Footba...I mean soccer

[jetdog]

<p>As Authorized by Hottub, a new soccer thread.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[jetdog]

David Beckham sucks.<br />

[Judge Smails]

<p>My dad is a right off the boat Eye-talian so I was indoctrinated at an early age.&nbsp; We had season tickets for the New York Cosmos for their whole run at Giants Stadium from about 1977-83.&nbsp; Never missed a single game including Pele's Farewell Game.&nbsp; If anyone's wondering what it would feel like if soccer were actually popular in this country then rent this documentary:</p><p><img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0871139413.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" border="0" width="201" height="218" /></p><p>There was a small window in time when the Cosmos were the biggest thing in New York.&nbsp; On any given night, they were outdrawing the Yankees and the Mets combined.&nbsp; And for a while they held the attendence record&nbsp;for Giants Stadium.&nbsp; The movie covers all the crazy shit that went on behind the scenes like after-game parties at Studio 54,&nbsp; visits by celebrities as diverse as Henry Kissinger and a drunken Keith Richards wandering around the locker room.&nbsp; It's really interesting to realize how big they were for a fleeting moment and went from 78,000+ people in the stands to less tha 3,000 once Pele was gone.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[johnniewalker]

I saw a story on ESPN Classic on that.&nbsp; That was really cool, and its amazing how short a time ago that was and amazing how it fell that much out of popularity after that.&nbsp;

[jetdog]

Funny how this couldn't be repeated with MLS.&nbsp; I just can't get into it.&nbsp; I don't know what it is, even after the World Cup, MLS just doesn't hold my interest.&nbsp; And yet I'm infatuated with the Premeirship and Champions League.&nbsp; Maybe it's the small fields they usually play on.&nbsp; I don't know.<br />

[sachsich]

i totally agree with you. mls, not too much fun to watch compared to european leagues.&nbsp; champs league is def. the best. i cant wait to see who is paired up for the knockout stage.&nbsp; should be some good matchups.&nbsp; does fifa 07 have a world cup tournament?? i was thinking of getting it. i havent had a new fifa since 04<br />

[furie]

I've always liked and followed Ajax Amsterdam.
for MLS, It's DCU. Even though I'm a NY guy, i could never get behinds the NY/NJ thing. It's one or the other.

[NickyL0885]

I love to Premiership. Its the best socccer. People think soccer is boring. Well, maybe MLS, but not the EPL. I wish Fox Soccer Channel would show more matches!!!! Live ones too.&nbsp; There is a channel that shows the games, but its not available on cablevision. BLAH!!!!

[jetdog]

Yeah outside of Champions League, I defenitely think the premeirship is the most exciting.&nbsp; Those crazy fucks will crack a shot from just about anywhere if they feel like it.&nbsp; Spain's La Liga is next on my list, nutty ball handling skills and crazy intricate goals.&nbsp; <br />

[Furtherman]

<p>That is a fantastic documentary!!</p><p>I love how for Pele's first game they had to <em>spraypaint</em> the ground green because it was in such bad condition.&nbsp; Pele almost quit because he thought he caught some kind of fungus when he saw all the green on his foot!</p>

[Fezticle98]

<p>I'm a fan of La Liga in Spain and the Bundesliga in Germany. I used to live both places and my father and I would go to Bundesliga games all the time in Stuttgart. The atmosphere for VfB Stuttgart vs. Bayern Munich was something else.</p><p>The MLS is a little tough to watch. I like DC and have gone to a couple games when I was up there, but I have a hard time watching it on TV. Finally got Fox Soccer Channel and GOL TV down here.</p><p>Klinsmann pulls his name from consideration for US MNT job. Shit. I thought it was a sure thing:</p><p><a href="http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=185726">http://www.goal.com/en-us/Articolo.aspx?ContenutoId=185726</a></p>

[Marc with a c]

<p>anyone watching this friendly?</p><p>it's getting exciting</p>

[weekapaugjz]

i wish i knew this was on earlier.&nbsp; im not a huge fan of soccer but i enjoy watching the national team play.

[Kevin]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br /><p>anyone watching this friendly?</p><p>it's getting exciting</p><p>&nbsp;Mexico is doing what the always do... They are making a fucking home on our side of the field.....<br /> </p>

[Marc with a c]

soccer is fun to watch, i dont get that people dont think it's exciting

[Marc with a c]

<strong>Kevin</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br /><p>anyone watching this friendly?</p><p>it's getting exciting</p><p>&nbsp;Mexico is doing what the always do... They are making a fucking home on our side of the field.....</p><p>ummm.&nbsp; i had to read this three times to get it.&nbsp; </p><p>im tired.</p>

[weekapaugjz]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br />soccer is fun to watch, i dont get that people dont think it's exciting<p>for me its really hit or miss.&nbsp; the game is either fast paced and exciting or extremely dull.&nbsp; but i guess the same can be said about many nfl games. </p>

[Kevin]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Kevin</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br /><p>anyone watching this friendly?</p><p>it's getting exciting</p><p> Mexico is doing what the always do... They are making a fucking home on our side of the field.....</p><p>ummm. i had to read this three times to get it. </p><p>im tired.</p><p>&nbsp;our d is just as bad as our boarder....</p>

[Kevin]

wow i gaind 298 sheepy points!!!! NICE... i don't know how...

[Judge Smails]

I wish I'd known about this sooner also.&nbsp; Who is that doing color commentary: Club Soda Kenny?

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by Judge Smails on 2-7-07 @ 11:07 PM</span>

[Marc with a c]

<strong>Kevin</strong> wrote:<br />wow i gaind 298 sheepy points!!!! NICE... i don't know how... <p>twas the drapes</p>

[Kevin]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br /><strong>Kevin</strong> wrote:<br />wow i gaind 298 sheepy points!!!! NICE... i don't know how... <p>twas the drapes</p><p>&nbsp;WHAT ABOUT THE PLASTIC ON MY COUCH???? Don't i get points for that??? </p>

[blakjeezis]

The MLS is brutal. Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuutal. And forgive me sweeping with a very broad brushstroke, but there is something in the collective American conscious that just can't grasp the game. I don't know what it is, believe me I've tried to figure it out. It's fascinating. Even Americans who are into the game, watch all the Euro leagues and the South American leagues, still seem to be missing it. I wish I could tell you what it was and how to fix it, because then I wouldn't have to sit through excruciating conversations like the numerous I had this summer during the World Cup. Y'all just don't seem to get it. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. I really do. It's an observation, not a judgement. Even Americans that play the game don't understand, like that turdbag Marcelo Balboa. Without a doubt, bar none, the worst sports commentary I've ever heard, in any sport.

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by blakjeezis on 2-7-07 @ 11:17 PM</span>

[Judge Smails]

<p>I don't understand why we insist on playing Mexico in places like California or Arizona.&nbsp; Are we that much more concerned about selling tickets than we are of getting a totally pro-US crowd.&nbsp; We should be playing Mexico in Minnesota or North Dakota.&nbsp; Let them have to deal with the cold and a hostile crowd like we have to deal with the reverse down there.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[Kevin]

WWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!&nbsp;&nbsp;

[Marc with a c]

<strong>blakjeezis</strong> wrote:<br />The MLS is brutal. Bruuuuuuuuuuuuuutal. And forgive me sweeping with a very broad brushstroke, but there is something in the collective American conscious that just can't grasp the game. I don't know what it is, believe me I've tried to figure it out. It's fascinating. Even Americans who are into the game, watch all the Euro leagues and the South American leagues, still seem to be missing it. I wish I could tell you what it was and how to fix it, because then I wouldn't have to sit through excruciating conversations like the numerous I had this summer during the World Cup. Y'all just don't seem to get it. And I mean that in the nicest possible way. I really do. It's an observation, not a judgement. Even Americans that play the game don't understand, like that turdbag Marcelo Balboa. Without a doubt, bar none, the worst sports commentary I've ever heard, in any sport. <span class="post_edited">This message was edited by blakjeezis on 2-7-07 @ 11:17 PM</span> <p>you're obviously bitter because we got beckham, and he is brining the soccer revolution to the states.</p><p>goal.</p>

[blakjeezis]

The only thing Beckham is bringing to the States is hair mousse; hair mousse and three retarded children.

[Marc with a c]

and a beautiful smile.

[Kevin]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br />and a beautiful smile.<p>&nbsp;You just lost every straight point you just got in the Hot chic thread.<br /> </p>

[Marc with a c]

i dont believe i have ever been in the positive in that category no matter how many girls i french.

[Kevin]

<strong>Marc with a c</strong> wrote:<br />i dont believe i have ever been in the positive in that category no matter how many guys i french.<p> Fixed it!!</p>

<span class=post_edited>This message was edited by Kevin on 2-7-07 @ 11:26 PM</span>

[Fezticle98]

<p>Excellent game. The mexican team are a bunch of pricks. I guess I don't blame them, it must be tough to see the US catch and then pass you in your national sport.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

[Landblast]

<strong>jetdog</strong> wrote:<br />David Beckham sucks.<br /> <p>&nbsp;ABC's Nightline had a famous pub owner in England quote &quot;Beckham's rubbish, and if your rubbish, you got to America&quot;</p>

[Dan 'Hampton]

<p>Are there any other soccer sites you check out daily besides soccernet, or your clubs page.&nbsp; I'm looking to supplement my addiction.</p><p>And what podcasts do you dl relating to soccer.&nbsp;</p>

[Rockvillejoe]

<strong>fezticle98</strong> wrote:<br /><p>Excellent game. The mexican team are a bunch of pricks. I guess I don't blame them, it must be tough to see the US catch and then pass you in your national sport.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Still no reason top play at a level so dirty that you may end a career like that move the mexican&nbsp;goalie tried on eddie johnson....... the mls is doing fine. as long as espn writes the checks, they will be okay...... for me, there is no more pleasurable sporting event, except front row seats at an nba game or atp tennis, then sitting in rfk stadium on a beautiful summer night, beer in hand, overlooking a &nbsp;perfectly manicured pitch , with a raucous, supportive crowd, comprising mostly of young urban professionals,&nbsp;white boys with their hot asian girlfriends, and watching the beautiful game played at a decent level. I've been to old trafford, to goodison park, in england,&nbsp;seen their best up close. i can say that the mls is far, but not that far behind.&nbsp; the speed of play and absolute perfect touch and pinpoint passing is superior there, but it ain't that bad here. for those not interested, you are missing out on a truly great time.&nbsp;i love that game.</p>

[johnniewalker]

Has anyone been checking out the champions league at all? Espn is playing ManU and AC Milan right now on Espn2. Edit: This is some abbrievated version of a replay, but they do play full games.

[spadanko]

Forza Azzurri! Forza Milan!!

[sailor]

<p>I don't understand why we insist on playing Mexico in places like California or Arizona.&nbsp; Are we that much more concerned about selling tickets than we are of getting a totally pro-US crowd.&nbsp; We should be playing Mexico in Minnesota or North Dakota.&nbsp; Let them have to deal with the cold and a hostile crowd like we have to deal with the reverse down there.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

when the matches count, we play them in cold-weather places like that. in one round of qualifying i think we offered to play them in LA or such as long as we didn't have to play at mexico city. they said no, so we played them in like foxboro in november/december. fuck them. i really hate mexico and the shit they pull with regards to our soccer team and how much we hate them. it makes me more happy to beat them than just aboot any team in any sport.

[sailor]

Has anyone been checking out the champions league at all? Espn is playing ManU and AC Milan right now on Espn2. Edit: This is some abbrievated version of a replay, but they do play full games.

i caught part of it, but hate them both so i turned it off at half-time.

[cougarjake13]

Has anyone been checking out the champions league at all? Espn is playing ManU and AC Milan right now on Espn2. Edit: This is some abbrievated version of a replay, but they do play full games.

just a weird thing i noticed

last post in this thread before johnniewalker was on 2-08-2007

JW's post was at 2:08


just weird is alls im saying

[sailor]

just a weird thing i noticed

last post in this thread before johnniewalker was on 2-08-2007

JW's post was at 2:08


just weird is alls im saying

link (http://tinyurl.com/222zxk)

[cougarjake13]

link (http://tinyurl.com/222zxk)

nice !!!!!!!!

[sailor]

nice !!!!!!!!

i try

[johnniewalker]

Alright sailor maybe liverpool and chelsea might be more up your ally. Liverpool up 1-0, but lost last week 0-1. Should be good, on espn2 right now.

[sailor]

Alright sailor maybe liverpool and chelsea might be more up your ally. Liverpool up 1-0, but lost last week 0-1. Should be good, on espn2 right now.

thanks! at least i don't hate them. too bad i have to work next week. this was getting to be fun. for the record, i'm a coventry city supporter. don't ask me why. after robbie keane left, they quickly fell apart. after they were relegated, it's been really hard to watch any matches.

[C_T]

what podcasts do you dl relating to soccer.&nbsp;</p>

1. BBC 606 (Football Phone-In)
Absolutely amazing call-in show from the UK, Saturday, Sunday, and a midweek show (though often more during European weeks). Seriously, this is an absolute must-listen.
itunes link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...t?id=129584472

2. The Game With Danny Kelly
The best weekly podcast I've heard. Consistenly insightful and funny with a terrific group of co-hosts.
itunes link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...t?id=191105605

3. The Beautiful Game
A weekly show, and far and away the best "amateur" show I've heard. They dig up a lot of great quotes and stats that are overlooked by mainstream press and have great features. Really like this show.
itunes link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...t?id=123497012

4. Football Weekly on Guardian Unlimited
Another weekly from the UK, very good, and nice insight on Spain usually.
itunes link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...t?id=188674007

5. ESPNsoccernet Extra
I found this one a little flat on my first few listens, but I've grown to like it more as the weeks roll on. This one comes out twice a week, essentially a recap and preview show, usually Monday and Thursday.
itunes link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/M...t?id=184467391


All but #5 are off for the summer, but trust me and go ahead and subscribe to them now, because they're all good shows.

[Dan 'Hampton]

I DL 1 and 5. You're a Spurs fan you need to dl Cock on Ball (cockonball.com). Great fancast. And only Spurs one I can find. New site and forum as well.

[BeltOfScotch]

So Beckham might not even play in this meaningless game on Saturday against Chelsea. According to an article on the website, ESPN plans to have 19 cameras ready to follow Beckham around, talk about being completely clueless. They should be using this opportunity to promote the sport and educate new fans how to follow it, not obsess over one past his prime player.

Manchester United made what was by far their best move in the transfer market. Forget Hargreaves, Nani, Anderson and maybe Tevez. WE GOT RID OF RICHARDSHIT :clap::clap::clap:

[Dan 'Hampton]

Kills me ManUre got Nani and Anderson. They projected really well in Fifa 07

[tapedknuckles]

Now that the lynch mob is fully revved up to hang MLS from the nearest tree, do try to get to a game in Toronto.

Its nuts.

I sit in a crowd sprinkled with sods from the old country....Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds etc. They were skeptics for the first game or two, and now their joining in like its back home.
My ears are ringing after every game. No corny P.A. announcements and stadium rock, no cheerleaders, no lame inducements for "let's make some noise" from the jumbotron. Just mulitple supporter groups that initiate a rolling series of chants and foul language jeers that never, ever, let up.

Now when Beckham lines up his first corner in early August - in front of the south end...

[Dan 'Hampton]

One of the MLS's biggest problem is the lack of propper soccer stadiums. Most are fit on a football field with the fans way too far away.

[cougarjake13]

One of the MLS's biggest problem is the lack of propper soccer stadiums. Most are fit on a football field with the fans way too far away.

arent a lot of the teams in the process of getting soccer only stadium ???

[BeltOfScotch]

arent a lot of the teams in the process of getting soccer only stadium ???

Yeah they're coming along. That will help, the quality of the soccer still has to get better though, that combined with another name or two (although the Red Bulls being out of designated player spots hurts) and the league could really get going.

To me the biggest issue is balancing the needs of the league and the national team. The top players could really use experience in Europe to make them better and make the national team better. But, MLS really needs those guys to stay to help the league be better. It's going to take a balancing act.

Jozey Altidore, for example, can play here for a year or two but he has to go to Europe. The U.S. has probably never had a truly dangerous striker like him, he needs to play against the best competition.

[cougarjake13]

Yeah they're coming along. That will help, the quality of the soccer still has to get better though, that combined with another name or two (although the Red Bulls being out of designated player spots hurts) and the league could really get going.

To me the biggest issue is balancing the needs of the league and the national team. The top players could really use experience in Europe to make them better and make the national team better. But, MLS really needs those guys to stay to help the league be better. It's going to take a balancing act.

Jozey Altidore, for example, can play here for a year or two but he has to go to Europe. The U.S. has probably never had a truly dangerous striker like him, he needs to play against the best competition.


what they need to do if they havent already is have teams in cities that have large populations of spanish speaking, europeans, and other traditionally soccer fan friendly countries

like down here in tampa theres a huge contigent of mexicans,domicans and cubans and we had a us friendly here not too long ago that they played at ray jay ( the tb bucs stadium) and sold it out, like around 75,000 to 80,000

[sailor]

what they need to do if they havent already is have teams in cities that have large populations of spanish speaking, europeans, and other traditionally soccer fan friendly countries

like down here in tampa theres a huge contigent of mexicans,domicans and cubans and we had a us friendly here not too long ago that they played at ray jay ( the tb bucs stadium) and sold it out, like around 75,000 to 80,000

friendlies selling out is never an issue, it's whether those folks would show up to see their local team play. most of them wouldn't (just a guess) and would bitch about how it's a crappy inferior product. mls isn't a bad product, people just like to poop on it.