All threads are temporary. This one's about soccer.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 11:36 am

Brendan Rodgers has done an amazing job with Suarez. Ypu guys remember the commotion in the summer. Suarez was out of control. Rumors to Madrid etc...

What a transformation

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 11:51 am

degenerasian wrote:Can't remember a season where Spurs and Newcastle were so irrelevant.

I'll take irrelevance over a relegation battle.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 1:49 pm

Liverpool is a pretty good advertisement for missing out on European competition entirely, provided you have the finances and prestige to hold on to a European-caliber team. United and Spurs should start tanking as if they were the Bucks and Sixers now.

Tom 1860 · Post by **Tom 1860** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 3:28 pm

I think one thing we have learnt is what a great manager can do with limited playing talent: SAF some how managed to get United the EPL title last year and this season with an improved squad and a different manager, they have been way off the pace... Scholes retiring for good has not helped Moyes at all, but the squad is very much the same...

I realise that Chelsea have improved with a better manager as have Man city. Liverpool are getting very good and Brendan Rodgers has done a good job (because he has been given a little time to work).

De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Jones, Evans, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Buttner, Rafael, Giggs, Carrick, Cleverly, Fletcher, Fellaini, Matta, Kagawa, Young, Januzaj, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Wellbeck, Hernandez and RVP

Up to the mark players (in bold), by my count, that is 11 players who are leaving, not up to it or passed it... United need to seriously invest. They need at least another GK, 4 full backs (left and right), 2 wide players, 2 central midfielders and probably another striker. That will cost some serious cash, and prices will be through the roof with it being a WC year.

joeyclams · Post by **joeyclams** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 5:24 pm

Tom 1860 wrote:I think one thing we have learnt is what a great manager can do with limited playing talent: SAF some how managed to get United the EPL title last year and this season with an improved squad and a different manager, they have been way off the pace... Scholes retiring for good has not helped Moyes at all, but the squad is very much the same...

I realise that Chelsea have improved with a better manager as have Man city. Liverpool are getting very good and Brendan Rodgers has done a good job (because he has been given a little time to work).

De Gea, Lindegaard, Amos, Jones, Evans, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Buttner, Rafael, Giggs, Carrick, Cleverly, Fletcher, Fellaini, Matta, Kagawa, Young, Januzaj, Nani, Valencia, Rooney, Wellbeck, Hernandez and RVP

Up to the mark players (in bold), by my count, that is 11 players who are leaving, not up to it or passed it... United need to seriously invest. They need at least another GK, 4 full backs (left and right), 2 wide players, 2 central midfielders and probably another striker. That will cost some serious cash, and prices will be through the roof with it being a WC year.

Rafael isn't going anywhere. He's actually had a very good season. He hasn't been helped by the crap in the center of defense but he's better than most think.

As for the others, I think they all need to go but I could see Buttner staying as backup to whoever they get to replace Evra. And Evra not a goner for sure either. Giggs will sign on again so he's probably staying around to get to 1000 appearances. Cleverly will probably stay as well since he inexplicably still gets starts ahead of Kagawa but he should be gone.

Way I see it Moyes/Krupp will call up some youth teamers, like Will Keane, Davide Petrucci, Jesse Linegard and Michael Keane, to fill some holes. Might as well see if there are any gems. He'll spend a bunch of money as well to fill the rest but I see only 2-3 top players being bought since in a WC year, they'll be super expensive. He'll buy another 2-3 squad players/young investments to fill out his squad. It's about all fans can expect. The type of overhaul needed cannot be done in a single window.

I hope ManU declines the invite to the UEFA Cup just so they can focus on returning to the UCL in 2015. That has to be the priority for next year. Wasting time and energy playing in the UEFA Cup is just dumb. Look at Spurs, Swansea, etc for examples of how this competition just ruins seasons instead of helping.

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 5:52 pm

Just to illustrate, that game today was Liverpool's 37th of the season in all competitions. It was Spurs' 48th. There's a mountain of other reasons why it was so one-sided, but you can't tell me that LFC would be playing with the same efficiency right now with 11 extra games under the belt.

Pruitt · Post by **Pruitt** » Sun Mar 30, 2014 8:00 pm

Rex wrote:Liverpool is a pretty good advertisement for missing out on European competition entirely, provided you have the finances and prestige to hold on to a European-caliber team. United and Spurs should start tanking as if they were the Bucks and Sixers now.

That is my hope - and has been since it became apparent that Spurs were lucky not to be 14th.

Problem is that their schedule is the bottom feeders of the league, but if you've been watching this crappy squad this year, you'd notice that whenever they play a motivated team, they lose by scores like 4-0 and 5-0. So a run of loses would not look unusual.

You know, they really had no choice but to sell Bale. he wanted out and the money was too good to turn down. But it may have been the worst shopping spree in the history of soccer. What a waste of capital - and if they try to sell stiffs like Paulinho, Capoue, Soldado, Chadli and Lamela, they'll be lucky to get 50 cents on the dollar.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Mar 31, 2014 9:46 am

I misread Joey's post as "Evra not a gooner for sure" instead of goner. I got excited for a second, as I hadn't heard those rumors. Probably because there are no rumors. I like Arsenal's left back situation anyways, and it looks like we need to bring in a right back, as Sagna isn't going to get the 3 year contract he is demanding. It'll be a shame to see him go, but at 31 yo, a 3 year deal doesn't make sense, since Arsenal is actually run like a business, not the play thing of a criminal oil tycoon. From what I'm reading, it sounds like there is a decent chance of RvP leaving. Not sure how he would be received by Arsenal fans, but our desperation for another striker and the fact that he left with class makes me think he'd be welcomed. I do think he is getting too old and has to much of a history with injuries to warrant the money he will get.

joeyclams · Post by **joeyclams** » Mon Mar 31, 2014 11:56 am

The Sybian wrote:I misread Joey's post as "Evra not a gooner for sure" instead of goner. I got excited for a second, as I hadn't heard those rumors. Probably because there are no rumors. I like Arsenal's left back situation anyways, and it looks like we need to bring in a right back, as Sagna isn't going to get the 3 year contract he is demanding. It'll be a shame to see him go, but at 31 yo, a 3 year deal doesn't make sense, since Arsenal is actually run like a business, not the play thing of a criminal oil tycoon. From what I'm reading, it sounds like there is a decent chance of RvP leaving. Not sure how he would be received by Arsenal fans, but our desperation for another striker and the fact that he left with class makes me think he'd be welcomed. I do think he is getting too old and has to much of a history with injuries to warrant the money he will get.

RVP isn't going anywhere either. After his hat-trick v. Olympiacos saved Moyes' job, no way he lets him leave. And certainly not back to Arsenal.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Mar 31, 2014 1:36 pm

Bizarre and scary injury in a recent game in Ukraine after an attacking player takes a knee to the head from the goalie. Not sure exactly what happened here, but it looks like the forward goes into seizures and is choking on his tongue when an opposing player rushes to his aid, and gets his finger bitten for his efforts. A little strange how 5 or so players immediately swarm the downed player and appear to jump on him. Perhaps attempting to hold him down while he twitches? Also surprised the medical staff lets him stand up when he is clearly extremely wobbly. Scary stuff.

Here is another angle:

Rush2112 · Post by **Rush2112** » Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:43 am

This is pretty good.

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Wed Apr 02, 2014 12:49 pm

Barca may not be buying for a while

Rex · Post by **Rex** » Wed Apr 02, 2014 10:23 pm

France in the front, Costa Rica in the back...

P.D.X. · Post by **P.D.X.** » Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:18 pm

Rex wrote:France in the front, Costa Rica in the back...

I'll take it if we keep playing like this.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 11:43 am

10 years ago yesterday, Freddy Adu played his first pro game. Today he is living at home with no contract (not even an NASL deal). Surprised he did not catch on with the Cosmos.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 11:51 am

As a Baltimore kid who grew up playing ball in the 80s, I know pro soccer involves 5 on a side, boards, a penalty box, Tatu, and Keith Van Aaron. Well the Missouri Comets beat the Baltimore Blast for the MISL championship this weekend. And then on Monday the MISL basically died. The MISL is run by USL (A-league, USPro, etc). They have released the teams and plan to "reorganize the league" which may include no season next year. The teams are looking at what to do next, which may include joining the PASL.

Milwaukee Wave (they also fired their coach of 21 years)
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/soccer/m ... 81611.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Baltimore Blast
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2014-0 ... -sidekicks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

P.D.X. · Post by **P.D.X.** » Fri Apr 04, 2014 12:58 pm

SAF a Harvard Prof now.

Post by **Sabo** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 9:10 am

I think it's safe to say Arsenal struggles at defending the counterattack.

And when did Everton sign Aiden McGeady? I thought he was being overpaid by Zenit or one of the other Russian teams?

Steve of phpBB · Post by **Steve of phpBB** » Sun Apr 06, 2014 3:22 pm

Leicester City cilnched one of the automatic promotion spots to the Premier League.

Hopefully they will keep my idol, former Tangerine Gary Taylor-Fletcher.

The promotion finally lays to rest the ghosts of 2010, when they lost in penalties to Cardiff in the promotion semifinals. Which, for me, is another good excuse to go find that Yann Kermorgant Youtube video.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 8:31 am

US can Women's national team coach after a win this week. He has only been on the job for 18 months and had a pretty good record but a rough outing at the Algavre cup. Guessing some of the players were not fans.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:49 am

Arsenal finally make the big splash they needed in the transfer market, but a bit too late to stay in contention this season. Arsenal just signed Tyler, 9 yo illegitimate child of Ashley Young. Hopefully he is a striker so we have some cover for Giroud.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 12:29 pm

The Sybian wrote:Arsenal finally make the big splash they needed in the transfer market, but a bit too late to stay in contention this season. Arsenal just signed Tyler, 9 yo illegitimate child of Ashley Young. Hopefully he is a striker so we have some cover for Giroud.

He signing in crayon?

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Mon Apr 07, 2014 12:29 pm

wlu_lax6 wrote:
The Sybian wrote:Arsenal finally make the big splash they needed in the transfer market, but a bit too late to stay in contention this season. Arsenal just signed Tyler, 9 yo illegitimate child of Ashley Young. Hopefully he is a striker so we have some cover for Giroud.

Is he signing in crayon?

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 5:32 am

Looks like we are getting a SE division in the MLS. Orlando next year, whenever Becks gets his Miami Vice up and running and now a team in ATL. Announcement coming April 16. Arthur Blank will be the owner. Probably not great news for the Silverbacks.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:53 am

Sabo wrote:I think it's safe to say Arsenal struggles at defending the counterattack.

And when did Everton sign Aiden McGeady? I thought he was being overpaid by Zenit or one of the other Russian teams?

I am in shock that Arsenal is battling for the last CL spot. I really thought they had clinched 4th place a long time ago. Amazing run by Everton, which I really hope ends. Also have a slight worry about ManU winning the UCL and taking the fourth spot. I think Europa League is more of curse. Nobody cares about it, and it packs the schedule. I think Liverpool not playing in Europe this year is a huge bonus down the stretch. That is a lot of travel and additional games, which takes its toll. It'll be devastating if Arsenal lose the money from playing in the CL, plus it'll kill their chances of signing top class players this summer, right when they are on the verge of becoming relevant again.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:58 am

The Sybian wrote:
Sabo wrote:I think it's safe to say Arsenal struggles at defending the counterattack.

And when did Everton sign Aiden McGeady? I thought he was being overpaid by Zenit or one of the other Russian teams?

I am in shock that Arsenal is battling for the last CL spot. I really thought they had clinched 4th place a long time ago. Amazing run by Everton, which I really hope ends. Also have a slight worry about ManU winning the UCL and taking the fourth spot. I think Europa League is more of curse. Nobody cares about it, and it packs the schedule. I think Liverpool not playing in Europe this year is a huge bonus down the stretch. That is a lot of travel and additional games, which takes its toll. It'll be devastating if Arsenal lose the money from playing in the CL, plus it'll kill their chances of signing top class players this summer, right when they are on the verge of becoming relevant again.

I don't know why teams dread Europa League or league Cup, I think that's a great opportunity to play your kids.
In a cup competition I would play an reserve/under-21 team or players recovring from injury and the more games you win, the more you play. If you lose you're SOL. Why try to win the thing and hey if the kids win it, all the better. Treat it like a AAA team. Does the MLB team really care of their AAA wins the title?

A_B · Post by **A_B** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 9:59 am

Liverpool have definitely benefited from less fixture clogging. Those extra 10-12 games take a toll for certain, especially when you get into the later stages where you can't really use much squad rotation because the games matter more.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 2:15 pm

Almost put this in the spins thread, but .....
FIFA releases the World Cup track list....and I realize why my music tastes are not related to the global trends/world music. I mean I understood the one hit wonder of Who Let the Dogs Out....but that fact that the Baha Men make the list with a song is just gross. Why can't FIFA just get an anthem in the style of Champions League and be done. I don't need Pitbull, JLO and such. I like K'Naan but was not happy the remixed/relyriced his song 4 years ago.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/media/news ... news_box_1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Tue Apr 08, 2014 11:22 pm

wlu_lax6 wrote:Almost put this in the spins thread, but .....
FIFA releases the World Cup track list....and I realize why my music tastes are not related to the global trends/world music. I mean I understood the one hit wonder of Who Let the Dogs Out....but that fact that the Baha Men make the list with a song is just gross. Why can't FIFA just get an anthem in the style of Champions League and be done. I don't need Pitbull, JLO and such. I like K'Naan but was not happy the remixed/relyriced his song 4 years ago.
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/media/news ... news_box_1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They do have an anthem when the players come out.

This is the intro for international broadcasts

I don't know why they come out with this other shit.

wlu_lax6 · Post by **wlu_lax6** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 12:53 pm

This one is better than Ian Darke

govmentchedda · Post by **govmentchedda** » Wed Apr 09, 2014 1:08 pm

wlu_lax6 wrote:This one is better than Ian Darke

Goosebumps. Can't wait for this summer.

elflaco · Post by **elflaco** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 12:51 pm

Arsenal... so very maddening... on the brink..

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 11:25 pm

govmentchedda wrote:
wlu_lax6 wrote:This one is better than Ian Darke

Goosebumps. Can't wait for this summer.

HOLY FUCK, Bring it!!!!!!!!!!!

And now to the lit thread.

The Sybian · Post by **The Sybian** » Sat Apr 12, 2014 11:28 pm

elflaco wrote:Arsenal... so very maddening... on the brink..

No shit. I just finished watching on DVR, and as the tape began I realized I didn't record the following show in case of extra time. Happy for the trip to the finals, but man was that an uninspired performance. Sonogo is horrible. Or maybe scared shitless. Hopefully netting one will help him settle in, but man does his first touch suck.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:32 am

Who's awake? Biggest game in the world starting.

Rams Fanny · Post by **Rams Fanny** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:41 am

degenerasian wrote:Who's awake? Biggest game in the world starting.

Those five minutes before kickoff were incredible. Hopefully the game can be just as good.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:47 am

Great opening goal. City need to wake up.

Brontoburglar · Post by **Brontoburglar** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 7:48 am

Rams Fanny wrote:
degenerasian wrote:Who's awake? Biggest game in the world starting.
Those five minutes before kickoff were incredible. Hopefully the game can be just as good.

So far so good, if you're a Liverpool fan

cerrano · Post by **cerrano** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:41 am

toure injured and aguero on the bench for this match. this may not be citeh's year.

degenerasian · Post by **degenerasian** » Sun Apr 13, 2014 8:49 am

Suarez has to be sent off for that dive. If the ref has no balls to call that then they'll never get diving out of the game.