburgh Riverhounds games.  They are fun enough.
have same feeling with mls and nfl. i've tried picking teams and what not. didn't stick. atl (nfl and mls), titans, greenbay (was a big fan of favre), etc. i had just given up on mls and i just watch nfl to see how bama boys are doing.

i don't know what's different about tottenham, but i picked them from the epl about 4 years ago and it stuck. big fan now. gonna try again with nashville fc to see if i can find a local-ish team to follow.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 28, 2020, 09:18:02 PM
Concacaf Champions league

LAFC collected a Liga MX scalp, overcoming a 2-0 leg 1 loss to defeat Leon 3-0 in leg 2. They get another Mexican squad, Cruz Azul in round 2. 

Seattle suffered a round 1 loss to Olympia from Honduras, who will face Montreal in round 2.

The other two round 2 matches are both MLS-Liga MX, with NYCFC-UANL and Atlanta-America.

Gets underway March 10.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 01, 2020, 02:59:11 PM
Crewsmas is in 5 Days!
With the win!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 01, 2020, 05:25:46 PM
Pittsburgh is probably as strong a candidate to move up as anyone else. It would be cool to be able to claim that you were a fan of a team before they moved up.

Pittsburgh doesn't have the billionaire to back them. There is not promotion in MLS, it's a millionaire paying your way in. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 01, 2020, 05:37:55 PM
With the win!

Let's go Crew. Great day for the home opener. 17k of my friends showed up to watch a fun/frustrating game.
Fun casue the crew dominated the whole match playing a man up.
Frustrating casue they only capitalized on one of the many scoring opportunities. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ALA2262 on March 02, 2020, 12:02:09 PM
Concacaf Champions league

LAFC collected a Liga MX scalp, overcoming a 2-0 leg 1 loss to defeat Leon 3-0 in leg 2. They get another Mexican squad, Cruz Azul in round 2.

Seattle suffered a round 1 loss to Olympia from Honduras, who will face Montreal in round 2.

The other two round 2 matches are both MLS-Liga MX, with NYCFC-UANL and Atlanta-America.

Gets underway March 10.


Bracket 


https://www.sofascore.com/tournament/football/north-central-america/concacaf-champions-league/498 (https://www.sofascore.com/tournament/football/north-central-america/concacaf-champions-league/498)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 08, 2020, 03:54:36 PM
Let's go Crew. Great day for the home opener. 17k of my friends showed up to watch a fun/frustrating game.
Fun casue the crew dominated the whole match playing a man up.
Frustrating casue they only capitalized on one of the many scoring opportunities.
Then played MLS Cup winner Seattle to a 1-1 draw in game 2.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 10, 2020, 02:46:47 PM
serie A shutting down for coronavirus. uefa considering postponing champions league and europa league after this round.

us is just starting to get test kits out, expecting to see cases rise swiftly here. wonder if we'll see something like this here for mls and ncaa basketball/baseball.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 12, 2020, 10:03:38 PM
MLS has suspended play for a month.

https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/sports-are-canceled-nhl-mls-mlb-ncaa-join-nba-suspending-play (https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/sports-are-canceled-nhl-mls-mlb-ncaa-join-nba-suspending-play)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 05, 2020, 09:05:39 AM

2020 Champion's League 

It was paused during the quarterfinal round in March because of Covid, but has now been rescheduled for December. 

Bracket: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Bracket

The format has gone from two-legged to single elimination, although three of the four quarterfinal matchups had already played the first leg, in which the second leg will be played instead of a single elimination game. 

There are 4 MLS teams (3 USA/1 Canadian), 3 Mexican teams, and one from Honduras. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on November 05, 2020, 03:08:30 PM
Heh. I forgot we have a cross-over football thread.
Since I've last posted I've been hired by MLS to be a League Observer, and now get paid to attend Crew games. Life is socially distant good.

The Crew has been an enigma for me this year. One of the Best Record at Home (8-1-0), and Haven't won a game on the road (0-5-5.) How is that conceivable? 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 16, 2020, 02:58:47 PM
usmnt has exciting roster for these friendlies. midfield is looking great. getting pulisic, morris, sargent and jozy in the lineup and this looks like a good team.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 16, 2020, 09:29:22 PM
What do we move into next, if that's even been decided?  I know they messed with the WC qualifying format.  Did the semi of the Nation's League just get cancelled?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on November 17, 2020, 09:05:46 AM
What do we move into next, if that's even been decided?  I know they messed with the WC qualifying format.  Did the semi of the Nation's League just get cancelled?
I'm starting a GoFundMe to get Yunus Musah to commit to the US. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 17, 2020, 09:53:20 AM
What do we move into next, if that's even been decided?  I know they messed with the WC qualifying format.  Did the semi of the Nation's League just get cancelled?
the finals got moved to march 2021 then again to june 2021. https://www.concacafnationsleague.com/en/article/concacaf-nations-league-finals-rescheduled-for-june-2021

the 2021 schedule is packed.

march - wcq rd 1 (2 days of games)
june - nations league semis and finals
july (10-21) - gold cup
july (23-??) - olympics (not for sure yet)
2021 tbd (oct-nov) - wcq rd 2 (2 days of games)
2021-2022 tbd (nov-mar) - wcq rd 3 (14 days of games, at least that's whats on schedule)

the world cup in 2022 being in winter is actually turning out to be a good thing, giving more time for qualifying. still hate it though.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 17, 2020, 11:07:13 AM
the world cup in 2022 being in winter is actually turning out to be a good thing, giving more time for qualifying. still hate it though.
I'd rather play it in winter than expand it to 48
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 25, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
Maradona died today at 60. Dude lived hard and was as good as the sports ever had. rip
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 03, 2020, 07:17:34 AM
Columbus Crew are playing in the Eastern Conference Finals this Sunday. I'll be there. (They've nicknamed me the Covid - enforcer.)

Pretty amazing turnaround to go from being relocated to one of the top teams in the league. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 04, 2020, 09:59:02 AM
So it is Seattle-Minnesota out west, and Columbus-New England out east.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Entropy on December 04, 2020, 12:16:19 PM
I believe Sporting thought the game was today and not last night. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 08, 2020, 03:46:34 PM
It will be Columbus vs Seattle for the MLS Cup.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on December 08, 2020, 06:06:36 PM
Apparently the Loons had a 2-0 lead in the 75th minute and lost in regulation.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 09, 2020, 10:59:21 AM

Kind of strange how the East has 14 teams this year while the West only has 12, but looking at their expansion plans brings it a little bit of clarity. Looks like the East will get Charlotte, while the West gets Austin, Sacramento and St Louis; resulting in two 15-team divisions.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Major_League_Soccer_club_locations_2020.png/501px-Major_League_Soccer_club_locations_2020.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 11, 2020, 08:46:15 AM
It will be Columbus vs Seattle for the MLS Cup.
I'll be there too.

If you want, PM me your seats and I'll swing by to say hi.

Announced 2 staters (Santos and Nagbe) for the Crew have Covid-19.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 11, 2020, 08:56:00 AM
I'll be there too.

If you want, PM me your seats and I'll swing to say hi.

Announced 2 staters (Santos and Nagbe) for the Crew have Covid-19.

Oh I wish. I am not attending the game, I was just posting the match up. But I will be watching from my couch on the big screen. 

Have fun though, that's awesome. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 11, 2020, 12:11:25 PM
Welp. After giving me the assignment last Sunday, I just got and email from MLS saying they didn't need a League Observer for the Cup Match.

I was just commenting to co-workers on how blessed I have been to be one of the few people to get to watch this amazing season in person.

2020 giveth, 2020 take away.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 12, 2020, 08:28:56 AM
It's tonight. 

Neon Yella vs Neon Green. 

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/y36uJPwB1DM/hqdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 12, 2020, 09:31:40 PM
Crew up 2-0 at the half... 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 12, 2020, 10:41:10 PM
No horse in the MLS race, but happy for the Crew fans here.  From relocation attempt to championship in 3 years!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 12, 2020, 10:43:44 PM

Won another MLS Cup before Austin even has a team... 



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpFmFmsXEAEw6_2?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 12, 2020, 10:52:12 PM
Glory to Columbus!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 15, 2020, 07:12:33 AM
If anyone wants to watch some round ball instead of pointy ball:

Columbus Crew 3-0 Seattle Sounders Full Match MLS Cup 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLp2xwb0KOk
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on December 17, 2020, 09:53:48 AM
Won another MLS Cup before Austin even has a team...



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpFmFmsXEAEw6_2?format=jpg&name=small)
y'all still have same owners? cause that dude doesn't deserve it, but you fans and the team do, so congrats.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 17, 2020, 11:01:20 AM
y'all still have same owners? cause that dude doesn't deserve it, but you fans and the team do, so congrats.


Naw, he gone.... 

It belongs to the guy that owns the Cleveland Browns now. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 17, 2020, 11:09:35 AM
2020 Champions League

Quarterfinal round has finally wrapped up after getting under way in March, before being postponed until now.

They will squeeze the rest in before Christmas, with the semifinals on Saturday Dec 19, and the Final on Dec 22. Single elimination format; not legs. In Orlando.

The bad news is that three of the four MLS teams were promptly eliminated in said Quarterfinal round. So each semifinal game will have a Mexican team.

So the semifinals will be LAFC vs America in one game, and UANL vs Olimpia from Hondorus in the other game.

Here's hoping for a LAFC-Olimpia Final. O0

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Champions_League
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 17, 2020, 10:13:20 PM
Hope all you want, It will be an all Mexican Final.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 17, 2020, 10:28:16 PM
Hope all you want, It will be an all Mexican Final.


Well if it is already settled then we can move onto the much more important 2021 Champions League featuring the Columbus Crew.

USA - 4 teams
MLS Cup - Columbus Crew
Supporters Shield - Philly Union
MLS is Back - Portland Timbers
US Open - Atlanta United
.
Canada - 1 team (only slot still undecided)
Voyageurs Cup - Toronto vs Forge FC (CPL): date tbd
.
Mexico - 4 teams
Monterrey, America, Cruz Azul and Leon
.
Honduras - 2 teams
Olimpia and Marathon
.
Costa Rica - 2 teams
Saprissa and Alajuelense
.
One Team Each...
Nicaragua - Real Esteli
Haiti - Arcahaie
Dominican Republic - Athletico Pantoja

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_CONCACAF_Champions_League
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 18, 2020, 12:39:07 AM

The seeding is also set for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. Of the four finalists from 2019, the two teams that can move up would be Marathon (if Olimpia can beat UANL.) Or Philly can move up a spot (if LAFC wins the whole thing, both games, next week.)

Pot 1 Team
1  Cruz Azul (Mex)
2  Monterrey (Mex)
3  América (Mex)
4 Portland Timbers
5  Toronto FC or Forge (Can)
6  Philadelphia Union
7  Columbus Crew SC
8  Atlanta United FC

Pot 2
9 León (Mex)
10 Saprissa or Alajuelense (CRC)
11  Marathón (Hon)
12  Saprissa or Alajuelense (CRC)
13 Olimpia (Hon)
14 Atlético Pantoja (DR)
15 Real Estelí (Nic)
16 Arcahaie (Hai)


Meaning Columbus as the 7, will play Saprissa (CRC), Alajuelense (CRC), or Marathón (Hon) as the 10 for it's first match. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 21, 2020, 10:48:17 AM
Hope all you want, It will be an all Mexican Final.

I stand corrected.
America scored a goal, and got the ref to unjustly send off an LAFC player. LA game out in the 2nd half and scored two goals in the first 90 seconds to come back for the win. Talk about Karma.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 23, 2020, 09:48:06 AM
And... Still no MLS team has ever won the CCL 

https://www.si.com/soccer/2020/12/23/lafc-tigres-uanl-concacaf-champions-league-final-ccl-video-vela-gignac

Tigres beats LAFC 2-1 with some more shady refing in the process.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 15, 2021, 11:36:12 AM
Another successful recruitment for USMNT

https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/4328933/valencias-yunus-musah-picks-united-states-over-england
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 15, 2021, 12:28:17 PM
The "2020" Voyageurs Cup, pitting Toronto against Forge FC for the Canadian CCL slot, has now been postponed beyond the deadline, and they are awarding the Canadian bid to Toronto.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_CONCACAF_Champions_League

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Et6BKoBWgAI5NXv?format=jpg&name=large)


/Better bracket in link... 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on March 15, 2021, 12:38:51 PM
Another successful recruitment for USMNT

https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usa/story/4328933/valencias-yunus-musah-picks-united-states-over-england
Huge! I love how the USMNT is shaping up for 22 and more so for 26. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 29, 2021, 10:20:11 AM
And yet the U23 team lost to Honduras last night, and will fail to qualify for the Olympics for the third straight games.

2008 was the last time the Men's team qualified
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 15, 2021, 12:48:38 PM
mls doing good so far in concacaf champions league. 4 teams in quarters already and 5th has 2nd leg today already up 4-0 from first leg. could we finally see a mls team win it?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on April 15, 2021, 12:54:24 PM
Austin FC play their first official MLS game ever this Saturday.  Viva la Verde!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 15, 2021, 01:59:28 PM
Toronto, who qualified by merely being the defending Canadian champ during a global pandemic, is the first MLS team to collect a Mexican scalp. Of course they were the only MLS team that had to face one in the opening round, but they made the most of their at bat. Now they have to do it again.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 16, 2021, 09:26:40 AM
(https://images.mlssoccer.com/image/private/t_keep-aspect-ratio-e-mobile_3x/f_png/prd-league/tsr6ndrq3ep1lzk8vtxl.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on April 16, 2021, 05:06:16 PM
Austin FC play their first official MLS game ever this Saturday.  Viva la Verde!

Screw the Austin Broccoli's. I hope your owner chokes on his queso fountain.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on April 16, 2021, 09:32:22 PM
Hataz gonna hate.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 16, 2021, 10:35:15 PM
(https://columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/2021/2021_Schedule_1920x1080_Updated.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on April 18, 2021, 10:09:53 AM
This would be massive

https://twitter.com/tariqpanja/status/1383768402091671568?s=19
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on April 19, 2021, 12:57:33 PM
Hataz gonna hate.
Yup, nothing against the players (6 of which are ex-crew.)
Nothing against the city, it's delightful.
 Nothing against the majority of fans, they just want a soccer team (there is a twitter group known as Hipster 6, who took joy in Columbus' agony that I avoid.) 

But I do have eternal hate towards the owner who tried for years to sabotage the Crew so he could steal the team and send it to Austin. It amazes me that the Crew was last in corporate sponsorship under Precum, but both Austin and Columbus are now in the top %25 of the league. When he bought the team a no transfer clause was included, he had MLS add an exception for Austin as soon as the sale was final. He let the stadium fall into disarray, he eliminated supporters groups, he ended game day giveaways, and other discounts to attract causal fans. He only attended one game. When the team was on national TV, he shut down gates delaying fan entry to support his narrative that Columbus no longer liked soccer. He claimed there was no sponsorship for the stadium or Jersey's but when that story became public it took less than an hour for Columbus Business Partners to come up with sponsors for both (Mapfre Insurance and Accura.) 

So, yes as long as the dirtbag owner has a team I'm gonna hate. And it's a hate that even eclipses my disdain for TTUN. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on April 19, 2021, 01:11:35 PM
ok
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on April 20, 2021, 03:08:23 PM
This would be massive

https://twitter.com/tariqpanja/status/1383768402091671568?s=19
And...thank goodness that sputtered almost immediately.  Talk about not reading the room

https://twitter.com/Stephen_Douglas/status/1384583496920936457?s=19
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 20, 2021, 06:47:49 PM
Yup, nothing against the players (6 of which are ex-crew.)
Nothing against the city, it's delightful.
 Nothing against the majority of fans, they just want a soccer team (there is a twitter group known as Hipster 6, who took joy in Columbus' agony that I avoid.)

But I do have eternal hate towards the owner who tried for years to sabotage the Crew so he could steal the team and send it to Austin. It amazes me that the Crew was last in corporate sponsorship under Precum, but both Austin and Columbus are now in the top %25 of the league. When he bought the team a no transfer clause was included, he had MLS add an exception for Austin as soon as the sale was final. He let the stadium fall into disarray, he eliminated supporters groups, he ended game day giveaways, and other discounts to attract causal fans. He only attended one game. When the team was on national TV, he shut down gates delaying fan entry to support his narrative that Columbus no longer liked soccer. He claimed there was no sponsorship for the stadium or Jersey's but when that story became public it took less than an hour for Columbus Business Partners to come up with sponsors for both (Mapfre Insurance and Accura.)

So, yes as long as the dirtbag owner has a team I'm gonna hate. And it's a hate that even eclipses my disdain for TTUN.
Who would you root for if Austin was playing a game against the Wolverines?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on April 22, 2021, 08:43:17 AM
Who would you root for if Austin was playing a game against the Wolverines?

In this fantasy scenario, does Austin still have Precourt? Cause again, it's nothing against the team or town, just the owner.
In that case, I'd root for the game to get canceled and Precourt would have to repay everyone for wasting our time. 
If no Precourt, then I'd prolly root for the 'amateur" team to pull an upset.

OSU used to scrimmage against the Crew and it was super fun to go and watch. I would root for a good match, but usually pull to see something special from the college kids.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 22, 2021, 09:00:00 AM
In this fantasy scenario, does Austin still have Precourt? Cause again, it's nothing against the team or town, just the owner.
In that case, I'd root for the game to get canceled and Precourt would have to repay everyone for wasting our time.
If no Precourt, then I'd prolly root for the 'amateur" team to pull an upset.

OSU used to scrimmage against the Crew and it was super fun to go and watch. I would root for a good match, but usually pull to see something special from the college kids.

Yeah, the teams would have their current make up.

 
It would be patterned after the Conner Senn Memorial Match that they play every spring, where the Crew take on the Buckeyes.

Only in this scenario you would swap out the Crew for Austin, and you would swap out the Buckeyes with the Wolverines. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on April 23, 2021, 12:01:39 AM
Yeah, the teams would have their current make up.

 
It would be patterned after the Conner Senn Memorial Match that they play every spring, where the Crew take on the Buckeyes.

Only in this scenario you would swap out the Crew for Austin, and you would swap out the Buckeyes with the Wolverines.

Go Blue!

Wow that felt dirty. :19:
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on May 05, 2021, 04:59:31 PM
pulisic has a goal and assist in the semis of the champions league. him and chelsea will face man cty in ucl final. first american to (likely) play in the ucl final.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 03, 2021, 08:53:48 PM
If we are going to get screwed by anti-US refs, we might as well flip to UEFA and play good competition
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 03, 2021, 09:25:14 PM
If we are going to get screwed by anti-US refs, we might as well flip to UEFA and play good competition
No doubt.  I've said this for years.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 06, 2021, 10:05:25 PM
Well, that's a hell of a 180.

Mexico 2-0 goal overturned on review as being offsides, US instead gets the equalizer 2 minutes later
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on June 07, 2021, 08:46:48 AM
What a game. I never thought I could like an American player as much as I like Clint Dempsey but Weston McKennie is rocketing up the charts for me. 

Tim Ream on the other hand....  I just don't understand why he's still around. He wasn't good when he was young. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 07, 2021, 09:11:51 AM
Next, maybe work on not playing these games at 9 PM on a Sunday on CBSSN?

You want to grow the game?  That was the game to do it.  And yet who even knew it was on?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on June 07, 2021, 12:45:30 PM
Next, maybe work on not playing these games at 9 PM on a Sunday on CBSSN?

You want to grow the game?  That was the game to do it.  And yet who even knew it was on?
Chicken and egg... Do you devote primetime major channel resources to a sport that nobody cares about, with an opportunity cost of pushing off programming that might generate higher dollar value today, in an investment in growing the game for the future? Or do you put it on the off channel [where anyone who actually cares already knows how to find it] and know that you're going to reach the die-hards regardless?

That game could have been on ESPN or ABC and I would have tuned to something else. It wouldn't have grown the sport, at least with me. Despite clearly ending up to be an exciting contest. 

Yet I record every MotoGP race on NBCSN on DVR because that's what I'm into... Someone else, if MotoGP was on ESPN or ABC, would tune elsewhere, and the sport would be unlikely to grow significantly from that exposure. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 07, 2021, 02:50:32 PM
USWNT is playing in Austin in a couple of weeks, we're taking my daughter and niece who are both very into the sport.  The USWNT will actually be playing at the new stadium for Austin FC, before the home team ever does.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 07, 2021, 03:20:27 PM
USWNT is playing in Austin in a couple of weeks, we're taking my daughter and niece who are both very into the sport.  The USWNT will actually be playing at the new stadium for Austin FC, before the home team ever does.


I've always said, ESPN is pushing the wrong women's sports.  Volleyball and soccer are just so much better than softball and basketball IMO, as far as the women's game goes.

The last WWC was also the first time that it felt like the field was really deep enough for me to get engaged with the entire tournament.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 07, 2021, 03:24:51 PM
Chicken and egg... Do you devote primetime major channel resources to a sport that nobody cares about, with an opportunity cost of pushing off programming that might generate higher dollar value today, in an investment in growing the game for the future? Or do you put it on the off channel [where anyone who actually cares already knows how to find it] and know that you're going to reach the die-hards regardless?

That game could have been on ESPN or ABC and I would have tuned to something else. It wouldn't have grown the sport, at least with me. Despite clearly ending up to be an exciting contest.

Yet I record every MotoGP race on NBCSN on DVR because that's what I'm into... Someone else, if MotoGP was on ESPN or ABC, would tune elsewhere, and the sport would be unlikely to grow significantly from that exposure.
I was thinking more from a U.S. soccer perspective.  CBS acquired all of the CONCACAF national team english language broadcast rights, and slapped them on CBSSN and Paramount+.

CBS' sports network has less traction than the other major networks' (ESPN, FS1, NBCSN), and you get very little cross promotion.  I'm just not sure taking the short term larger payout (granted I don't know what the other bids were) is worth the limited exposure.

And selfishly, as someone who loves international soccer, I hope all of these WC qualifiers and Gold Cup games, aren't relegated to Paramount+
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 07, 2021, 03:32:11 PM
Chicken and egg... Do you devote primetime major channel resources to a sport that nobody cares about, with an opportunity cost of pushing off programming that might generate higher dollar value today, in an investment in growing the game for the future? Or do you put it on the off channel [where anyone who actually cares already knows how to find it] and know that you're going to reach the die-hards regardless?

That game could have been on ESPN or ABC and I would have tuned to something else. It wouldn't have grown the sport, at least with me. Despite clearly ending up to be an exciting contest.

Yet I record every MotoGP race on NBCSN on DVR because that's what I'm into... Someone else, if MotoGP was on ESPN or ABC, would tune elsewhere, and the sport would be unlikely to grow significantly from that exposure.
disagree. the only thing competing with this game was an absurd wwe-style "boxing" match and wcws softball. this one should have been promoted as a big deal and put on major network. soccer is now just behind bb and baseball as americans favorite sports and it's growing fast. it's also way higher than golf, tennis, boxing, gymnastics and a myriad of other sports that routinely get prime tv spots for their tournaments and finals/major games and events.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 07, 2021, 03:39:17 PM
I was thinking more from a U.S. soccer perspective.  CBS acquired all of the CONCACAF national team english language broadcast rights, and slapped them on CBSSN and Paramount+.

CBS' sports network has less traction than the other major networks' (ESPN, FS1, NBCSN), and you get very little cross promotion.  I'm just not sure taking the short term larger payout (granted I don't know what the other bids were) is worth the limited exposure.

And selfishly, as someone who loves international soccer, I hope all of these WC qualifiers and Gold Cup games, aren't relegated to Paramount+
i think i read that they'll have 6 matches on paramount+ and 8 on cbssn. but i can't find that source anymore.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 10, 2021, 12:26:17 AM
Considering the lineup they rolled out there, tonight may have even been more impressive. They just beat the third best team in concacaf by four goals, with a bunch of kids
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 10, 2021, 08:37:38 AM
Considering the lineup they rolled out there, tonight may have even been more impressive. They just beat the third best team in concacaf by four goals, with a bunch of kids
Yup, that was fun to watch.

Also heard the broadcasters say that the Costa Rica team was able to get the vaccine whilst here in the USA, which is pretty cool.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 12, 2021, 12:56:46 PM
Really concerning situation for Denmark right now...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 12, 2021, 01:29:20 PM
Really concerning situation for Denmark right now...

Sounding like cardiac arrest. Game suspended. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 12, 2021, 01:50:52 PM
Sounding like cardiac arrest. Game suspended.
Reports are he's in stable condition now. I was very worried he had died.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 14, 2021, 01:55:02 PM
I'm a spurs fan and Eriksen's been one of my favorite players for a while now. Terrifying to see what happened and heart warming to know he's made it out ok.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 14, 2021, 01:59:00 PM
Yeah I was shocked as I watched that unfold.  Really glad he seems to be recovering.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 15, 2021, 08:44:06 PM
Been having a blast watching the Euros, outside of that. Getting all my World Cup feels up. Today was near perfect weather wise, we got the pool finally filled, and the kids had fun while I had the games on. I wish pro sports would take the hint that it's ok to have games at times other than 9 pm.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 15, 2021, 09:03:26 PM
Been having a blast watching the Euros, outside of that. Getting all my World Cup feels up. Today was near perfect weather wise, we got the pool finally filled, and the kids had fun while I had the games on. I wish pro sports would take the hint that it's ok to have games at times other than 9 pm.
The Euros are great.

I wish they could incorporate the continental tournaments into the WC qualifying.  Aside from hating the expansion of the World Cup for formatting purposes, I also hate diminishing the qualifying process, which IMO is underrated.

I wish there was a way to make the entire qualifying process a bigger deal, and selling the World Cup as truly just the finals.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 15, 2021, 09:25:43 PM
Columbus Crew final Game at Historic Crew Stadium is this Saturday. I'll be there. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 15, 2021, 10:59:17 PM

What are they doing with the old one? 

First soccer specific stadium in the US. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 16, 2021, 12:22:25 PM
Watching this Wales vs. Turkey match...this might be how a foreigner would describe Thanksgiving
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 16, 2021, 02:24:04 PM
bale had one of the best games of the tournament so far and simultaneously one of the worst penalties i've ever seen.

de bruyne will be playing tomorrow, belgium just getting stronger.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 17, 2021, 11:44:33 PM
What are they doing with the old one?

First soccer specific stadium in the US.

It will be the new training grounds for the Crew and a community sports park.


https://www.dispatch.com/news/20181205/plan-calls-for-new-crew-stadium-with-mapfre-repurposed-as-sports-park

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 18, 2021, 12:34:26 PM
Nice. I remember when the Columbus Clippers moved into a new ballpark, they said that they were going to put a dirt track in the old one. But instead of doing that, they allowed it to fall into a tremendous state of disrepair. 

(https://static-32.sinclairstoryline.com/resources/media/e1f59342-30a5-4baa-8a76-a0a1967238e4-large16x9_Bryantcooperstadiumplans2.jpg?1566443589468)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 18, 2021, 12:50:56 PM
I enjoy the fact that the ref let the Czech guy take a penalty shot while he was bleeding and tears were coming out of his eyes
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 18, 2021, 12:58:52 PM
Nice. I remember when the Columbus Clippers moved into a new ballpark, they said that they were going to put a dirt track in the old one. But instead of doing that, they allowed it to fall into a tremendous state of disrepair.

(https://static-32.sinclairstoryline.com/resources/media/e1f59342-30a5-4baa-8a76-a0a1967238e4-large16x9_Bryantcooperstadiumplans2.jpg?1566443589468)
There's a giant hole in Ann Arbor that has been needed to get filled in for nearly a century
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2021, 04:49:53 PM
Some bangers today
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 28, 2021, 05:00:38 PM
Yup, crazy.  That Spanish own-goal in the first game was pretty shocking.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on June 28, 2021, 07:50:07 PM
Man, Frenchies go down. I was rooting for Switzerland, but dag it is fun watching Pogba and Mbappe
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 28, 2021, 10:37:37 PM
I do like the continental championships, but I wish the WC qualifying was more of a global event.  Then you wouldn't need this dipshit finals format now, and the entire qualifying process would allow for meaningful international competition during the entire cycle.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 28, 2021, 11:12:27 PM
I do like the continental championships, but I wish the WC qualifying was more of a global event.  Then you wouldn't need this dipshit finals format now, and the entire qualifying process would allow for meaningful international competition during the entire cycle.
So you keep the World Cup every 4 years, and lets call that Year 0.  In Year 2 you have the continental championships.

Year 1 and Year 3 are World Cup qualifying tournaments.

Spring of Year 1, you do as many 2 leg home and homes (using FIFA rankings) as you need to get down to 150 teams.  So #150 vs. #151, #149 vs. #152, and so on up to however many FIFA members as you have.

Once that gets you down to 150, you get 30 groups of 5, determined by FIFA rankings, the highest ranked team hosts each group in Summer of Year 1, with a full round robin.  All 60 1st and 2nd place teams advance.

Then in Summer of Year 3, those 60 teams are divided into 12 groups of 5, for another full round robin.  Top 2 in each group qualify.  The 12 3rd place finishers are entered into home and homes, which take place in the Spring of Year 0, for the final 8 spots.

You make the qualifying tournaments an event, I think that trumps adding teams to a dumb format to get to 48 in the "final"
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 29, 2021, 12:41:00 AM
Man, Frenchies go down. I was rooting for Switzerland, but dag it is fun watching Pogba and Mbappe
They seemed fairly listless this entire tournament.  The US earning a draw with the Swiss prior to this tournament, is certainly playing a lot better right now
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on June 29, 2021, 06:43:55 AM
Nice. I remember when the Columbus Clippers moved into a new ballpark, they said that they were going to put a dirt track in the old one. But instead of doing that, they allowed it to fall into a tremendous state of disrepair.

(https://static-32.sinclairstoryline.com/resources/media/e1f59342-30a5-4baa-8a76-a0a1967238e4-large16x9_Bryantcooperstadiumplans2.jpg?1566443589468)

That was a half baked plan from a guy who didn't have enough capitol to pull it off. He begged the city to bail him out and they opted not too. Residual angst from the Nationwide Arena fiasco. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 02, 2021, 12:10:17 PM
A rough own goal there for the Swiss. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 02, 2021, 01:26:19 PM
Not an own goal for Spain, but might as well have been. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 02, 2021, 01:34:55 PM
Man a red card for that?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on July 05, 2021, 12:58:59 PM
Columbus Crew had a Massive party downtown for the new stadium. Entertaining game to boot. 

Having 20.5k Fans chant "F U Precourt!" reminded me I'm not the only one still hung up on that A-hole millionaire who sabotaged the team and try to swindle his way down to Austin.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 05, 2021, 01:32:34 PM


Up next? Cincy...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EByg8GKW4AA7b79?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on July 05, 2021, 03:11:51 PM

Up next? Cincy...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EByg8GKW4AA7b79?format=jpg&name=small)
H3LL yah it is!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 06, 2021, 05:31:14 PM
Penalties for Italy-Spain
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 06, 2021, 05:53:14 PM
Those slow-rolling PKs freak me out a little.

Anyway, Viva Italia!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 07, 2021, 05:18:37 PM
England 15 minutes away
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 07, 2021, 05:26:16 PM
England 15 minutes away
The Euros are just the appetizer for the Gold Cup starting this weekend
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on July 07, 2021, 08:32:20 PM
The Euros are just the appetizer for the Gold Cup starting this weekend
Heh... I guess that's one way of putting it. :)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on July 10, 2021, 09:50:36 AM
Wow! Hell was Real last night.

Cincinnati scored the fastest goal in MLS this year with a 33 second WTF moment. Cincinnati got their 2nd goal, Columbus had one of their defenders sent off, and 6 yellow cards were issued in the 1st half. All look hopeless for our Black and Gold champions ... 

until the 45+ minute where Zelarayan (Columbus's all star midfielder) blasted a rocket from 30 yards out that the goalie could only drop his jaw and watch zoom past for a goal. Invigorated our heroes came out second half (still a man down) but made TTBU (That Team Below Us, I'm telling you TTUN should borrow this acronym) seem like they were missing the player, and in the 77th minute Zelarayan drew numerous defenders and made a beautiful assist to a rookie sub to score the equalizer. Fans were literally quoting Gorden Gee's famous "Our Greatest Win Ever." for the amazing comeback TIE Columbus just had with Cincinnati.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 11, 2021, 03:05:09 PM
England with the early goal
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MaximumSam on July 11, 2021, 05:41:39 PM
Welp, like every other game, heading to PKs
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on August 04, 2021, 09:55:54 AM
well i guess i'm late but it's been a great summer for soccer.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on August 04, 2021, 10:23:58 AM
well i guess i'm late but it's been a great summer for soccer.
USMNT seems to finally have direction.

USWNT looks old
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on August 04, 2021, 11:25:26 AM
USMNT seems to finally have direction.

USWNT looks old
Gagreed.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on September 02, 2021, 03:20:34 PM
finally starting next cycle. hopefully we can exercise some demons tonight.

great sports weekend, btw.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 02, 2021, 07:10:36 PM
The second leg of the Concacaf Champions League Final will be Sept 15. 

Philadelphia is in a 2-0 hole vs America. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 02, 2021, 07:20:12 PM
finally starting next cycle. hopefully we can exercise some demons tonight.

great sports weekend, btw.
Yep! Loving the condensed format. Opening tonight against El Salvador, with a game on Sunday against Canada, and I think our third game is next week? No pulisic is a bit of a bummer
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 02, 2021, 11:34:24 PM
Ah, being protected by riot police so you can execute a corner kick. World Cup qualifying is back!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ncbuck71 on September 05, 2021, 09:30:04 PM
Nice work from Aaronson from the steal to the goal to open the scoring for the US. Definitely a game where 3 points are needed. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on September 05, 2021, 09:33:46 PM
Nice work from Aaronson from the steal to the goal to open the scoring for the US. Definitely a game where 3 points are needed.
Yup gotta get three right now.  Hope to see Puly score here soon, as well.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on September 05, 2021, 09:35:50 PM
Well, crap.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ncbuck71 on September 05, 2021, 09:36:42 PM
Well that was short lived... 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 05, 2021, 10:04:47 PM
Not that Canada deserves it, but whenever we play the Central American countries, I wish we'd let our supporters force us to use armed guards.

Or dissolve the continental confederations?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ncbuck71 on September 05, 2021, 10:10:48 PM
Not good for the US.  Plenty of matches to go, but 2 points in two games with another away match in a couple days doesn't bode well.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on September 05, 2021, 10:14:49 PM
Not that Canada deserves it, but whenever we play the Central American countries, I wish we'd let our supporters force us to use armed guards.

Or dissolve the continental confederations?
I'd like to see us abandon CONCACAF and join UEFA.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 06, 2021, 05:02:17 PM
The 2021 US Open Cup has been cancelled. The winner gets a Champion's League bid, which will have to be awarded another way, tbd.

2021 Concacaf League is just underway, where the four semifinalists get a Champions League bid. It is mostly for the Central American and Caribbean teams, although the Canadian Premier League champion also gets a bid. This year it was Forge FC out of Hamilton Ontario, and they actually won a game in the opening round, knocking off El Salvador's Clausura champion, who is called FAS. They'd have to win two more games in order to get a champion's league bid. Up next is Independiente, which is the top team out of Panama. Both legs in late September (21-23, 28-30).

The Canadian Championship is another way that they can nab a Champion's League bid. The Vancouver Whitecaps of the MLS were defeated in the opening round by nearby Pacific (CPL) out of Victoria, BC. So now Montreal and Toronto are the only remaining obstacles between the CPL and a Champion's League bid. Quarterfinals on Sept 15. Toronto will play York, which is Toronto's CPL team. Montreal Impact will play the Halifax Wanderers. Forge FC gets Valour out of Winnipeg. Pacific gets the Calgary Cavalry.

Mexico's 2022 Champion's League quartet has already been determined. Champions: Leon, Cruz Azul. Runners up: UNAM, Santos Laguna.

The only other spot that has already been decided is Calvary out of Haiti, who won the Caribbean Tournament. The only other "Caribbean" team that can still get in is actually in Suriname, which is technically in South America, but competes as a member of North America's Caribbean zone, for whatever reason. They have a similar Concacaf League situation as Forge FC, in that they'd have to win the next two rounds in order to nab a Champion's League bid. They had an opening round bye, and get Olimpia, which is the top team out of Honduras, right out of the gate. :o

And of course on Sept 15th is the second leg of the 2021 Champion's Legue semifinals, at which point the final USA team Philadelphia will likely bow out, already in a 2-0. Pretty high probability of an all Mexican final, which would suck.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 06, 2021, 06:16:32 PM
I'd like to see us abandon CONCACAF and join UEFA.
On one hand yes, but on the other hand, travel disadvantage.  I put forth my plan for a World Cup qualifier that is a 3 year process, and dissolves the confederations.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on September 06, 2021, 06:19:08 PM
On one hand yes, but on the other hand, travel disadvantage.  I put forth my plan for a World Cup qualifier that is a 3 year process, and dissolves the confederations.

We're the USA, we can manage the travel.

Not that abandoning CONCACAF is likely, but I'd say it's more likely than dissolving the confederations.  Those organizations exist on graft and corruption and I don't see them ever changing or relinquishing power.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 06, 2021, 07:04:54 PM
We're the USA, we can manage the travel.

Not that abandoning CONCACAF is likely, but I'd say it's more likely than dissolving the confederations.  Those organizations exist on graft and corruption and I don't see them ever changing or relinquishing power.

Oh agreed, that will never happen
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 08, 2021, 11:02:17 PM
Big yikes.

I figured the summer momentum might at least make it past Labor Day week.

Way to not even qualify for the final two 32 team fields.  They'll likely never miss again considering they are hosting 2026, and it's 48 teams going forward, but Christ this is awful.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on September 09, 2021, 07:07:35 AM
Damn, glad I DVRd the second half
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on September 09, 2021, 08:43:48 AM
Well, yeah!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 07, 2021, 10:10:48 AM
wcq window 2. need minimum 6 points here. sucks pulisic and reyna are both out. good to see mckinnie back, hopefully he can stay focused this time. and maybe pepi and antonee robinson can solidify the 2 weakest spots on our roster.

jamaica tonight. predictions? i'll go 2-nil usa.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 07, 2021, 01:44:03 PM
wcq window 2. need minimum 6 points here. sucks pulisic and reyna are both out. good to see mckinnie back, hopefully he can stay focused this time. and maybe pepi and antonee robinson can solidify the 2 weakest spots on our roster.

jamaica tonight. predictions? i'll go 2-nil usa.
This Jamaican group hasn't looked as good as the last two cycles.  Need the home W today.  Agreed on the 6 points.  We open window 2 at Jamaica and then vs. Mexico, so don't want to enter November in must win situations.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 08, 2021, 12:40:19 PM
Nice start considering the ref was in way over his head, and it should have been 11 on 10 the whole game; and 11 on 9 for over half of it.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 08, 2021, 01:16:47 PM
agreed. that's probably the most complete game we've played in 3 years. just looked pretty solid to really good from start to finish.

those missed calls were bad. real bad.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 08, 2021, 01:44:25 PM
agreed. that's probably the most complete game we've played in 3 years. just looked pretty solid to really good from start to finish.

those missed calls were bad. real bad.
The second one was at least close.  The first one wasn't
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 10, 2021, 10:18:02 PM
Apparently Greg Berhalter thinks a team that didn't qualify for the WC last cycle, can qualify with a B squad this time?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 11, 2021, 04:34:48 PM
Tanzania, which has only qualified for 2 African Nations Cups, is now one win (probably) away from getting to the final round of World Cup qualifications.  Another reason I hate the expanded World Cups, the qualifying rounds are fun, if you pay attention.  And streaming, most of these games are now accessible.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 11, 2021, 05:50:54 PM
2021 Concacaf Champions League Final is Oct 28

2021 Canadian Championship Semifinals are around the same time, with Montreal-Forge on Oct 27, and Toronto-Pacific on Nov 3

New England clinched the East, and nab the first of four USA 2022 Champions League bid. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 12, 2021, 10:15:24 AM
Tanzania, which has only qualified for 2 African Nations Cups, is now one win (probably) away from getting to the final round of World Cup qualifications.  Another reason I hate the expanded World Cups, the qualifying rounds are fun, if you pay attention.  And streaming, most of these games are now accessible.
where and when do you stream the african games? i watch a few euro and sa matches from time to time, but that's all i can find usually.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 12, 2021, 10:55:58 AM
where and when do you stream the african games? i watch a few euro and sa matches from time to time, but that's all i can find usually.
ESPN+

To add, ESPN+ has Europe and Africa.  Paramount+ (which I don't have) has Asia.

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL are all over the place, seems like nobody has the entire federation rights here.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on October 13, 2021, 11:34:54 AM
Apparently Greg Berhalter thinks a team that didn't qualify for the WC last cycle, can qualify with a B squad this time?
Probably, because CONCACAF is just really really bad these days. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on October 13, 2021, 11:49:09 AM
Tanzania, which has only qualified for 2 African Nations Cups, is now one win (probably) away from getting to the final round of World Cup qualifications.  Another reason I hate the expanded World Cups, the qualifying rounds are fun, if you pay attention.  And streaming, most of these games are now accessible.
ANC is arguably the hardest confed to qualify. 1 bad day and you are really screwed. Even in this new format its rough where the 3rd round is easier for the best clubs, you are shuttled into a playoff against what's probably a good team. 

Only prob w/ ANC is that its so defensive because you can't afford 1 slip up.    
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 13, 2021, 01:45:23 PM
Probably, because CONCACAF is just really really bad these days.


It's worse than the number of bids it gets, but that has always been the case.  On the whole, I actually think it is stronger than it has ever been in that #3-#8 range
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 13, 2021, 06:58:45 PM
ESPN+

To add, ESPN+ has Europe and Africa.  Paramount+ (which I don't have) has Asia.

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL are all over the place, seems like nobody has the entire federation rights here.
i have both of those. guess i'm not looking at right times.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 13, 2021, 07:04:37 PM
lol what a start.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ncbuck71 on October 13, 2021, 07:28:52 PM
Absolutely sick equalizer by Dest!! 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 14, 2021, 06:21:13 PM
got the 6 points. unfortunately gave a competitor for our spot 3 too. our core/best players are all so young, probably going to be like this rest of way. inconsistent. next window will be a big one.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on October 14, 2021, 09:27:10 PM
got the 6 points. unfortunately gave a competitor for our spot 3 too. our core/best players are all so young, probably going to be like this rest of way. inconsistent. next window will be a big one.
Just 2 games.  Home against Mexico, road at Jamaica.  Big yikes.

Id feel a lot better of we could have earned a draw at Panama.  1 additional point, subtract 3 from them, and we'd be 6 points clear of the cut line
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 21, 2021, 02:13:05 AM
updated

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCM28mvX0AQRMoF?format=jpg&name=900x900)


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCM2PzvWQAMq438?format=jpg&name=900x900)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 25, 2021, 02:44:05 AM
New England clinched the Supporters Shield. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCaiEYXXoAEz8bW?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 29, 2021, 12:47:54 AM
2021 Concacaf Champions League Final

Monterrey beats America 1-0

Fwiw, they advance to the Fifa Club World Cup with the Champions League winners from the other Continents, which begins in December.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_FIFA_Club_World_Cup
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on November 02, 2021, 09:06:03 AM
As a Crew fan it's frustrating to see how slim their hopes are of defending the Cup.
I'm rooting for a Crew win this Sunday to get the club to .500 (A win gets them to 13-13-8)

If Crew can win and can get DC, and Montreal and Atlanta, (or New York) all to stumble the good guys can sneak into the playoffs. Let's Go Crew!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 02, 2021, 11:06:40 PM

2022 Concacaf Champions League 

Canada will have two teams for probably the first time ever, as Forge FC has officially gotten far enough in the 2021 Concacaf League Tournament to qualify for Champions League. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDO-fLJXEAYB8SF?format=jpg&name=large)

Kind of amazing that in their third year as a team/league, that they can hang with the best of the best that Central America has to offer. But they did. 

Canada's Primary Champions League spot hasn't been decided yet, but will most likely come down to Toronto vs Montreal once again. Forge can't win the Voyageurs Cup because they were eliminated by Montreal on Penalty Kicks on Oct 27 in the Semifinals. The other Canadian Championship semifinal is tomorrow (Nov 3) between Toronto and Pacific. So the Final will be Montreal vs the Toronto-Pacific winner on a date yet to be determined.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 03, 2021, 09:39:43 PM
2022 Concacaf Champions League

The entire field has been finalized, other than the MLS

Caribbean



Central America



North America
Mexico



Canada



USA



Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 04, 2021, 01:22:02 AM

MLS 

Every team has one match to go, and they will all be on Sunday

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDUraK8WEAIqMqe?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDUsgSPWYAIr_l5?format=jpg&name=small)

Unfortunately for myself and @TyphonInc (https://www.cfb51.com/index.php?action=profile;u=8) the Columbus Crew are all but eliminated at this point. Just for fun I looked up what they need to have happen, and it is quite a bit. 


If the Red Bulls — who currently hold the final playoff spot — lose Sunday at Nashville and the Crew beat Chicago, both teams are tied at 47 points. The first tiebreaker is total wins, which both teams would be tied at 13. The next tiebreaker is goal differential, where the Red Bulls currently have a seven-goal advantage.
The Crew have already scored more goals that the Red Bulls this season — which is the third tiebreaker. So, the Crew need to beat Chicago, and the Red Bulls must lose to Nashville, by a combined seven goals or more in order for the Crew to surpass Red Bulls.
If that somehow happens, the Crew needs Montreal to lose or draw against sixth-place Orlando, as well as a draw or a loss from D.C. United (44 points) at 13th-place Toronto FC.


So on the bright side the final game of the season is a home game against their oldest rival the Chicago Fire. 

Savor it. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 04, 2021, 01:27:42 AM
MLS West 

As far as who can win the west, Seattle has Vancouver, a win and they get the #1 seed. If they lose or draw then that potentially opens the door for either Colorado, who plays LAFC, or Kansas City, who plays Salt Lake. 

Of course there could be a tie between any of the two or all three, in which case... wait and see. O0
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 05, 2021, 03:20:42 PM
Concacaf Champions League

while I was poking around for the 2022 qualifiers, I stumbled across some interesting news. In 2024 the field will expand from 16 clubs to 27.

5 clubs will get an opening round bye



The 22 teams that play in the opening round will be selected as follows



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_CONCACAF_Champions_League

Noteworthy


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 05, 2021, 04:34:34 PM
Looks like USMNT is going to be at full health for this next cycle, which is going to go a long way towards whether they qualify.  Home match vs. Mexico, then playing a down Jamaica squad, which has been solid for the past 8 or so years, in Kingston.  Need to get 4 points here.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 05, 2021, 05:45:37 PM
Looks like USMNT is going to be at full health for this next cycle, which is going to go a long way towards whether they qualify.  Home match vs. Mexico, then playing a down Jamaica squad, which has been solid for the past 8 or so years, in Kingston.  Need to get 4 points here.
still missing reyna to injury and pulisic is just back from injury with very little game action prior to the break. he could be rusty still. also, dest was a late scrap with minor back issues. and brooks not called in but for form not injury.

having said that, we need to get used to 1-2 players missing cause that's be the norm for virtually everyone. almost noone has everyone available all the time.

still a good roster that should get 3-6 points this window. hope pepi doesn't get hurt cause he's all we got up front and center.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 07, 2021, 05:42:09 PM
The Crew extinguish the Fire with their fire hose. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDn9X9wWYAU2zxA?format=jpg&name=medium)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 07, 2021, 08:42:11 PM
2022 Concacaf Champions League

The entire field has been finalized, other than the MLS

Caribbean

  • Cavalry (Haiti)


Central America

  • Saprissa (Costa Rica)
  • Santos De Guapiles (Costa Rica)
  • Guastatoya (Guatemala)
  • Comunicaciones (Guatemala)
  • Motagua (Honduras)


North America
Mexico

  • Leon
  • Cruz Azul
  • UNAM
  • Santos Laguna


Canada

  • Forge FC (CPL)
  • Voyageurs Cup: Toronto-Montreal winner


USA

  • Supporters Shield: New England Revolution
  • MLS Cup:
  • West Champion: Colorado Rapids
  • US Open Cup Highest Remaining: Seattle Sounders



Two more MLS spots were settled today, in red; Colorado and Seattle.

Kansas City is in the cat bird seat as the highest remaining club, so they nab USA spot 4 if the MLS Cup is won by them, New England, Colorado, Seattle or Vancouver. 

MLS Cup Bracket

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDooP47WUAkBVS7?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 12, 2021, 11:05:35 AM
so... mexico... without reyna, pulisic not 100% and not starting, no brooks, no dest... i feel like i *should* feel defeated already, but i'm content. i'm not confident, but i'm not stressing over it either.

aaronson, weah, mckinnie, adams, musah, arob, mrob, pepi, scally... feel like we still have enough quality to pull it out.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 12, 2021, 11:18:34 AM
So maybe get 2 points out of this window?  Home Mexico, at Jamaica?

Either gut out a pair of draws, or find a way to win one and get 3?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 12, 2021, 12:48:29 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FD7m4EfXMAITBps?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 13, 2021, 09:58:33 AM
The response to the CONCACAF refs (again) overlooking an obvious red card, to bring in Pulisic, and then have him score, is a top 3 USMNT moment for me
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MrNubbz on November 13, 2021, 10:04:09 AM
Soccer,SOCCER,what the hell it's CFB Saturday,there'll be no more of this crazy talk TODAY!!!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 13, 2021, 12:08:05 PM
https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1459375034934431751?t=s7ib_EueDw13RghpWzo1Hw&s=19
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on November 13, 2021, 12:20:30 PM
DOS



CERO

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 15, 2021, 04:43:08 PM
There are going to be some damn good squads in the UEFA playoff.  Italy does not get the necessary result
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 16, 2021, 05:01:41 PM
There are going to be some damn good squads in the UEFA playoff.  Italy does not get the necessary result
italy, portugal, sweden, wales, poland, ukraine, czeck, austria, russia all top 35 fifa rankings.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 16, 2021, 06:56:56 PM
After getting the home win Friday, I was fine with a road draw tonight, but it seems that is not the consensus.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 17, 2021, 12:06:37 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEZ5x3sXwAEJD5n?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 19, 2021, 11:01:27 AM
MLS 

Round 1 of the playoffs runs from Saturday to Tuesday.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEj8tJZXMAU1l2a?format=jpg&name=small)



...and in the middle of it all you have the Canadian Championship with Toronto @ Montreal for a 2022 Champions League bid. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FDyfFCDX0Acb5KT?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 19, 2021, 02:06:12 PM
Is it arbitrary who winds up playing for the Canadian clubs, considering it's all the same league?  Do they have first shot at eligible Canadians?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 19, 2021, 02:16:55 PM
Champions League is only concerned with what country the clubs are in, not the Nationality of the players. 

MLS players come from all over the place. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 19, 2021, 02:19:37 PM
Champions League is only concerned with what country the clubs are in, not the Nationality of the players.

MLS players come from all over the place.
Right, but most leagues have all of their teams in their county.  It's kind of weird to have MLS teams in Canada.  Like if the EPL had one Scottish team, I imagine that club would always qualify for UEFA Champions League as the Scottish rep.  I would assume it would be league based, not country the team happens to be located in based.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 19, 2021, 02:27:12 PM
MLS is uniquely situated in that it spans two countries.

My theory is that the MLS will continue to quietly expand until they have 33 clubs, at which point the Canadian teams will split off and the USA teams will be divided up into two 15-club divisions that practice promotion and relegation. I suspect that the CPL was created to be the eventual landing spot for the Canadian MLS clubs, which would explain why they get such favorable Champions League qualification opportunities not enjoyed by the USL.

I don't have any evidence of this wild conspiracy theory that I've concocted, but the shoe certainly fits.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 19, 2021, 02:43:27 PM
I know Pittsburgh built its stadium in a manner that it can be easily expanded to meet MLS standards.  I larger promotion/relegation league would help with that
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 19, 2021, 02:46:46 PM
Right, but most leagues have all of their teams in their county.  It's kind of weird to have MLS teams in Canada.  Like if the EPL had one Scottish team, I imagine that club would always qualify for UEFA Champions League as the Scottish rep.  I would assume it would be league based, not country the team happens to be located in based.
epl has had a few welsh clubs before. in fact the efl has several welsh and scottish teams currently, though all below epl level. and some in reverse for those countries too. and in 08, cardiff city played in the fa cup final which comes with uefa qualification. they changed the rules to allow for welsh teams to qualify through the efl. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/cardiff_city/7350681.stm
and if i'm reading that correctly, cardiff could also have qualified for uefa through welsh competitions as well.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 19, 2021, 02:50:18 PM
what would have been interesting to see is if this team had managed to win the french cup, and thus qualify for europa cup. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59277738 (https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59277738)

quick synopsis: all french teams are eligible for french cup, including territories overseas. this team from tahiti made it to a round that saw them play a team located in france. 20000 mile round trip. they lost 2-0.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 21, 2021, 01:43:11 AM


On Saturday the Vancouver Whitecaps and Red Bull NY were eliminated.

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 21, 2021, 11:49:50 PM
Atlanta and Minnesota have been eliminated. 

Montreal won the Voyageur's Cup. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEvhR8ZVQAQoiuZ?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 24, 2021, 12:44:13 PM
The Conference semifinals are set, one of which will be competing against Thanksgiving Dinner in the worst time slot imaginable. Orlando and Seattle were eliminated on Tue. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FE8QJ6pWQAs_sVn?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 01, 2021, 12:37:26 AM
Both Conference Champions lose right out of the gate, setting up an unlikely pair of Conference Finals.

Seeds 2 and 4 in the East, 4 and 7 in the West. 


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFfh3HoXEAcy5fU?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 01, 2021, 01:06:32 AM
Is it arbitrary who winds up playing for the Canadian clubs, considering it's all the same league?  Do they have first shot at eligible Canadians?
BTW, FWIW, I did read that the Canadian MLS teams are each required to start three Canadian players throughout the Canadian Tournament. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 05, 2021, 05:23:01 PM
MLS Cup

Portland-NYC FC

Dec 11
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 05, 2021, 05:30:45 PM
The Fifa Club World Cup is set for Feb 3-12, between the 2021 Champions League winners.

Chelsea is the lone team from the Anglosphere.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_FIFA_Club_World_Cup
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 11, 2021, 11:48:44 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FGYHTWzXoAYANVV?format=png&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 23, 2022, 01:03:26 PM



2022 Concacaf Champions League 

Gets underway on Feb 15, and we have a bracket. A bracket that you'll have to open in a new tab so that you can zoom in and read it, but a bracket nonetheless. 



(https://stconcacafwp001.blob.core.windows.net/media/5zscubpk/sccl-2022-bracket.jpg?width=500&height=281.25)


But before that is the 2021 Fifa Club World Cup with the 2021 Champions League winners from each continent Feb 3-12. 

Bracket: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_FIFA_Club_World_Cup


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 24, 2022, 01:31:16 PM
concacaf wcq kicks back up this week. usmnt has 3 games, must have at least 6 points from this round. 7+ preferred, but canada playing really well so far this cycle could be hard to get result there.

6 points leaves us with needing only 3 from final round to have a 90%+ chance of auto qualifying and a 100% chance to at least be in the playoff.

7 points leaves us needing only 4 points from final round to have a 99%+ chance to auto qualify.

9 points puts us at the 90/100% chance mentioned above before final round, and leaves us needing only 4 points to 100% auto qualify.

1-4 points and we'll need at least 6 points in final round.

0 points and we'll need all 9 from final round to have hope.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 27, 2022, 04:51:40 PM
el salvado tonight. 7/6ct on espn2. need 3 points and it'd be nice not to struggle for it. gonna be cold, maybe a good warm up for the frigid temps expected sunday @ canada.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 27, 2022, 11:11:12 PM
el salvado tonight. 7/6ct on espn2. need 3 points and it'd be nice not to struggle for it. gonna be cold, maybe a good warm up for the frigid temps expected sunday @ canada.
Well, it was frustrating, but mainly because El Salvador did not play like a team that needed 3 to keep any slight hopes alive.  Couple of late injuries are of concern, and now we have to go play on artificial turf in freezing conditions.

Costa Rica beating Panama did put a bit of a gap between the top 3 and #4.  Flipped result would have kept the top 4 teams within a 2 point window, but an 8 point gap from #4 to #5.  Would put the USA is a great spot to at least make the playoff, but not an ideal spot to get one of the three automatic spots.

Big game Sunday.  Find a way to get 3 points there, with the last game of this window at home against last place Honduras, and you should be in great shape.

That last window is not where you want to NEED points for sure.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on January 28, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
got to find someone who can put balls in nets.

otherwise, for the most part a very solid game. pulisic was off, but weah was great. robinson was very dangerous all night. mckinnie also was great. backline didn't have much to do, but when it was on them they were fine.

really starting to think we should just go with turner full time starter. i know steffen is good too, but turner really seems to have the best shot stopping ability of the group, and to me that's priority number 1, 2 and 3 for keepers. he's not the best with the ball at his feet, but he doesn't seem to be deficient either.

really need to find a striker, or 2/3 preferably. and 1 more reliable lb. we seem to have good/decent depth everywhere else to cover for guys out of form or injured.

canada is going to be tough, but they didn't look great yesterday either. still, tough ask to win in those conditions on sunday. draw would be acceptable, win fantastic, but a loss wouldn't be unbearable. win vs honduras next week and the canada game doesn't matter too much.

with the cr win over panama, we're looking fairly safe to auto-qualify. just don't collapse.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 30, 2022, 05:06:53 PM
That was an absolutely pathetic effort
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on January 30, 2022, 05:18:51 PM
I watched it en espanol on Telemundo so at least it sounded exciting.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on January 30, 2022, 05:33:21 PM
:o

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FKYeGaGWUAQPKwY?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on January 30, 2022, 09:36:21 PM
I watched it en espanol on Telemundo so at least it sounded exciting.
Same.  Not sure the Paramount+ move is working to sell American soccer
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: betarhoalphadelta on January 31, 2022, 12:18:46 AM
Same.  Not sure the Paramount+ move is working to sell American soccer
I feel like "selling American soccer" is similar to "selling Beyond Meat". There's a certain market that's receptive and will seek it out. The rest DGAF and won't.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on January 31, 2022, 09:09:44 AM
People get behind the national teams when they do well in international events.  For example, support for the USWNT is quite strong, within the context of women's sports in general.

A deep run into the World Cup would do wonders for support here in the US, for the USMNT.  Americans love a winner.

As far as professional soccer, though, I just think the competition with the well established American leagues of the NFL, NBA, and MLB, are always going to overshadow soccer.  Just as soccer dominates in many other countries and doesn't leave much room for other sports.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 02, 2022, 02:22:05 PM
well, tonight is a big one. and for some dumbass reason we decided to play on literally the coldest night of any wcq anywhere this cycle, not just concacaf either.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 02, 2022, 02:50:14 PM
well, tonight is a big one. and for some dumbass reason we decided to play on literally the coldest night of any wcq anywhere this cycle, not just concacaf either.
Can't think of a better way to make the Honduran players uncomfortable to be honest.  Granted if we need gamesmanship tonight, we have bigger problems
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 02, 2022, 03:31:11 PM
Can't think of a better way to make the Honduran players uncomfortable to be honest.  Granted if we need gamesmanship tonight, we have bigger problems
cold and windy? sure. near zero temps with -25-30 wind chills? that's a little absurd.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 03, 2022, 10:37:17 AM
welp, good game. cold didn't seem to be much issue, though the opponent was less than stellar.

basically just need to beat panama at home next window and have cr not win out.

think we have a decent chance at getting at least a point in mexico. they aren't playing well at all right now. i guess something similar could be said about us though.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 12, 2022, 09:07:23 AM
Chelsea plays Palmeiras out of Brazil in the FIFA Club World Cup Final. 

The winner moves on to the Fifa Club Solar System Cup, where they take on the Club WC champions from the other planets, moons and dwarf planets. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on February 12, 2022, 10:11:40 AM
I hear Pluto United has a pretty good side this year. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 12, 2022, 11:19:58 AM
I hear Pluto United has a pretty good side this year.
psh, they're not even a major planetary league anymore.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 12, 2022, 08:08:36 PM
It was Chelsea

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FLazBD_aMAAfbcL?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)


2022 Concacaf Champions League gets underway Tue Feb 15.
Bracket:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Bracket

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 13, 2022, 08:48:43 AM
Concacaf set up the bracket a little differently this year. In the past they would seed it so that round two would be all Liga MX vs MLS, which would typically result in three of the four semifinalists being Mexican as well as both finalists. 

Now they have three of the four Mexican teams on one side of the bracket, and three of the four American teams on the other, paving the way for a Mexico-USA Final. They stuck the Canadian teams on Mexico's side as well, so there is one Mexican team that could still win the USA side, and there are two MLS teams that could still win the Mexican side. 


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FGsCGLLXEAwm9EQ?format=jpg&name=large)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FGsCGB1XIAELEz8?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 19, 2022, 11:08:10 AM
The first leg is in the books. 

Technically New England fared the best of the USA teams, since they advance to the quarterfinals due to a forfeiture by the Haitian team. 

NYC was next, with a 2-0 win. 

Seattle played the Honduran team to a 0-0 tie, while Colorado heads into the second leg with a 1-0 loss. 

The two Canadian clubs both suffered a 1-0 first leg loss to a pair of Mexican teams. 

Not the greatest showing for the MLS, but not exactly catastrophic either. 

Second leg this week. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 19, 2022, 12:02:01 PM
motreal and rapids were both 1-0 away losses, so if they can show up at home they have a decent chance.

do away goals count as tiebreaker in ccl?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 19, 2022, 12:31:37 PM




Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 22, 2022, 12:57:19 AM
How does one player tally three own goals in a half?

https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usaw/story/4598762/what-the-uswnt-learned-from-new-zealand-win-despite-meikayla-moores-3-own-goals?platform=amp
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 23, 2022, 09:45:23 AM
How does one player tally three own goals in a half?

https://www.espn.com/soccer/united-states-usaw/story/4598762/what-the-uswnt-learned-from-new-zealand-win-despite-meikayla-moores-3-own-goals?platform=amp

i usually don't feel to bad for players and teams having bad games. it happens to everyone and it's something to learn from.

but this just made me feel really sad for her. especially the taking off at 40 min mark. why not just sub at half and save her the walk of shame?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 23, 2022, 10:01:33 AM
mls starts saturday. i've tried a couple times before to get into mls. first was with ne revolution, but something just didn't click. second was with atl united, which was fun but i picked up right after the 18 cup win and it just felt like bandwagoning and i didn't stick with it.

gonna give one more try and with another new team. nashville fc. i have family from nashville, so there is at least some connection. they're competitive, but i don't feel like i'm jumping on after they've been a major success. and it's close enough for me to maybe go to a match or 2 if i want. we'll see if i can keep with this one. 

i also follow bham legion in usl, and have from the start. it's been really fun and last season was a blast.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 25, 2022, 01:05:32 AM
Concacaf Champions League 

MLS and Liga MX each lost one team in the opening round. The MLS took the lone head to head match up between the two leagues, but it was Montreal so that really doesn't help the US. NYC and Seattle obliterated their opponents, and New England got a free pass to the next round. Colorado was the lone blemish for the MLS, losing on penalty kicks to a Guatemalan team; Comunicaciones. Comunicaciones is thus the Cinderella as the lone team outside of MLS and Liga MX to make it out of the first round alive. Next they get MLS Cup Champion NYC. The other three quarterfinal matches are MLS vs Liga MX. 

The Quarterfinals will be March 8-17. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on February 25, 2022, 03:01:53 PM
Concacaf Champions League

MLS and Liga MX each lost one team in the opening round. The MLS took the lone head to head match up between the two leagues, but it was Montreal so that really doesn't help the US. NYC and Seattle obliterated their opponents, and New England got a free pass to the next round. Colorado was the lone blemish for the MLS, losing on penalty kicks to a Guatemalan team; Comunicaciones. Comunicaciones is thus the Cinderella as the lone team outside of MLS and Liga MX to make it out of the first round alive. Next they get MLS Cup Champion NYC. The other three quarterfinal matches are MLS vs Liga MX.

The Quarterfinals will be March 8-17.
qtr finals leg 1 (home vs away)

nyc vs comunicaciones
seattle vs leon
new england vs pumas unam
cruz azul vs montreal
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on February 25, 2022, 09:45:05 PM
Merry Crewsmas Eve everyone!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on February 25, 2022, 09:57:13 PM
mls starts saturday. i've tried a couple times before to get into mls. first was with ne revolution, but something just didn't click. second was with atl united, which was fun but i picked up right after the 18 cup win and it just felt like bandwagoning and i didn't stick with it.

gonna give one more try and with another new team. nashville fc. i have family from nashville, so there is at least some connection. they're competitive, but i don't feel like i'm jumping on after they've been a major success. and it's close enough for me to maybe go to a match or 2 if i want. we'll see if i can keep with this one. 

i also follow bham legion in usl, and have from the start. it's been really fun and last season was a blast.

We can friend-a-me's. 
When the Columbus was going through the Save The Crew drama. MLS made three rulings.
1) Austin got a team. Screw Austin.
2) Cincinnati got a team. Screw Cincinnati 
3) Nashville was awarded the use of Yellow as their primary color. Screw Nashville. Columbus is the real yellow soccer team.

I have a lot of fun with MLS, hope you can find enjoyment in it too.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on February 26, 2022, 07:30:26 PM
Oh yeah?  Well screw YOU, fargin bastage.

Watched Longhorn baseball win earlier this afternoon, watching Austin FC play right now.  It's 37 degrees and raining outside so it's  a great day to sit on the couch, light a fire, and watch sports all day.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 26, 2022, 07:37:47 PM


Not only are the Crew undefeated, but they are also winning each game by an average of 4 goals. 




(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMjmt3hXIAEdeRd?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 27, 2022, 10:40:50 AM

Not only are the Crew undefeated, but they are also winning each game by an average of 4 goals.




(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMjmt3hXIAEdeRd?format=jpg&name=small)
So?  Dantonio spent two seasons winning games 4-0
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 03, 2022, 01:04:13 AM
The US Open Cup is supposedly going to get underway towards the end of this month on March 22 for the first time since 2019. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Bracket

The field is somewhat condensed. So instead of having a bunch of amateur teams getting after it in the opening rounds, there are only 11 of them and they will be served up as cannon fodder for the USL2 level professional teams in round 1. Then in round 2 in early April USL1 and the regular USL will be unleashed into the fray. Round 3 in late April will see all but 8 US based MLS teams move in and take over. Then the final 8 MLS teams will jump into the mix in Round 4 in early May, which will be a 32 team bracket set in stone. The Sweet 16 will be in late May, then the thing really drags on with the Quarterfinals in late June, the Semifinals in late July, and then the Final in late September. 

The 8 MLS teams that get the extra bye are the 4 Champions League participants plus the top two remaining teams in both the East and the West (2021 MLS standings). 

ELA's Pittsburgh Riverhounds draw the Maryland Bobcats from some league called the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA) in round 2. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 03, 2022, 08:40:31 AM
Was that the tournament where Pittsburgh wound up hosting an MLS team due to stadium conflicts one year?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 03, 2022, 08:01:33 PM
I'd have a strong lean towards yes. I don't know of any other tournament that pits the USL against the MLS. I suppose it could have been Philly in some sort of state title friendly, or some such. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 06, 2022, 09:18:21 AM
qtr finals leg 1 (home vs away)

nyc vs comunicaciones
seattle vs leon
new england vs pumas unam
cruz azul vs montreal

The first leg of this round of Champions League is Tue/Wed. 

The US gets kind of hosed imo in that all three have to host the first leg. Montreal is the only MLS team that gets to host the second leg. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 10, 2022, 12:22:50 AM
Concacaf Champions League

Well at least the MLS held serve at home, with Montreal being the only one to lose (1-0 on the road). The other three all built large cushions at home with New England and Seattle winning 3-0, while NYC won 3-1.

Second leg next week.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 10, 2022, 03:02:50 PM
doesn't seem like many here follow the epl besides me, but chelsea just got hammered with sanctions on their owner, ambromovich, a russian oligarch with ties to putin.

chelsea was frozen by uk gov. the sale of club cannot go through without uk gov intervention making sure ambromovich doesn't profit in any way. basically, he just lost $3b.

they have limited exceptions to being frozen.
things they can still do:

things they cannot do:

the travel limit of $20k is a joke and could be a problem. ave travel cost for a epl match is over $30k, and they still have champions league game in europe. curious to see how this is handled.

the transfer ban is big too. if the sale doesn't go through by this summer, wonder if players have clauses to get out of contracts for something like this.

also, if they are in administration by may 9 (technically not in admin yet, but it's not unlikely they get there soon), they lose 9 points. this would currently drop them from 3rd to 7th. probably unlikely, but could be huge.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on March 10, 2022, 03:08:22 PM
I follow EPL, Manchester United is my team, for better or worse (mostly worse in recent years).

I heard about this today as well.  I thought that last week they'd found a solution where Abromovich was going to sell, and the proceeds were going to charity for Ukrainian relief.  But maybe the UK government determined there was no way they could ensure where the money went?

I knew this was going to be problematic, the moment the Russians invaded Ukraine.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 10, 2022, 10:09:11 PM
This definitely gives Pluto the edge against Chelsea in the FIFA Club Solar System Cup; as if having the ultimate home field advantage of being farthest from the Sun wasn't enough. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 10, 2022, 10:43:41 PM
Growing up, there was almost no contact with the EPL. But one of my best friends in middle school, his dad came here from England, and was a big Aston Vela supporter.  So for that reason alone, they were sort of my team, but you couldn't really follow it.  Then I lived in London for 6 months, in the Chelsea Knightsbridge area, surrounded by Chelsea fans, and sort of adopted them.  Happened to align with the oligarch buying the team and vastly ramling up their payroll.

I'll go back to supporting Aston Villa.  And hoping the Riverhounds become MLS
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 12, 2022, 08:01:03 PM
The Crew win the first leg of the Trillium Cup 2-1 at home. 

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/86/Trillium_Cup_logo.png/220px-Trillium_Cup_logo.png)

Second leg is June 29 on the road
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 13, 2022, 11:00:03 PM
Might as well post the standings while the good guys are up top. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNxl8xFVgAItRxY?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FNxmasZVQAAtlrk?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 18, 2022, 12:06:46 AM
Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals

The MLS kind of peed down their second leg a little bit, but they are still in pretty good shape going forward. 

Montreal lost 2-1 on aggregate goals. 

New England lost on penalty kicks. 

NYC won on away goals. 

Seattle cruised. 

NYC and Seattle will square off in the semifinal round, beginning in early April. So a MLS-Liga MX final is already set in stone. The other semifinal is UNAM vs Cruz Azul. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 21, 2022, 10:50:33 PM
US Open Cup

...gets underway Tuesday for the first time since 2019.

The opening round is the top dozen amateur teams vs the cream of the crop from USA's fourth tier professional leagues; the top 10 USL2 teams out of 114, and the top 10 NPSL teams out of 92.

According to the bracket (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Bracket) there are 2 games where a pair of amateur teams will play against each other, 4 games where an amateur team will play the NPSL, 4 games where an amateur team will square off with a USL2 team, 4 games where the NPSL and USL2 will go head to head, 1 game that's NPSL vs NPSL, and 1 game that's USL2 vs USL2.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b4/Clevelandsclogo.png/140px-Clevelandsclogo.png)

Round 2 will introduce the USA tiers 2 (USL) and 3 (USL1, NISA, MLS Next Pro) professional leagues.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 22, 2022, 10:51:34 PM
The first day of round one games is in the books. Most of the games will be on day two, but Cleveland prevailed over Chicago United. Also noteworthy was a pair of upsets by amateur teams over NPSL teams. Oyster Bay United took down Hartford City 3-0. Then some team called D'Feeters Kicks upended the Denton Diablos 3-2. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 23, 2022, 09:49:08 AM
so, usmnt has some ho-hum games coming up. anyone interested in watching? probably nothing of consequence will happen.


imo, we should go for the win at the azteca. i would 100% be on board with this if we had mckinnie, that's only thing giving me pause. but how awesome would it be to clinch wc qualification with the first ever win at the azteca? especially since this will likely be the last wcq that matters for at least 6-7 years, and maybe ever with the expanded wc format. i want that damn win.

but holy crap all the injuries. turner, aaronson, mckinnie, richards, dest... that's a solid group. throw in brooks and whatever is going on with him, that's a very solid core to build a team around.

outside of a win at azteca, beat panama and it's all but done deal. no excuse not to do that, but then again there was no excuse not to throttle t&t last cycle either.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 24, 2022, 01:09:31 AM
US Open Cup 

Opening round 

With the Las Vegas Legends (NPSL) defeating Park City (USL2) the first round has concluded. 

The USL2 put 6 out of 10 teams into the second round. The NPSL did the same. The Amateur teams advanced 5 out of 12. 

Round 2 is in early April, and will essentially be the USL invitational. The USL will be favored in 23 of the matches, but there will be 7 games that don't feature a USL team where a tier 3 professional team will be the top team involved. Rochester enters in Round 2 as well. They used to be the Rochester Rhinos, and when they were they once won this tournament and earned a Champions League bid. It was the only time it was won by someone outside the MLS. 

Round 2 will be the final round before the MLS enters the fray. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 24, 2022, 08:37:56 AM
so, usmnt has some ho-hum games coming up. anyone interested in watching? probably nothing of consequence will happen.


imo, we should go for the win at the azteca. i would 100% be on board with this if we had mckinnie, that's only thing giving me pause. but how awesome would it be to clinch wc qualification with the first ever win at the azteca? especially since this will likely be the last wcq that matters for at least 6-7 years, and maybe ever with the expanded wc format. i want that damn win.

but holy crap all the injuries. turner, aaronson, mckinnie, richards, dest... that's a solid group. throw in brooks and whatever is going on with him, that's a very solid core to build a team around.

outside of a win at azteca, beat panama and it's all but done deal. no excuse not to do that, but then again there was no excuse not to throttle t&t last cycle either.
With the injuries, I'd focus on the next two
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 28, 2022, 02:37:23 PM
Turns out trying to get under Pulisic's skin doesn't work out so well
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 29, 2022, 01:13:46 PM
After a full morning/afternoon of watching WC qualifier last legs from Asia and Africa, I'm legitimately bummed that this portion is more or less going away in favor of a super unwieldy 48 team WC, where CONCACAF gets 6 teams in, and CONMEBOL gets 8 of 10.

I'd keep, or even shrink the World Cup, and make it the World Cup Finals, with the entire World Cup being an all inclusive tournament, rather than qualifications.  And not make it tied to federations.  If you went back to a 24 team "Final" tournament.  You could do, 2 years prior, twelve 16 team tournaments, hosted by the 12 highest ranked countries.  Put the 12 tournament winners through, and let the 24 2nd and 3rd place teams advance to a second tournament to fill the other 12 spots.

Then you have a World Cup that runs perpetually, and what we know now as the World Cup, is really just the World Cup final.  I think there would be legitimate interest in those tournaments.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 30, 2022, 11:15:09 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FPJWRx5XoAE-0Dy?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 31, 2022, 07:36:16 PM
Screw that venue though. Thank God for that point in Mexico, because no matter the stakes, we simply cannot compete in a way matches at Costa Rica
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 01, 2022, 01:17:55 PM
england
iran
usa
euro playoff (wales, scotland, or ukraine)

could be worse.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on April 01, 2022, 02:21:56 PM
Not terrible.

Did we give Iran their only ever WC win in 1998?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on April 01, 2022, 02:34:52 PM
Not terrible.

Did we give Iran their only ever WC win in 1998?
iran beat morroco in 2018 wc. other than that, yes.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 03, 2022, 02:41:51 PM
Concacaf Champions League

You have the semifinals this week and next, with the Liga MX side going on Tuesdays and the MLS side going on Wednesdays.




NYC and Cruz Azul would be the most "determines a true champion" Finals match up, in that they each won their league. UNAM and Seattle both squeaked in as non-champions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Semi-finals
........

US Open Cup

The "USL invitational" round will be on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week as well, in order to determine which 31 clubs will mix it up with the MLS in subsequent rounds.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Bracket

This round introduces the 2nd and 3rd tier professional teams. So there will be:

Tier 2


Tier 3



They will of course be joined by the play-in round winners from Tier 4 and Amateur ranks.
Tier 4



So even though there are no games pitting 2 USL teams against each other in this round, the USL can only punch a maximum of 23 of the 31 tickets to the next round, even if they suffer zero upsets. The play in round winners from March will have their work cut out for them though, as they will all have to play at least up to tier 3 (iow, no matches against each other).

The new MLS Next Pro league split off from the USL. It was mostly the MLS owned clubs that weren't eligible for this tournament; although there are one or two MLS owned clubs that stayed in the USL, and there is one club that should be in the USL, but went to the MLS Next Pro developmental league instead, and that one is probably the most storied USL Club that ever existed in Rochester, who once earned a champions league bid by being the only non-MLS Club to ever win this very tournament. So not sure what's up with the divorce there. Kind of funny though.

The other MLS Next Pro Club that is participating in this thing aside from Rochester is St Louis City FC2. Even though they are an MLS owned club, the expansion St Louis City FC club doesn't begin play until 2023. So that opens up a loophole where they aren't technically owned by an "active" MLS Club, and are therefore not banned from participating in this year's tournament. So I suppose this is sort of the unofficial debut of St Louis City FC, as we will get a chance to see what kind of a roster they have acquired up to this point. So kind of a bonus MLS Club a round earlier than the others.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 07, 2022, 06:13:19 PM
Concacaf Champions League

You have the semifinals this week and next, with the Liga MX side going on Tuesdays and the MLS side going on Wednesdays.


  • MLS: Seattle-NYC
  • Liga MX: UNAM-Cruz Azul


NYC and Cruz Azul would be the most "determines a true champion" Finals match up, in that they each won their league. UNAM and Seattle both squeaked in as non-champions.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Semi-finals
.........
UNAM and Seattle both won their first leg. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 08, 2022, 01:31:38 PM

US Open Cup

3rd round match ups 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Third_Round_Matches

Crew get Detroit City
Pittsburgh gets Cincinnati 
Austin gets San Antonio 
I think that covers everyone's rooting interest. 
Someone said they follow Nashville, they enter in the next round. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 08, 2022, 07:20:22 PM
US Open Cup

The league breakdown for round 3

Tier 1



Tier 2



Tier 3


Tier 4


Amateur Teams

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Third_Round_Matches

April 19-21
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 10, 2022, 11:26:12 PM


Might as well post the MLS standings before the Crew drop completely out of the playoff picture. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQB4iPCX0AIUbZU?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQB4q6nXwAI5wmy?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 13, 2022, 11:15:10 PM
UNAM and Seattle both won their first leg.

UNAM and Seattle in the Final 



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FQRe92mWQAEczSQ?format=jpg&name=large)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 13, 2022, 11:33:02 PM
Caribbean Shield 

https://twitter.com/Concacaf/status/1514327566387138560?s=20&t=HsP31QEgnj_nQRzZ2uC72A


This is the final season that the Caribbean Zone Champions League qualifiers will be split up into two different tournaments, before being fused back together into one next year. So the three countries that have "Tier 1" professional leagues, Jamaica, Haiti and the Dominican Republic, have their own tournament called Caribbean Cup which will be in May. The rest have to play for this Caribbean Shield instead starting Friday April 15. 

The Caribbean Shield is moderately important, as the USA can technically back door a 5th team into the 2023 Champions League through Puerto Rico. It's a long shot, but not nearly as long as it usually is because Puerto Rico is hosting this thing, and their Champion, Bayamon, has made the Champions League field as recently as 2015. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Caribbean_Club_Shield

The teams will be divided up into three groups. All three group winners will make the semifinals as well as the top remaining team. Bayamon is in a group with teams from St Lucia, St Martin, and Dominica. So not exactly a murderers row. 

Now winning this thing doesn't get them a Champions League bid, but it does keep their hopes alive. Next, they'd have to play a one off playoff game against the 4th place team from the Caribbean Cup (loser of their Consolation Game). If they win that, then they will get an unfavorable seed in the Concacaf League tournament, which is a Champions League qualifying tournament with mostly Central American champions. They don't have to win the Concacaf League Tournament in order to get a Champions League bid, but they would have to finish in the top 6. That means a semifinal birth would get them in automatically, but they can also get in if they are among the top 2 quarterfinal losers according to a point system. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 17, 2022, 03:22:37 PM
US Open Cup

The league breakdown for round 3

Tier 1

  • MLS: 17 worst teams according to 2021 standings (the top 8 teams have another bye)


Tier 2

  • USL: 15 teams


Tier 3

  • USL1: 8 teams
  • NISA: 4 teams
  • MLS Next Pro: both teams (Rochester Rhinos and St Louis City SC 2)

Tier 4
  • USL2: 1 team (North Carolina Fusion)
  • NPSL: 1 team (FC Motown)


Amateur Teams
  • None

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Third_Round_Matches

April 19-21

US Open Cup


These matches are on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, 4/19 and 4/20. 

Tues has the Crew playing on the road at Detroit City, Cincinnati hosting the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

The regional emphasis makes for a lot of interesting match ups. 

This is the final round before a fixed bracket of 32 clubs is set in stone. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Third_Round
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on April 19, 2022, 11:24:39 AM
My wife and I just got back from a 17 day European trip. We visited Lisbon, Rome, Venice, Montenegro, Mykonos, Santorini, and Paris. One of the highlights of the trip for me was the stop in Paris. I was able to get ninth row tickets for the PSG-Lorient match. As a big soccer (football) fan it was an awesome experience. Neymar and Mbappe scored twice and Messi scored once. The only thing that could have been better was the atmosphere. The PSG ultras are "on strike" due to their dissatisfaction with management and going out of the Champions League early again. So the small Lorient supporters group of about 300 fans was much louder than the entire rest of the stadium. The exception was when Sergio Ramos came on and they booed and whistled loudly every time the ball came to him. His signing is one of the biggest complaints from the supporters. All in all though it was an awesome experience.

Some pictures and videos: PSG vs Lorient (https://imgur.com/a/rYdD7DK)

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 19, 2022, 11:51:16 PM
US Open Cup

Round 3 Day 1

Already a couple of upsets, with the Midwest MLS teams getting knocked off left and right.

First was the Columbus Crew, who ventured into enemy territory and blew a lead by giving up two late goals in a 2-1 road loss to Detroit City from the USL.

Not to be outdone, the Chicago Fire lost a shootout to Union Omaha of USL1, a step below the regular USL.

Cincinnati knocked off the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2-0, scoring both goals in stoppage time.

In a minor upset South Georgia Tormenta (USL1) knocked off the Birmingham Legion (USL).

Tuscon (USL1) lost to the California United Strikers (NISA) 2-1.

Round 3 Day 2 on 4/20
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 19, 2022, 11:56:33 PM
Caribbean Shield 

Bayamon (Puerto Rico) won their group, and will play in the semifinals Friday 4/22.

IF they win, then they will play in the final on Sunday 4/24. Otherwise, the consolation game on Sunday 4/24. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 20, 2022, 11:56:13 PM
US Open Cup 

Round 3 Day 2



Two more MLS teams bow out with Austin dropping their match against San Antonio (USL). Worse yet Real Salt Lake got beat by the Northern Colorado Hailstorm (USL1). 
 
St Louis 2 got beat by Louisville City (USL), so they are out as well. 

A handful of other sub MLS teams also advance to the round of 32, largely because they didn't have to play an MLS team this round, including the Rochester Rhinos, who of course won this thing once. 

All of the round 1 participants have been eliminated. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 22, 2022, 07:40:01 PM
US Open Cup 

Round of 32

The match ups have been released, and will be played May 10 and 11. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_32

By League, you have:



The 2 USL1 clubs that beat MLS teams, Omaha and Northern Colorado, will be playing each other. So at least one of them will make it to the Sweet 16. There is also a pair of all-USL match ups; one between Detroit City, who beat an MLS team, and Louisville City, who beat St Louis City FC 2. The second all-USL match is Phoenix Rising vs Sacramento republic, neither of which has had to play an MLS team yet and won't have to this round either. The rest of the sub-MLS teams will have to square off against an MLS team this round including San Antonio, who already beat Austin. This time they get Houston. 

So at least two USL teams and one USL1 team is guaranteed to advance, plus whatever upsets. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 23, 2022, 01:14:30 AM
2022 Caribbean Shield 

Bayamon from Puerto Rico advances to the final on Sunday 4/24 against a team from Suriname, which is in South America, but plays their Futbol in the Concacaf Caribbean Zone for whatever reason. 

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8e/CFU_countries_location_map.png/600px-CFU_countries_location_map.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 24, 2022, 09:04:28 AM

Not only are the Crew undefeated, but they are also winning each game by an average of 4 goals.




(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FMjmt3hXIAEdeRd?format=jpg&name=small)

The Crew haven't scored a single goal in an MLS game since March 20. 
Their only goal over that span was on a penalty kick in their 2-1 loss to a Michigan USL team. 
On the bright side, they did manage to muster a scoreless draw against Sporting KC over the weekend. :banghead:
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 24, 2022, 11:56:59 PM
Caribbean Shield

Bayamon wins the final Caribbean Shield tournament 2-1. Thus this thing will remain on US soil for the foreseeable future.

(https://stconcacafwp001.blob.core.windows.net/media/h50lm5rt/flowtrophy.jpg)

Next in their quest to give the USA a fifth champions league bid, they will play a one off playoff game against the fourth place team in May's Caribbean Cup tournament (the loser of their consolation game) where the winner will get the third and final Caribbean bid to the Concacaf League qualifying tournament in July, where they would have to finish in the top six in order to earn a champions league bid. But I'm getting ahead of myself. The Caribbean Shield winner usually fares pretty well in that game because the fourth place team is in the lower half of the tournament's field of six teams.


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 25, 2022, 12:00:35 AM
Concacaf Champions League Final 

The Final will be played on the next two Wednesdays between the Seattle Sounders and UNAM from Liga MX. 

Seattle currently sits at 11th place out of 14 teams in the MLS West. :o

Nevertheless, they will play for a Continental Championship over this final week of April and first week of May. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on April 30, 2022, 09:40:24 PM
On the bright side, not as bad as DC. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRotfLxWUAAsbyB?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 02, 2022, 07:55:46 AM
Heading into May...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRuj-dJX0AA8gI5?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FRuj3YXXEAE1g0u?format=jpg&name=small)


So Seattle is 12/14 in the MLS West, and 26/28 overall. Yet since they tied the first leg of the Champions League Final on the road, they get to host a game with a Continental Championship on the line. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 05, 2022, 01:40:00 AM
Concacaf Champions League

Seattle smoked 'em 3-0. First MLS team to qualify for the club world cup. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 08, 2022, 09:26:38 PM

US Open Cup 

Round of 32 gets underway on Tue and Wed, May 10-11. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_32

-------------------------


Canadian Voyageurs Cup 

The US Open Cup's little brother gets underway also on Tue and Wed, May 10-11. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Canadian_Championship#Bracket

The only MLS team playing in the opening round is the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are dead last in the MLS. They get Valour, a CPL team out of Winnipeg MB. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 12, 2022, 12:17:38 AM



Canadian Voyageurs Cup

The US Open Cup's little brother gets underway also on Tue and Wed, May 10-11.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Canadian_Championship#Bracket

The only MLS team playing in the opening round is the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are dead last in the MLS. They get Valour, a CPL team out of Winnipeg MB.

The Vancouver Whitecaps prevailed over Winnipeg Valour. They will get the Calgary Cavalry in the quarterfinals, who defeated Edmonton in the Battle of Alberta.

The two amateur clubs were soundly eliminated by the Halifax Wanderers and Hamilton Forge. They will play Toronto and Montreal in the quarterfinals, respectively.

Montreal has the top seed as the defending champion, but their draw is rather brutal. They get Forge right out of the gate, in a match between Canada's two champions league participants. Then presumably Toronto in the semifinals, who is their primary adversary in this tournament as the two teams have combined for 18 of the 19 Voyageurs Cups that have been awarded to date. The Final, should they make it, would be their easiest draw against whoever emerges from the West.

Pacific will host York in the lone quarterfinal match up that doesn't feature an MLS team.

The Quarterfinals will be May 24-26.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 12, 2022, 12:34:14 AM
US Open Cup

Round of 32 gets underway on Tue and Wed, May 10-11.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_32

.
There were no sub-MLS upsets of MLS teams this round, but a trio of sub-MLS teams will advance to the Sweet 16 by having not had to play an MLS team this round. Louisville beat Detroit Rock City on penalty kicks. Sacramento Republic defeated Phoenix Rising. Union Omaha got the best of Northern Colorado.

Biggest MLS vs MLS upset was probably Orlando taking down Philly, who sits alone atop the MLS East standings.

Nashville had a huge comeback win vs Atlanta in the lone MLS East vs West match up.

Minnesota vs Colorado had a weather delay, and the match will resume Thursday tied 1-1.

Seattle just won Champions League, but they are also tied with Vancouver for dead last in the MLS with 7 "points." So which team showed up to the US Open Cup? The lost to lowly San Jose on Penalty Kicks. 

California is sitting pretty, with four of their eight teams still alive, including all three MLS clubs. Texas on the other hand has had a brutal showing. They started with 16 clubs, which not only led the nation but it was double the number of the second place state. They are down to just Houston, who beat San Antonio, who beat Austin. Dallas just lost to Sporting KC. 

The Sweet 16 will be May 24-25. The MLS playoffs have 14 teams, with 7 from the East and 7 from the West. So the next round is similarly situated, with 7 teams from the West, 6 from the East, and 3 sub-MLS teams sprinkled in; 2 USL and 1 USL1 (Omaha).
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 12, 2022, 12:48:49 AM
Caribbean Cup 

In the meantime you have the major Caribbean Club tournament with the group stage this weekend and the semifinals next week. The three countries with Tier 1 leagues, Jamaica, Haiti and the DR each submit 2 clubs to this thing, a champion and a runner up. The three champions will be grouped together in "Group A" while the three runners up will be grouped together in "Group B." The top two teams from each "Group" will advance to the semifinals. 

The four teams that make the semifinals will each be guaranteed at least one more game on the international circuit beyond this tournament. 




Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 12, 2022, 12:53:38 PM

Nashville had a huge comeback win vs Atlanta in the lone MLS East vs West match up.
This game was off the charts. Ridiculous weak penalties called, and ridiculous goals called back for imaginary off sides.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 14, 2022, 01:08:07 AM
US Open Cup 

The Sweet 16 match ups are set. 

The three USL teams all have to play MLS teams. So they aren't going to shoehorn one of them into the quarterfinals by putting them up against each other, they have to earn it. Union Omaha draws Minnesota United. Louisville locks horns with Nashville. Sacramento Republic plays the San Jose Earthquakes. 

The two Los Angeles MLS teams will play one another, as will the two Florida teams. The NYC teams are still one round away from playing one another; NYC gets New England, and Red Bull NY gets Charlotte. Sporting KC gets a chance to finish off the state of Texas, playing Houston this time around. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_16_and_Quarterfinals
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 18, 2022, 01:06:18 AM
Caribbean Cup

In the meantime you have the major Caribbean Club tournament with the group stage this weekend and the semifinals next week. The three countries with Tier 1 leagues, Jamaica, Haiti and the DR each submit 2 clubs to this thing, a champion and a runner up. The three champions will be grouped together in "Group A" while the three runners up will be grouped together in "Group B." The top two teams from each "Group" will advance to the semifinals.

The four teams that make the semifinals will each be guaranteed at least one more game on the international circuit beyond this tournament.

  • The Caribbean Cup champion will qualify directly to champions league.
  • The Caribbean Zone also gets three bids to the Concacaf League qualification tournament with the Central American teams.


  • The runner up gets the first and most favorable Concacaf League bid as it includes a first round bye, which means they only have to win one game to have a pretty good shot at a champions league bid, or two games to clinch it.
  • The winner of the consolation game gets the second Caribbean bid to the Concacaf League qualification tournament. No first round bye.
  • The loser of the Consolation game will play a one game playoff against the Caribbean Shield winner, which was Bayamon out of Puerto Rico, and the winner of that game will get the third and final Caribbean bid to the Concacaf League qualifying tournament. Also no first round bye.



The group stage concluded this evening. Dominican Republic got both teams in as the host. They have to play each other in the semifinals though, so an all DR Final is off of the table. 

Jamaica had their champion eliminated, and Haiti got their runner up eliminated. 

The Jamaican team that's still alive is Waterhouse. 

The Semifinals are on Thur May 19. 

The Final and the Consolation game will be on Sun May 22. 

The single game playoff pitting the Consolation game loser against Bayamon PR will be on Wed May 25. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 19, 2022, 11:26:05 PM
Caribbean Final  

The Final will be Cibao (DR "Champion") vs Pantoja (Haitian "Runner Up") on Sunday, with a Champions League bid on the line.

The Consolation game will be Waterhouse (Jamaican "Runner Up") vs Vega Real (DR "Runner Up") also on Sunday

Bayamon (Puerto Rico "Champion") will play the loser of the Consolation game on Wednesday for the third and final Concacaf League spot. 

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 23, 2022, 12:19:01 AM

Caribbean Cup 

Violette (Haitian) defeated Cibao (DR) on penalty kicks in the Final. So Violette gets the Champions League bid, and Cibao gets the favorable Concacaf League bid with the first round bye. 

In the Consolation Game Vega Real (DR) defeated Waterhouse (Jamaica) on penalty kicks. So Vega Real gets the second of three Caribbean bids to the Concacaf League tournament. 

The third and final Caribbean bid to the Concacaf League tournament will be determined by a game on Wed May 25 between Waterhouse (Jamaica) and Bayamon (Puerto Rico). So you can choose between a team from a country that is technically a US territory (but doesn't count as a US team), or a team from a country that technically speaks English. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Caribbean_Club_Championship#CONCACAF_League_playoff

US Open Cup 

Wednesday May 25 will be a busy day, as all 8 Sweet Sixteen matches are scheduled to take place on that day as well. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_16_and_Quarterfinals


Canadian Voyageurs Cup

If that weren't enough you have the Canadian Quarterfinals on top of all that, with two games on Tues May 24 and the other two games on, you guessed it, Wed May 25. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Canadian_Championship#Quarter-finals

After Wed May 25 things slow to a snails pace in the US Open Cup and the Canadian Voyageurs Cup. After a month off, you have the Canadian Semifinals and the US Open Quarterfinals simultaneously in late June. Then another month off before the Canadian Final and the US Open Semifinals simultaneously in late July. Then the US Open Cup won't be decided for another month and a half after that, with the Final in early September. Somewhere in there should be the Concacaf League Tournament as well, with the Central American, Caribbean and CPL teams, but the dates are still TBD. (Fwiw it was in July last year, iirc) 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 26, 2022, 01:04:07 AM
US Open Cup

The USL held their own, advancing two of their three teams to the quarterfinals.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_U.S._Open_Cup#Quarterfinal_Matches

Southeast

Orlando beat Miami for the Floridian title. They will get Nashville, who defeated Louisville from the USL.

Northeast

NYC beat New England, and Redbull NY beat Charlotte. So the Northeast quarterfinal will double as a NYC championship (even though RBNY is technically in NJ; hence the original moniker of the NY/NJ Metro Stars).

Central

Omaha Union of USL1 took down the Minnesota United; adding a second MLS scalp to their mantle to go along with the Cicago Fire. They can crown themselves kings of the Midwest if they can get past their quarterfinal match up with Sporting KC, who defeated Houston.

West

LA Galaxy won their city championship vs LA. It was on the other side where the San Jose Earthquakes were defeated by Sacramento of the USL. So Sacramento will play the LA Galaxy for a state title in the quarterfinal round.

So the quarterfinal breakdown is



The quarterfinals will be in late June.

Canadian Voyageurs Cup

The 3 MLS teams held serve in the quarterfinal round, and advance to the semifinals. York United was the CPL team that emerged as semifinalist #4, knocking off CPL Champion Pacific on the road in the quarterfinal round.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Canadian_Championship#Semi-finals

So it will be



The semifinals will be in late June.

Concacaf League

Bayamon got their behinds kicked by Waterhouse in the one game playoff between the Carribean Shield Champion and the 4th place Carribean Cup team. So Jamaica is still alive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_League#Teams

The field is mostly set with all the participants identified except for one Costa Rican team still yet TBD (probably Saprissa, but I'm just guessing).

The dates have been announced as well, as July - November, with one round per month. The quarterfinal round is in September, and that's the most important round as it determines the 6 Champions League bids. After that the tournament is fairly unimportant; mostly just jostling for who gets to be cannon fodder for the MLS instead of Liga MX.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 28, 2022, 10:23:55 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FT40awzX0AAzKQd?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 30, 2022, 01:46:02 PM

Heading into June... 



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FT-mmyTWYAEkFb6?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FT-mjjwWUAMCm8z?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 05, 2022, 02:06:36 PM
Wales beats Ukraine in the final European qualifier, in a game nobody outside of Wales, or I guess Russia, was rooting for them in.  They join the USA's group.  I know the FIFA rankings have issues, but it means all 4 teams in the USA's group were top 21 in the FIFA rankings as of the draw.  No other group has more than 2 ranked that high.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 07, 2022, 08:35:21 PM
These Nations Leagues are dumb.  I wish they replaced them with zone free qualification tournaments for the World Cup.  Make it a 4 year window thing, with the actual World Cup actually being just the finals.  Keep your continental champions, your Euros, your Gold cups, etc., but get rid of friendlies and these stupid Nations Leagues, and replace them all with "World Cup" games
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 11, 2022, 01:01:37 AM
These Nations Leagues are dumb.  I wish they replaced them with zone free qualification tournaments for the World Cup.  Make it a 4 year window thing, with the actual World Cup actually being just the finals.  Keep your continental champions, your Euros, your Gold cups, etc., but get rid of friendlies and these stupid Nations Leagues, and replace them all with "World Cup" games
The USA played a better lineup in a friendly, then they did in their their nations league opener tonight, which they still won 5-0.  Replacing friendlies with "meaningful" games doesn't mean anything if those meaningful games are against shjtty CONCACAF nations
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 14, 2022, 08:39:41 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FVPRP28WQAEJQ3t?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 14, 2022, 08:44:49 PM
Everyone sleeping on USMNT being able to lock up a Gold Cup bid with a W tonight
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Cincydawg on June 17, 2022, 01:59:25 PM
Atlanta, Georgia Selected As A Host City For 2026 FIFA World Cup  | Atlanta United FC (atlutd.com) (https://www.atlutd.com/news/atlanta-georgia-selected-as-a-host-city-for-2026-fifa-world-cup?fbclid=IwAR1y0k1xEnHvgbccy9x4g-tRt1piUhd1wmz5rvUWQR6rOpgWyFuoJxvUCq4)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 20, 2022, 11:42:29 PM
US Open Cup Quarterfinals 

The first game is Tue 6/21 between LA Galaxy vs Sacramento (USL). 

Wed 6/22 has two games, Red Bull NY vs NYC, along with Sporting KC vs Union Omaha (USL1). 

The fourth Quarterfinal will be the following Wed 6/29, Orlando vs Nashville. 

......

Canadian Voyageurs Cup Semifinals 

Both games are on Wed 6/22. 

Montreal vs Toronto, and Vancouver vs York. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 23, 2022, 10:29:32 PM
Canadian Voyageurs Cup Semifinals

Well Montreal is the only one that would make the MLS playoffs if the season ended today, but they were eliminated by Toronto who is 12th in the East. Vancouver held serve against York, so it will be a Whitecaps-Toronto final in July.

......

US Open Cup Quarterfinals

USL Sacramento Republic advances to the semifinals with a win over the LA Galaxy, along with a de facto state title.

USL1 Omaha conversely got demolished by Sporting KC.

Red Bull NY beat NYC rather convincingly.

The other quarterfinal match between Nashville and Orlando will be wed June 29. The winner gets Red Bull NY in the semifinals in late July.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on June 24, 2022, 12:34:02 AM
CONCACAF U20s going on as well, which also serve as an Olympic qualifying event.  The two finalists qualify for Paris 2024, which is a nice chance for the next wave to play on a world stage, and against the elite.  I believe each nation is allowed 3 senior team members.

USA won their group, to advance to the knockout stage.  They did not qualify for the Tokyo games
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 27, 2022, 09:05:52 PM
Heading into July 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWOqpIiUYAEIx5U?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FWOo5r0VEAE0d5m?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on July 07, 2022, 04:52:41 PM
CONCACAF U20s going on as well, which also serve as an Olympic qualifying event.  The two finalists qualify for Paris 2024, which is a nice chance for the next wave to play on a world stage, and against the elite.  I believe each nation is allowed 3 senior team members.

USA won their group, to advance to the knockout stage.  They did not qualify for the Tokyo games
USA won the event.  After never winning a CONCACAF U20 previously, they've now won the past 3 in a row.  Hopefully that's a referendum on the future of the USMNT

The women play Jamaica tonight, and a win there will clinch their spot in the next World Cup
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 17, 2022, 10:57:18 PM
After acquiring a Cucho Hernandez from England, the Crew have defeated Chicago and Cincinnati and tied DC United over an 8 day stretch to climb back into the playoff picture. He is already only one goal away from being tied for first place on the team in goals scored for 2022. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 24, 2022, 11:50:47 PM
US Open Cup: Semifinals

These games will get played on Wed July 17. The Eastern match is the stronger of the two, Red Bull NY vs Orlando. RBNY is currently in third place in the MLS East, while Orlando is in 5th place.

The Western match is pretty weak. Kansas City is dead last in the MLS West. Sacramento is in 7th place in the USL West. The USL could win this one, but both teams are playing terribly as of late. 


Canadian Voyageurs Cup: Final

The final is on Tue July 26th, with a champions league bid on the line. Montreal is the only Canadian team that would make the MLS playoffs if the season were to end today, but they were eliminated by Toronto in the Canadian semifinals.

So the MLS Final is Toronto-Vancouver. Toronto is currently 13th out of 14 in the MLS East, while Vancouver sits at 10th in the MLS West. Vancouver is pretty cursed in this Canadian tournament, winning it only once, so this is a golden opportunity for them. So they will probably beef it.


Concacaf League: Opening Round

This is the final season of this Champions League qualifier tournament, to be replaced with a purely Central American Tournament going forward, without the Caribbean/Canadian teams tossed in. The first leg of the play-in round will be played Tue July 26 - Thu July 28, with the second leg the following week.

Bracket: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_League#Bracket


The Canadian team and the Jamaican team will play each other in the opening round, for the battle of funny English accents at polar opposite ends of the spectrum. Tue July 26 for that one. [/list]




Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 27, 2022, 12:53:53 AM

Vancouver wins the Canadian Championship on penalty kicks

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FYpZseqWIAAkFte?format=jpg&name=small)

The MLS earns their first Champions League bid for 2023. 

All four Liga MX teams are already in; Atlas, UANL, Leon and Pachuca. Atlas won both the spring and the fall Liga MX championships, making their champions league debut. 

Violette from Haiti is the only other team that has already qualified, having won the Caribbean Cup. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 28, 2022, 07:22:22 AM
US Open Cup 

It will be an MLS vs USL Final in early September, as Orlando and Sacramento advance. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on July 31, 2022, 11:08:02 PM
Heading into August...

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZCGy9WUEAEa5Nc?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZCGeEtUIAArxaX?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 07, 2022, 03:25:27 AM

Crew take down mighty NYC


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZhYWjNXkAADbzN?format=jpg&name=small)

-------

Concacaf Leage 

The CPL team, Pacific out of Victoria BC, defeated the Jamaican team by a combined 6-0. The Belize team also won thier opening round game, for perhaps the first time since ELA started this thread. 

Honduras, Panama and Costa Rica all had their lone opening round team win, so they combine for 9 of the 16 remaining teams. They each had two teams with an opening round bye. 

The only other country with more than one team remaining is Guatemala, who went 1-1 in the opening round and they had one team with a first round bye, so they have two teams that are still alive. 

The Dominican Republic, El Salvador and Nicaragua each have one team that is still alive, but only because they each had a team with a first round bye. They went a combined 0-4 in their opening round match ups. 

The Concacaf League tournament will take a week off, but then they will play the round of 16 over the final two full weeks of August; one leg each week. That round is huge, as 6 of the 8 winners will get a Champions League bid. So it's basically a pure elimination round. Here's the bracket: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_League#Bracket 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 20, 2022, 10:54:01 PM
Concacaf League 

The first leg of the sweet 16 was last week, and the second leg is this week. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_League#Round_of_16

The CPL team lost 1-0 on the road in the first leg, so they are still very much in this thing. 

The Belize team conversely lost 2-0 at home, so they are pretty much screwed. 

The DR team lost 1-0 at home, so they are behind the 8 ball. 

The Nicaraguan team won 1-0 on the road, so that's an underdog country in good shape. 

Several other match ups between several C American powerhouse countries eliminating each other. Six of the eight winners will earn Champions League bids. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 01, 2022, 07:12:07 AM


Heading into September


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fbi6z5HXgAACvZA?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fbi6_Z9XgAAUWnB?format=jpg&name=small)

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 06, 2022, 11:17:33 PM
US Open Cup 

The Final is on Wed 9/7 between Orlando and Sacramento from the USL. Winner gets a champions league bid. 


Concacaf League 

The quarterfinal round gets underway this week 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_CONCACAF_League#Quarter-finals
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 08, 2022, 12:09:25 AM
US Open Cup

The USL was thwarted in their attempt to get a champions league bid for just the second time in their history. The 1999 Rochester Rhinos will be partying like the 72 Dolphins do whenever the last undefeated team goes down. Orlando wins 3-0. 

Once the second leg of the Concacaf League quarterfinal round wraps up next week, the entire 2023 champions league field will be set except for the final three US bids, which will go to the MLS Cup winner as well as the top team in each conference in the final regular season standings. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: LetsGoPeay on September 08, 2022, 09:31:26 AM
US Open Cup

The USL was thwarted in their attempt to get a champions league bid for just the second time in their history. The 1999 Rochester Rhinos will be partying like the 72 Dolphins do whenever the last undefeated team goes down. Orlando wins 3-0.

Once the second leg of the Concacaf League quarterfinal round wraps up next week, the entire 2023 champions league field will be set except for the final three US bids, which will go to the MLS Cup winner as well as the top team in each conference in the final regular season standings.
Soccer Spygate pays off for Orlando!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on September 14, 2022, 03:01:32 PM
https://www.reddit.com/r/ussoccer/comments/xe47hm/usmnt_september_squad/

sept squad

gk - horvath, johnson, turner
lb - vines, scally?
cb - ccv, richards, long, zimmerman
rb - dest, yedlin, cannon, (scally?)
dm - acosta, adams
cm - mckinnie, musah, de la torre, tillman
lw - pulisic, aaronson
s - jesus, pepi, sargent
rw - reyna, arriola, morris

would like to see both vines and scally get a half each vs both opps. with jedi injury, we really need to find an adequate backup.

excited to see reyna back. would like to find a way to get pulisic, reyna, and aaronson all on pitch together.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 16, 2022, 05:52:22 PM
2023 Champions League

After the conclusion of the Concacaf League Quarterfinals the entire field is set except for the final three (out of four) USA spots. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Teams

The Mexican quartet has been set for a while now, with their top team that won both fall and spring championships making their Champions League debut. 

Canada has the Whitecaps, making their second ever appearance. 

The Caribbean's lone representation is the Haitian team that won their qualifying tournament. 

Honduras hogged three of the six Central American bids by advancing all three of their teams to the Concacaf League semifinals. Panama, Costa Rica and El Salvador are picking up the table scraps, with one team each. Costa Rica is the only one that survived the Concacaf League quarterfinal round. 

The USA already has Orlando through the US Open Cup. The other three are up for grabs. LA and Philly each own a 7 "point" lead atop their respective conference races, but there's a ways to go. Then the fourth and final USA bid will go the the MLS Cup winner (ideally). 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on September 19, 2022, 11:42:30 PM
Three weeks to go....

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fc_mUWmakAEiI-s?format=jpg&name=small)


LA clinches the top seed out west, along which also earns them a Champions League bid. 



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fc_nS5SakAAdazK?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on September 25, 2022, 06:47:22 PM
(https://scontent.ffod1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307203192_8412128962160369_991771855386661998_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a26aad&_nc_ohc=cxNmTNTWCigAX_YJBHL&tn=_MnT8OkIfzNoswba&_nc_ht=scontent.ffod1-1.fna&oh=00_AT-1fdQeEv8PU9RaXvkeIRC6B7NYHzOAovY7GRzgNa8PXQ&oe=6336359C)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 02, 2022, 10:32:36 PM
LA clinches the supporters shield

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeGDh9-WIAEQ6jF?format=jpg&name=small)


Crew keep their playoff hopes alive with a win

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeByAygXoAQoIuj?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 02, 2022, 11:31:34 PM
Heading into the final week of the regular season

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeHM7bbXwAQXyKx?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FeHNDcyX0AAUZcY?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on October 04, 2022, 07:26:52 PM
What do y'all think of the Yates NWSL report (1) in general; and (2) how it will impact the players in their big match this weekend at Wembley?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 09, 2022, 08:39:33 PM
The Bracket is set in stone. 


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Feqb_9kWAAEICoJ?format=jpg&name=small)


Winner gets the final champions league bid. Unless of course the winner is LA, Philly, Orlando or Montreal; in which case Austin gets the final USA bid. 

The Crew miss the field, after leading the league in draws by a pretty good clip. Blech. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on October 09, 2022, 08:42:12 PM
Go broccoli!

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 23, 2022, 11:10:08 PM
The Conference Finals are set. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FfzS61DXwAEvW6N?format=jpg&name=small)

Austin would have already clinched a champions league bid if it weren't for NYC upsetting Montreal, but NYC would have to win the whole ball of wax as the lowest remaining seed in order to prevent it at this point. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 28, 2022, 10:05:21 AM
not our usual, but bama ladies soccer just beat auburn to finish 17-1-1 (10-0-0 in sec) in reg season and is currently ranked #1 in nation. very proud of the ladies. to say it's historic for the program would be a massive understatement. now to win the sec tourney and have a big showing in ncaa tourney. roll tide.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 31, 2022, 12:04:46 AM
The MLS Cup is set with the 1 seed from each Conference, LA vs Philly. 

Austin was eliminated, but Philly's win over NYC back doors them into the worst of 4 USA Champions League bids, whereas they would have gotten the top USA seed had they won the MLS Cup. 

The MLS Cup is Sat Nov 5.

The 2023 MLS Champions League bids are MLS Cup finalists LA and Philly, along with Orlando, Austin and Vancouver. The tournament doesn't get underway until March. 

Then of course Seattle gets to play in the 2023 Fifa Club World Cup, having won Champions League in 2022. That doesn't appear to have been scheduled as of yet. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FgXdMbBX0AEXbTh?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on November 06, 2022, 10:22:05 PM
LA is now the undisputed champion, having won both the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup


(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fg3Jq0fVQAESNo9?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on November 18, 2022, 09:29:06 PM
In a surprise reversal, Qatar announced a ban of alcoholic beer at the eight stadiums hosting the World Cup. That leaves fans with just one “beer” choice — albeit one that isn’t boozy.

Soccer fans will still be able to purchase Bud Zero, an alcohol-free lager that Anheuser-Busch says tastes similar to its best-selling alcoholic beverage.

One serving of Bud Zero has 0 grams of sugar and 50 calories. The beer, which is Bud’s first ever zero alcohol beer, launched in the United States two years ago, targeting a growing trend of people choosing non-alcoholic beers.


Qatar is a Muslim country that is considered to be very conservative, and tightly regulates alcohol sales and usage. In September, officials said ticketed fans would be able to buy alcoholic beer three hours before kickoff and for one hour after the final whistle, but not during the match.

“Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 stadium perimeter,” said FIFA, soccer’s governing body, in a statement Friday.

FIFA noted that the decision will have “no impact” on sales of Bud Zero.

Budweiser tweeted, “Well, this is awkward,” though the social media post was quickly deleted.

“As partners of FIFA for over three decades, we look forward to our activations of FIFA World Cup campaigns around the world to celebrate football with our consumers,” an Anheuser-Busch InBev spokesperson said in a statement. “Some of the planned stadium activations cannot move forward due to circumstances beyond our control.”

It is indeed slightly awkward for AB InBev, which is a major sponsor of the World Cup, and was planning to selling regular Bud. Just a few days ago, reports showed World Cup workers moving beer tents into less visible areas of stadiums.


AB InBev paid $75 million for the sponsorship, according to multiple reports. So, the decision throws a bit of a wrench into their marketing plans since the decision dramatically reduces its presence for thousands of fans at the World Cup. However, arguably the bigger part — its TV advertisements with football royalty Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. — won’t be affected.

“Qatar’s decision to ban all alcohol around the grounds for the upcoming FIFA World Cup just days before it begins presents an illusion that FIFA is not in control of its own tournament and risks alienating Budweiser—a key sponsor and long-term partner of the governing body,” said Conrad Wiacek, head of sport analysis at GlobalData, in an email.


Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 20, 2022, 01:40:08 PM
I'm shocked, SHOCKED, to see Qatar look out of their depth in this tournament
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 08:43:15 AM
England looks absolutely locked in in their opener
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 08:52:39 AM
And now the score reflects that
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 21, 2022, 10:46:14 AM
that game had the most stoppage time i've ever seen. +14 in first half and +10 second.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on November 21, 2022, 11:21:30 AM
Not to be sparky but this WC logo looks like a rubber band.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 01:27:06 PM
that game had the most stoppage time i've ever seen. +14 in first half and +10 second.
Seems to be an ongoing thing
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 21, 2022, 01:52:21 PM
good lineup. lets put some in net and win this one. lets go!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 02:15:59 PM
Racking up yellows
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 02:39:16 PM
Aggressive front line pays off

1-0!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 21, 2022, 02:57:18 PM
good first half despite questionable reffing. would like to get 1 more for insurance. bale isn't playing well right now but all he needs is 1 look.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 03:15:50 PM
5 combined yellows now
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 03:24:25 PM
Much more lively Wales in the second half.  Going to be a LONG next 30 minutes
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 21, 2022, 03:43:27 PM
Well, that was about 25 minutes coming
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 21, 2022, 03:45:24 PM
what a stupid foul.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 21, 2022, 04:07:13 PM
coulda been worse, shoulda been better.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on November 21, 2022, 05:18:05 PM
so the ref adding stoppage time to the stoppage time announced is a new wrinkle?    Was this known? customary?   seems to have surprised the announcers and the guy on Wales when asked about it post-match.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on November 21, 2022, 11:33:32 PM
soccer is dumb
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 22, 2022, 11:19:34 AM
so the ref adding stoppage time to the stoppage time announced is a new wrinkle?    Was this known? customary?  seems to have surprised the announcers and the guy on Wales when asked about it post-match.

stoppage time is a minimum added time. if something happens in stoppage time, like an injury or long var review, the ref has discretion to add more time.

however, stoppage time in this tournament has been unusually long. it actually more accurately reflects the total time from stoppage of play, which is what is intended. it's just never been done to this degree, as far as i know. usually, at half there is 1-2 minutes added, maybe 4-5 if a long time for injury or something. but that's about max for half time stoppage. at 90 minutes, stoppage is usually 3-5 minutes, with 7-8 not unheard of for long waits from injuries and whatnot.

in 1 game yesterday, there was +14 at half, and +10 at 90 minutes, and they added another 1 to the end of that because of a penalty. the usa game saw +9 at 90 minutes, and that would normally have been +3 or 4 at most.

honestly i think i like it. time wasting is a problem, especially in tournaments like this. this is supposed to help prevent that and keep play moving.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on November 22, 2022, 12:23:32 PM
The laws of international football are relatively simple, and include a decent amount of discretion for the referee. As a referee, I like it; it gives me the ability to appropriately control a match without taking it over. The game is supposed to be free flowing, not stopping and starting like Americans are used to in baseball, football, and basketball. That means not calling ticky tack stuff, unless required to prevent emotions from spiraling out of control. 

Of course, one impact of empowering the referee with discretion is the players try to sell everything as a foul, leading to what everyone makes fun of about footballers diving, which is a legit complaint. 

And there is no discretion on some things--like the offside call. In the world of VAR, that leads to some surprising results, like the disallowed goal Ecuador scored (or not) against Qatar. That situation was surely not the reason for the offside law, but because there is no discretion there, no goal. On the other hand, without VAR, that goal never gets called back. 

The added time thing is another part of this. Referees aren't supposed to add time for ordinary breaks in play, except for substitutions, actual injuries (referees generally give a moment to see if it's actually an injury), and time wasting by one side. This is all discretionary, too--in part to not reward players for feigning injury. Again, I like the discretion, but it can lead to some strange results.

I also like that--outside of NCAA and high school soccer in the U.S.--there is no countdown clock on a play. The referee gives attacking teams the opportunity to finish out a play. In the context of the game, that's a fair way to approach it. That wouldn't work in a sport like basketball, where teams score every few seconds of the game, but in a low scoring game like soccer, it makes more sense.

In the abstract, our desire as sports fans for perfection on application of the rules troubles me. The sport, including the officials, is made up of human competition. We should strive to get things right, but we also shouldn't expect perfection. Obviously that's a slippery slope to argue, and I can appreciate the professional leagues trying to get things as close to perfectly right as possible, but one problem with that is the trickle down effect it has on local competition, where we will never have VAR, and referees will always make mistakes. In an era of expected perfection, I think fans are less tolerant of those mistakes, which is unreasonable in local competitions and makes it harder and harder to recruit the referees that every sport needs to let the kids (and amateur adults) play.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on November 22, 2022, 03:41:36 PM
Also, love that there has already been a major upset, but disappointed that it was Argentina that suffered it--they are now under a lot of pressure to get Ws against two solid teams in Mexico and Poland. Love the ties in groups C and D--going to make for some drama in the next week.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 22, 2022, 05:12:59 PM
This might get Fearless to become a soccer fan

https://twitter.com/nexta_tv/status/1594641973880684549?t=Ak7-B7YfDqrM0LRHP1LQcg&s=19
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 22, 2022, 09:30:59 PM
France looked absolutely unbelievable today. England won 6-2, and even with that same effort, I don't think they'd stand a chance against France. Knockout soccer is a crapshoot, but that's assuming you can stay within a goal of a team. And I don't see how anyone stays within a goal of this French team
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on November 22, 2022, 09:46:19 PM
France didn't look great until they fell behind, then they seemed to wake up
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 22, 2022, 10:09:31 PM
France didn't look great until they fell behind, then they seemed to wake up
They dominated 80 minutes of play, and Australia was lucky France only scored 4.  They could have easily had 6 or 7.  And even in those first 10 minutes, France had a couple of solid chances.  I'm interested to see how Brazil, Belgium, and to a lesser extent, Germany and Spain look. But France looked on a whole other level to me today, even above England
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 23, 2022, 10:22:13 AM
france is weak at the back, but their attack is unreal. but i could definitely see a sound england team that's finally putting up an attack beating them.

germany just lost to japan. 2 major upsets, though japan is no slouch and playing really well recently.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on November 23, 2022, 12:50:01 PM
so many empty seats...
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on November 25, 2022, 01:33:05 PM
Qatar befitting of its role as Chaminade.   No UVA equivalent however. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 25, 2022, 02:03:15 PM
Qatar befitting of its role as Chaminade.  No UVA equivalent however.
Once they go to 48, they'll probably qualify anyway because that is going to be a joke of a tournament
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 29, 2022, 10:26:14 AM
(https://media.tenor.com/InrbppWYBB0AAAAM/america-hurricane.gif)

let's do this
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on November 29, 2022, 10:31:14 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/YUJdTau.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 29, 2022, 04:56:24 PM
https://youtu.be/zcUs5X9glCc
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on November 29, 2022, 05:03:29 PM
Heart stopping final 25 minutes or so against Iran.

Now it's time to go dutch-hunting.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on December 01, 2022, 06:12:57 PM
Admitted non-soccer fan here but still loves great theater which the WC is....  Japan loses to CR and wins a group with Spain and Germany in it. Lol.

Also, for about 3 minutes CR was in a position to advance.  I've been informed Costa Rica is a trash squad.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on December 02, 2022, 07:43:17 PM
(https://www.cfb51.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fassets.personica.com%2Fshared%2Fimages%2F2147483784%2F2147483784_2022120218115944.jpg&hash=b088e1a25d6ae326872c0ecd5546f3a2)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 06, 2022, 09:13:37 AM
If Spain and Portugal win today, off the top of my head, it sets up the best QF round in as long as I've seen.  You have 6 of the top 8 teams in the world, #10 Netherlands, with the one "underdog" being #16 Croatia, who made the finals in the last World Cup

Plus you wind up with some geographic rivals in England-France and Spain-Portugal
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on December 06, 2022, 09:16:00 AM
And, since I picked basically European chalk + Brazil and Argentina in my office pool, I'll be sitting pretty, minus Belgium's early exit.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on December 06, 2022, 12:54:04 PM
The Morocco goalie was nails in the shootout.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on December 06, 2022, 12:56:06 PM
Listened in car.  Announcer fantastic description. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 07, 2022, 05:38:00 PM
The Morocco goalie was nails in the shootout.
He made himself some money.  He's on loan to Sevilla now
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 07, 2022, 06:02:15 PM
I was also thinking about how the expansion makes qualification nearly irreverent.  My thought is to do two tournaments.  A worldwide qualification tournament, as a midterm, and then a 32 team final every 4 years.  Both the format and the number of teams included are terrible going forward.  But just as a point, here are the additional 16 teams who would have qualified under the current format, based on the qualifying tournament, with their current FIFA rank...





This also tells me, all of the additional bids need to come from Europe, South America, and Africa.  CONCACAF, Asia and OFC are fine as is
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 02:08:15 PM
Neymar is the most overrated player of this generation
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on December 09, 2022, 02:12:29 PM
Is he? He was clutch in that game today. Don't think Brazil's failure to pack the defending third at the end is on him.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 02:16:45 PM
Is he? He was clutch in that game today. Don't think Brazil's failure to pack the defending third at the end is on him.
Brazil is now going on 24 years without a title, despite him being surrounded by penty of talent.  He won one champion league, thanks to Messi.

Name another supposedly great player, who has spent his entire career surrounded by talent, who has won less? I'm not saying he's bad, he's a great player, but he is no generational talent. If he isn't the most overrated player of the past 10 to 15 years, then who is?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on December 09, 2022, 03:18:33 PM
I don't know, man, the international football gods can be harsh. But it's an 11-man game, not a 1-man game, and his teammates let him down today, despite a brilliant goal that should have won it for them. He just tied Pele's record for men's goals for Brazil. That's not nothing.

No skin off my back--he's no Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, or Haaland. But he does play for Brazil, so maybe he shouldn't have to be? So if we're blaming national team failures on one player, how about Harry Kane?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 03:21:37 PM
Harry Kane is good, but he's never been put in that "best player in the world" discussion.  Neymar has, and has been surrounded by more talent than anyone in that discussion other than probably Mbappe, and he's never won anything, other than one Champions League title, when he had Messi.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: SFBadger96 on December 09, 2022, 03:35:07 PM
I guess I've never given Neymar even a thought as being a "best player in the world." Really, really good, absolutely.

So if that's a legitimate thought about him, yes, I would say overrated. Best player in Brazil, yes. And that's saying something. But he was never remotely as good as Messi or Ronaldo, and Mbappe and Haaland (assuming his current arc) have already passed him by. But he fairly belongs in the next tier of his competitors with Suarez, Benzema, Modric, Ibrahimovich, Alvez, Ramos, Lewondowski, Salah, etc. I guess it never even occurred to me that people would think best of his generation.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 04:48:40 PM
Then yes, he's fine there.  I frequently see him lumped in with Messi and Ronaldo 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on December 09, 2022, 05:04:38 PM
Then yes, he's fine there.  I frequently see him lumped in with Messi and Ronaldo
Agree, I hear people putting him into the same category as Messi and Ronaldo.  

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on December 09, 2022, 05:47:14 PM
Neymar is the most overrated player of this generation
He's too busy flopping around with a fake injury to care. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 11:35:45 PM
And now it seems like Qatar may have murdered an American journalist for wearing a rainbow shirt?  Sports washing can apparently only go so far in these ass backwards countries 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on December 09, 2022, 11:39:35 PM
And now it seems like Qatar may have murdered an American journalist for wearing a rainbow shirt?  Sports washing can apparently only go so far in these ass backwards countries
This is so tragic and bizarre.  And infuriating if it is, what it seems to be.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on December 09, 2022, 11:51:00 PM
But hey, we freed someone who was overpunished for actually breaking a law.  How many terrorists are we going to have to free for justice here?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on December 10, 2022, 12:08:43 PM
He made himself some money.  He's on loan to Sevilla now
Bono Guardameta was nails again in the quarters today. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: OrangeAfroMan on December 10, 2022, 04:05:27 PM
He's too busy flopping around with a fake injury to care.
It may seem silly, but I think this is why soccer will never break into the top 3 of professional sports in the U.S.  
We simply don't respect it.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Honestbuckeye on December 18, 2022, 12:48:36 PM
All about to be decided by penalty kicks.  Wow. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on December 18, 2022, 02:53:26 PM
Great theater,  particularly both sides pushing to score late and not sit on PKs to decide it.  Pks are about as satisfying as a conclusion as college football OT.   
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: GopherRock on December 18, 2022, 06:12:56 PM
That game was a lot like the Boise State-Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl. Most of the game it was a one sided beating, but all it took was one mistake late in regulation and it was game on. I didn't think fire wagon soccer existed until today. OT felt like the end of Rocky 2, with two heavyweights standing in the middle of the ring blasting away at each other. 

It may not have been the best match ever played over the whole game (Argentina dominated for too long to say that), but it's gotta be one of the wildest finishes ever.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on December 18, 2022, 06:22:30 PM
I'm happy for the soccer fans and glad they were entertained

also, glad the French didn't win
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on January 12, 2023, 11:10:44 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/bhvjEKc.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on February 05, 2023, 07:19:35 PM
The Sounders were soundly defeated in the opening round of the Fifa Club World Cup. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 05, 2023, 02:56:35 PM
(https://preview.redd.it/2023-ccl-bracket-v0-plozk179tmy91.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=a81b8771d306be5cc9588434e08e4b67f0370745)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on March 06, 2023, 10:46:54 AM
Columbus Crew won their home opener on Saturday. 2-0 over DC United. The game was a blast to be at.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOGNuKCzGj8
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 18, 2023, 12:15:30 AM
[img width=500 height=466.992]https://preview.redd.it/2023-ccl-bracket-v0-plozk179tmy91.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=a81b8771d306be5cc9588434e08e4b67f0370745[/img]
Austin and Orlando both lost, but the other three MLS teams advance to the quarterfinal round. All three are on the same side of the bracket, with LA playing the Whitecaps. 


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Bracket
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 18, 2023, 12:24:23 AM
Austin and Orlando both lost, but the other three MLS teams advance to the quarterfinal round. All three are on the same side of the bracket, with LA playing the Whitecaps.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Bracket
Wait, I thought the season just started?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 18, 2023, 08:57:18 AM
It did. 

Champions League is underway as well. 

Then next week the US Open Cup gets going too. 

It's a madhouse. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on March 18, 2023, 09:37:53 AM
(https://scontent.ffod1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/336380171_647649780704890_8868619009245916557_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=cBoiU4vA2AMAX81Pe5_&_nc_ht=scontent.ffod1-1.fna&oh=00_AfACh8f7PJHmilXC0M2G5U0smbnrc0Wa-BdCBhm9bcaODA&oe=641B54AE)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on March 23, 2023, 01:54:58 PM
nations league starts tomorrow, and we start another cycle without a manager. nice.

at least the rumors for players is good again. balogun might be spurning england in favor of us.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on March 23, 2023, 03:37:33 PM
nations league starts tomorrow, and we start another cycle without a manager. nice.

at least the rumors for players is good again. balogun might be spurning england in favor of us.
No better way to elevate the national team than to have them play "meaningful" matches against El Salvador and Granada without a manager
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 23, 2023, 10:13:53 PM
It did.

Champions League is underway as well.

Then next week the US Open Cup gets going too.

It's a madhouse.

The scrub round is over. USL enters round 2, then MLS rounds 3 and 4. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_U.S._Open_Cup#Bracket

Pittsburgh will enter in round 3, since their round 2 opponent, the Rochester Rhinos, have folded. They were the only sub-MLS team to ever win this thing, along with the subsequent champions league bid. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on March 26, 2023, 07:40:00 PM



Heading into April...



(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FsKk3FFXgAItiOL?format=jpg&name=large)







(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FsKk3FrXoAU7sR_?format=jpg&name=large)



April key dates, outside of MLS regular season schedule:

US Open Cup round 2: April 4-6/round 3 April 25-26
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_U.S._Open_Cup#Bracket

Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals: April 4-13/semifinals underway April 25-May 4.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_CONCACAF_Champions_League#Bracket

Canadian Championship round 1: April 18-20
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Canadian_Championship#Bracket

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 01, 2023, 12:30:55 AM


Heading into May

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvA5b8PacAAdDsF?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvA5ucbaIAAZlnj?format=jpg&name=small)


Concacaf Champions League 

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FvA5ucbaIAAZlnj?format=jpg&name=small

The semifinals conclude on May 2 with the second leg of the series. On the USA side LA hosts Philly following a 1-1 draw in the first leg. The other semifinal is Liga MX Lions and Tigers. The Final will straddle the next month change in late May, early June. 

US Open Cup 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_U.S._Open_Cup#Matches_2

There were two USL over MLS upsets in the previous round, with the San Jose Earthquakes losing to Monterey Bay, and Atlanta barfing one up against Memphis. The round of 32 will be played on May 9 and 10. The Sweet 16 will be played May 23-24.

Canadian Voyageurs Cup

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Canadian_Championship#Bracket

The MLS trio remains alive for the quarterfinal round, which will also be played on May 9-10. Montreal and Toronto play each other, so at least one will fall. The semifinal round will be May 23-25.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rook119 on May 01, 2023, 01:14:10 AM
No better way to elevate the national team than to have them play "meaningful" matches against El Salvador and Granada without a manager

All the matches up to the WC are pretty much friendlies. With 48 teams qualifying will be a joke. 

At least in the past the gold cup was every 4 years and everyone really went for it. The competetion wasn't great talent-wise but it was fun and intense. Now its bring a B or C team so they can squeeze out 1 more US-Mexico match prior to the Confed cup.  
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 12, 2023, 09:00:21 AM
Columbus Crew stomped Louden United 5-1 in the Open Cup this week. They play at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in the round of 16 next.

Let's Go Crew!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 21, 2023, 01:38:44 PM
First leg goes to the Nati. 

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FwmTFOIWcAE4xDd?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on May 22, 2023, 12:09:03 PM
Crew play Riverhounds this This Wednesday in the round of 16th for the Open Cup.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on May 24, 2023, 10:43:24 PM
Crew play Riverhounds this This Wednesday in the round of 16th for the Open Cup.
:67:
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 02, 2023, 07:13:25 PM
kicking off June

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fxip0ooagAIWjSo?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fxip7BlaAAEj0Lg?format=jpg&name=small)

The US Open cup quarterfinals start June 6, and the semifinals begin June 20

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_U.S._Open_Cup#Round_of_16_and_Quarter-finals

The Canadian Final will be June 7, between Montreal and Vancouver

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Canadian_Championship#Bracket
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 08, 2023, 07:38:12 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FyEjJtaXoAEU915?format=jpg&name=large)

US Open cup semifinals are set. 

Vancouver wins the Canadian championship, earning a champions league bid for a second year in a row. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_CONCACAF_Champions_Cup#Teams
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 15, 2023, 02:22:58 PM
nations league vs mexico tonight. why are these so late?
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on June 16, 2023, 09:42:38 AM
Tres a cero!

(https://i.imgur.com/T20MG8f.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on June 16, 2023, 10:05:27 AM
twas beautiful.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on June 28, 2023, 09:22:24 PM
Heading into July

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fzca9ZeaEAITC_5?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzcbTP6agAEQMZa?format=jpg&name=small)

The US Open Cup is taking the month of July off. 

The Concacaf Leagues Cup resumes in its beefed up form. It will have league-wide participation from both the MLS and Liga MX, with three 2024 Champions League bids on the line. These bids are in addition to each country's usual allotment; bonus bids more or less. The group stage gets underway July 21. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Leagues_Cup#Group_stage
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 20, 2023, 09:27:23 PM


The Crew win Hell is Real vs Cincinnati. 

Boy that sign is looking rough these days. Wow. 

(https://www.columbusmonthly.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/08/16/NCOM/70601515007-cm-hell-tj-02.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)


I remember it more like

(https://images.fastcompany.com/upload/hell-is-real.jpg)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on August 20, 2023, 10:38:25 PM
Let's Go Crew.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on August 27, 2023, 09:29:36 PM
Heading into September

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4k3HkIWkAETv2u?format=webp&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F4k3E6JWIAAy7Lf?format=webp&name=small)


Concacaf Leagues Cup results: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_Leagues_Cup#Final

US Open Cup Final on Sept 25: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2023_U.S._Open_Cup#Final

Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on August 28, 2023, 12:18:03 PM
i'm beginning to think messi is just a really good player and not just a product of a system. probably in top 100, maybe top 50 all time.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on August 28, 2023, 09:13:57 PM
i'm beginning to think messi is just a really good player and not just a product of a system. probably in top 100, maybe top 50 all time.

Trolling? Messi has now won 44 trophies in his 19 year career. (38 for Club including Leagues Cup this month for Miami, and 6 for country including a world cup las year.) He is the GOAT.

That's like saying Jordan is top 100 for the NBA. Everyone will just laugh at such a statment.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 01, 2023, 11:23:38 PM
kicking off October

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7Zzos7bIAAJ9LE?format=jpg&name=small)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F7Z0EMZbEAAEV7z?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on October 02, 2023, 04:48:33 PM
Trolling? Messi has now won 44 trophies in his 19 year career. (38 for Club including Leagues Cup this month for Miami, and 6 for country including a world cup las year.) He is the GOAT.

That's like saying Jordan is top 100 for the NBA. Everyone will just laugh at such a statment.
trolling? no. sarcastic? yeah.

messi is goat. so glad he came to us instead of saudi league. i do kinda wish we'd have seen him in more than just la liga during his prime, but there is no denying him his goat title.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on October 28, 2023, 02:44:09 PM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F9Vk7RhXQAA74ex?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: rolltidefan on November 09, 2023, 12:04:04 PM
usmnt roster for upcoming nations league games vs t and t. also copa america qualifying. pulisic and weah both out with injuries. otherwise, looks solid. like some of the young guys given a chance with pulisic and weah out.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 9/0), Gaga Slonina (KAS Eupen/BEL; 1/0), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 35/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 14/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 30/2), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 3/0), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 53/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 14/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 37/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 27/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 7/0)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; 1/0), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional/BRA; 9/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 19/0), Lennard Maloney (Heidenheim/GER; 1/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 48/11), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 31/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 22/6), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 6/0)
FORWARDS (5): Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin/GER; 36/8), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 6/3), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; 2/0), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 20/9), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 7/1)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on November 20, 2023, 07:19:19 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/oG3cnrS.png)
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 20, 2023, 07:35:18 PM
usmnt roster for upcoming nations league games vs t and t. also copa america qualifying. pulisic and weah both out with injuries. otherwise, looks solid. like some of the young guys given a chance with pulisic and weah out.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Ethan Horvath (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 9/0), Gaga Slonina (KAS Eupen/BEL; 1/0), Matt Turner (Nottingham Forest/ENG; 35/0)
DEFENDERS (8): Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic/SCO; 14/0), Sergiño Dest (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 30/2), Kristoffer Lund (Palermo/ITA; 3/0), Tim Ream (Fulham/ENG; 53/1), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace/ENG; 14/1), Antonee Robinson (Fulham/ENG; 37/2), Miles Robinson (Atlanta United; 27/3), Joe Scally (Borussia Mönchengladbach/GER; 7/0)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Paxten Aaronson (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER; 1/0), Johnny Cardoso (Internacional/BRA; 9/0), Luca de la Torre (Celta Vigo/ESP; 19/0), Lennard Maloney (Heidenheim/GER; 1/0), Weston McKennie (Juventus/ITA; 48/11), Yunus Musah (AC Milan/ITA; 31/0), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund/GER; 22/6), Malik Tillman (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 6/0)
FORWARDS (5): Brenden Aaronson (Union Berlin/GER; 36/8), Folarin Balogun (Monaco/FRA; 6/3), Kevin Paredes (Wolfsburg/GER; 2/0), Ricardo Pepi (PSV Eindhoven/NED; 20/9), Alex Zendejas (Club América/MEX; 7/1)

Those late goals to push it from 0-0 to 3-0 make tonight's game way less stressful.

I'm more rooting for Mexico to have to play their way into Copa now
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on November 20, 2023, 09:50:19 PM
Well, and we advance with a loss.  Yuck
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: utee94 on November 21, 2023, 12:35:44 AM
Nebraska is a soccer school.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: MarqHusker on November 21, 2023, 01:09:01 AM
they used to play off campus halfway to iowa it seemed.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: FearlessF on November 21, 2023, 08:07:43 AM
Nebraska is a soccer school.
could be with a couple more wins
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 08, 2023, 12:33:41 PM
Let's Go Crew!
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 10, 2023, 09:00:55 AM
Crew defeats LA 2-1 in the MLS Cup. 
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Brutus Buckeye on December 10, 2023, 09:02:25 AM
The 2024 Concacaf Champions League field: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_CONCACAF_Champions_Cup#Teams
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: Kris60 on December 10, 2023, 09:55:38 AM
Took my son to a Crew game back in June.  Soccer is the one sport he shows a little interest in.  We had a great time.  I was actually surprised at how much I personally enjoyed it.  The crowd and atmosphere were great.

Spent $100 at the game buying him a team jersey.  Best money I ever spent.  Kid lives in that shirt.  We didn’t get a chance to watch the game yesterday but he was happy they won, and was naturally wearing his jersey yesterday.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: TyphonInc on December 12, 2023, 10:18:38 AM
Crew defeats LA 2-1 in the MLS Cup.
H3ll yah they did. It was a great game, great atmosphere, great time.
Title: Re: ~Soccer Thread~
Post by: ELA on February 26, 2024, 11:53:03 PM
Women's soccer.on the global stage has gotten way deeper, very quickly.  USA enjoyed a nice head start, but much like mens basketball, the other countries are catching up, because we have a horrible development system, centered around college sports and shoe driven AAU programs.  Losing to Mexico was recently unthinkable