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American Soccer |OT| Life, liberty and the pursuit of the beautiful game

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E

Esch

Banned
UncleO said:
Why the dislike from Europe for the playoff system? If Im not mistaken the biggest footballing events in the continent have to do with a playoff style format. Champions League, Europa, Euros, League Cups etc.

I always wonder how much more fun the EPL would be with a playoff.
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There's the argument of course that playoffs cheapen the worth of games in the regular season, and that consistent performance throughout the season is a better indicator of a team's quality than the most victories in a 'tournament'.
 
A

Askani

Member
Hot damn. Don't make it suck. Centennial crest please: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/artic...anding-board-meeting-no-set-timetable-changes

U.S. Soccer's crest has been the topic of much discussion over the past year or two, with many fans having taken a stronger liking to the centennial badge worn by US national teams last year (seen above, compared to the current crest at right) to celebrate the federation's 100th year, and some even mounting an online petition drive to make it the logo on a permanent basis.

Now it appears that federation decision makers may be edging closer to a badge rebranding, with the issue having been a discussion point at the most recent meeting of U.S. Soccer's board of directors.

Minutes from the board meeting on June 1 in New York City reflect that USSF chief commercial officer Jay Berhalter (brother of Columbus Crew head coach Gregg) reported on tentative plans to work up a new look for U.S. Soccer in time for 2016.

"[Berhalter] informed the Board that staff would be working with [apparel sponsor] Nike on the process of rebranding, including the crest, with a tentative launch period of 2016 for the rebranding effort," read the minutes.

But those eager to see the USSF's new look may have to wait a good while longer.

"We are always reviewing and discussing our brand internally," a U.S. Soccer spokesperson told MLSsoccer.com on Friday. "It's been an ongoing discussion for years, and something we'll continue to explore."
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A

Arials

Member
UncleO said:
Why the dislike from Europe for the playoff system? If Im not mistaken the biggest footballing events in the continent have to do with a playoff style format. Champions League, Europa, Euros, League Cups etc.
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Separate league and cup avoids diluting either format. The English FA Cup is in American parlance a "playoff" that involves over 700 clubs and a full round robin league season does the best job of ordering the teams in terms of quality.

The format for the CL/Europa/Euros/WC is essentially a cup competition that is compromised between involving more teams from more countries and limiting the number of games/structure due to time constraints. There have been serious UEFA proposals recently for a nations league with pro/rel, two year seasons and 8-10 nations per division.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
Landon-Donovan-infographic.gif
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Yellow Zombie Donovan will appear in your nightmares
 
U

UncleO

Member
Esch said:
There's the argument of course that playoffs cheapen the worth of games in the regular season, and that consistent performance throughout the season is a better indicator of a team's quality than the most victories in a 'tournament'.
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Honestly the only sports i buy into that thinking is Low games played sports such as Football(NFL). I always think over a long season 30+ games the better teams will always be near the top. NFL is really the only sports league where it truly is a just get in and you have a chance to win. most other leagues the best teams are their at the end. Not withstanding the NHL the last few years.
 
H

Hasphat'sAnts

Member
UncleO said:
Why the dislike from Europe for the playoff system? If Im not mistaken the biggest footballing events in the continent have to do with a playoff style format. Champions League, Europa, Euros, League Cups etc.

I always wonder how much more fun the EPL would be with a playoff.
Click to expand...

Consider it like baseball. The baseball playoffs are random, and more often than not the best team in the league doesn't actually win the world series.

Winning the pennant race is a lot more indicative of the team's quality over the course of the season.

That's why you have League/Cup/Europe and winning the treble as the ultimate prize in club football.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
VICE Sports: Why "the" MLS Hates Jurgen Klinsmann

"The U.S. has made a lot of noise with MLS being introduced. Now look where MLS is. I know in the beginning there were eight or 10 teams and half of those were supported by [MLS co-founder] Phil Anschutz. Now, you have a league with 18 teams and growing next year again. There are development teams being introduced with the Academy program. It's come a long way, soccer in the United States." - Jurgen Klinsmann, August 1, 2011.

No one appeared to be a bigger advocate for Major League Soccer than Jurgen Klinsmann on the day he was announced as the new U.S. National Team manager. His comments that day reflected the view of someone who saw a league on the rise, and who realized the importance MLS would hold during his tenure.

Yet, since then, Klinsmann has consistently criticized the league that supplied almost half of the roster for his 2014 World Cup team. People inside MLS believe that at nearly every opportunity, Klinsmann has intentionally found a way to chide some aspect of the domestic league: MLS' summer schedule, the lack of a promotion or relegation structure, and the overall quality of play.

MLS executives seethe with each comment.

The public perception of Klinsmann is far different from his perception amongst the soccer community in the United States, according to one source close to MLS. The private view of Klinsmann shared by many who work within the league structure—according to the source—is that of a National Team manager whose ego has far exceeded any tangible accomplishments as U.S. manager, and whose bombastic personality has created an almost untenable relationship with MLS decision makers, which is to the detriment of soccer's long-term growth in the U.S.

Critics within the league believe Klinsmann has been empowered by a federation that anointed him as a savior from the moment he was hired. Those critics feel he has been given almost unprecedented power, and a benefit of the doubt that none of his predecessors received. Whether true or false, the perception is that Klinsmann doesn't have to answer to anybody.

...

Garber's passionate retort to Klinsmann's comments were viewed by many as the commissioner being overly sensitive to what seemed to be a fair assessment of MLS in comparison to leagues in Europe. In fact, several people queried seemed to be dumbfounded as to why Garber would take such a drastic step. Many in the media have characterized Garber's comments as a public relations disaster.

But such was the festering discontent with Klinsmann.

One assessment of Klinsmann's blunt MLS criticisms is that they come without actual analysis or, more importantly, without real solutions other than to suggest that European leagues are better than domestic leagues, a determination even a casual fan could make. Also, Klinsmann's perceived ripping of MLS is counter to his promise to help soccer grow in the U.S. His actions—strongly suggesting that U.S. players need to play in Europe and going after dual nationals—point to him wanting to ensure his own legacy without having any lasting impact on the game here.

Surely some of the overall dislike within MLS for Klinsmann can be perceived as jealousy. A handful of people believe they have worked tirelessly for the past 20 years building up U.S. soccer with little recognition, and now the camera friendly Klinsmann pops in and discredits all their work while taking credit for any gains. Many believe he has gotten a free pass from both the media and fans.

...

But Garber's anger was not only about Klinsmann's most recent comments. It was about an accumulation of comments.

Klinsmann's backers can argue that his comments about MLS help bring up important issues that deserve to be addressed. More importantly, it can be argued that the criticisms have been spot on.

But the issue isn't necessarily Klinsmann's freedom to have an opinion on these matters. It's what people perceive as his motivation for expressing these thoughts. At MLS, the belief is that Klinsmann uses these comments to promote the one thing he cares about most: himself.
Click to expand...
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
Gareth Barry:

"America was an option and there was a conversation about it but when I spoke to the coaches here they said, ‘If you are going there, you are retiring.’
That was in my head. Obviously I did not agree it was retiring but I sort of agreed it would have been going to a league that is up and coming and not as big as the Premier League so I could see their point."


How can foreign players expect to come to MLS and keep playing for their national team when the US coach regularly states that he doesn't want his own players to be there?
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
Sunderland look to offload USA striker Altidore in January

Sunderland will make Jozy Altidore, Charis Mavrias and Emanuele Giaccherini available for transfer in January as the club looks to offload its expensive flops, Goal understands.

The three internationals will head a list of squad players that sporting director Lee Congerton is eager to move on.

Gus Poyet does not see the trio as vital to his plans, while allowing players to leave could allow him to rebuild his current squad.

...

Altidore has dropped down the pecking order - he is without a league start since March - and admitted only last week that he might have to consider a move away from the Stadium of Light.
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The dude is rotting on the bench at Sunderland, about to be discarded, and three days ago Klinsmann was talking about the Champions League...

"I want Jozy to get through the difficult time at Sunderland and maybe make a big step one day to a Champions League team in Europe because that's where the top players in the world play."
 
M

Meier

Member
Barry has been unlucky regardless. He absolutely should have been at the WC but Woy keeps overlooking him. Would love to see him play for NYC some day.

Lots of chatter that Xavi could be back on after his agent admitted to being at City v Roma. Could move to City proper as well although I doubt that.
 
S

sazabirules

Unconfirmed Member
xbhaskarx said:
Sunderland look to offload USA striker Altidore in January



The dude is rotting on the bench at Sunderland, about to be discarded, and three days ago Klinsmann was talking about the Champions League...

"I want Jozy to get through the difficult time at Sunderland and maybe make a big step one day to a Champions League team in Europe because that's where the top players in the world play."
Click to expand...

If he comes back to MLS what new allocation/rule will be invented so Garber can put him on the team he chooses?
 
C

Chris R

Member
Hoping I'm able to go to the Sounders/Galaxy game next Saturday :( All depends on if my airline is accommodating in getting me a flight later on in the day...
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
sazabirules said:
If he comes back to MLS what new allocation/rule will be invented so Garber can put him on the team he chooses?
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That would depend on how much he's being paid. I think he'd probably make closer to Bradley/Dempsey money (millions) than Beasley/Edu money (6-700k), which means he could choose any team that was willing to pay him rather than going through the allocation process. So no new rules would be necessary. Not sure if NYRB is still interested in paying that much for DPs but if so they would certainly be a possibility.
 
S

sazabirules

Unconfirmed Member
xbhaskarx said:
That would depend on how much he's being paid. I think he'd probably make closer to Bradley/Dempsey money (millions) than Beasley/Edu money (6-700k), which means he could choose any team that was willing to pay him rather than going through the allocation process. So no new rules would be necessary. Not sure if NYRB is still interested in paying that much for DPs but if so they would certainly be a possibility.
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I find it ridiculous the league is paying transfer fees for players.
 
B

bonesmccoy

Banned
zroid said:
Defoe is injured again??? LOOOOL
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I want to know who at MLSE thought DEFOE was the uber striker who would lead TFC into the 'yoffs. Was it Leiweke? Now I like Defoe. I've liked him as a player since the West Ham days. But he's not a leader, he's not a star. Picking up as a DP was such a stupid move.

Someone at TFC should call up Redknapp and ask to swap Defoe for Austin.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
U.S. Women’s National Team vs. Guatemala
Toyota Park; Bridgeview, Illinois
Oct. 17, 2014

The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Guatemala as it resumes Group A play in the 2014 CONCACAF Women’s Championship on Friday, Oct. 17, at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Illinois. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. CT and the match will be broadcast on FOX Sports 1. Fans can also follow all the U.S. games on Twitter @ussoccer_wnt and @ussoccer_esp.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
USMNT and Toronto FC star midfielder Michael Bradley answers critics: "I have thick skin"

Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley found himself in the middle of a heated controversy this week and he addressed it for the first time on Friday.

Before Tuesday's US national team match against Honduras, Jurgen Klinsmann commented on Bradley's decision to move from Serie A side AS Roma to MLS, prompting a response from MLS commissioner Don Garber.

Bradley, however, chose to tune out all the talk in the media.

"I don't pay much attention to it, to be honest," Bradley told reporters about the controversy. "I have thick skin and I have always had the mentality that as a professional you have to have such a commitment and concentration and determination in who you are and what you're all about that you're not willing to let anybody put you off that.”

...

"As a player it's always the same,” he told reporters. “You want to be at a place where you're valued as a player, as a person, in terms of what you bring to the table every day. There's no doubt that now the opportunity to compete and play every day and step on the field each weekend, knowing that you have a big role to play, that that allows guys to improve."

...

"My record when I've played for the national team and my commitment and contribution is there for anybody to look at and take from it what they want," Bradley said. “I've certainly had moments in my career where people have challenged me, said that I've not been good enough, said that I'll never be good enough. But not only has that never stopped me, it continues to motivate me and fuel me even more."
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N

Nesotenso

Member
xbhaskarx said:
Gareth Barry:

"America was an option and there was a conversation about it but when I spoke to the coaches here they said, ‘If you are going there, you are retiring.’
That was in my head. Obviously I did not agree it was retiring but I sort of agreed it would have been going to a league that is up and coming and not as big as the Premier League so I could see their point."


How can foreign players expect to come to MLS and keep playing for their national team when the US coach regularly states that he doesn't want his own players to be there?
Click to expand...

yeah that is exactly what he said.

anyways I am sure signing some over the hill 35 year old DP plays no part in the retirement league stigma. It is all Klinsmann's doing because he has the temerity to suggest that the MLS is a step down in competition.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
The league signs who they can sign, it's not like they're choosing to bring in 35 year olds instead of Messi or Hazard or Gotze. And when a 35 year old Lampard is Man City's player of the month no one calls that a retirement league, although obviously MLS will be when he comes here five months later... Plus the league created the young DP two years ago which incentivizes teams to bring in DPs under 23 who only count $150-200k against the cap and has brought in players like Castillo, Torres, Diaz, Laba, Texeira, etc.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
Hasphat'sAnts said:
Out of a 4 game sample size against the likes of Belgium, Ghana, Germany, and Portugal.

Would not put much stock into these statistics.
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Portugal was missing a few regular starters due to injury, plus Pepe was suspended after his red card, and Ronaldo was playing at 60%.
Ghana was having all sorts of internal problems, physically fighting with each other, Muntari and Boateng being thrown off the team in the middle of the tournament, and the players almost quitting the team until their federation delivered $3 million in cash to pay them.

Meanwhile, the US didn't bring a backup target forward behind Altidore (who went down with the first of three hamstring injuries for US players), which meant that Dempsey had to play out of position up top after Johannsson* looked like crap in the first game. Of course Dempsey still came through because he's one of the best we have. Obviously Donovan was cut despite leading the US in goals and assists in the previous year and creating more chances than all the other players by a mile. Diskerud sat on the bench unused all tournament (despite how well they do with him playing). Instead the attacking midfielders were Bradley playing out of position, and a bunch of middling to garbage players at the national team level like Bedoya, Zusi, and Davis, with boy-amongst-men Green brought on to get a few token minutes when all hope was seemingly lost down two goals with little time left in the final game.

*Johannsson who is just now returning to full training after having surgery for a leg injury he sustained before World Cup camp even began, which led to him struggling down the stretch with AZ, and yet he still made the World Cup roster, where he was subbed in for an injured Altidore, unsurprisingly played like crap, and was never used again.


And regarding those three muscle injuries at the World Cup, there's this from a couple days ago:
Are these players overtrained?

This was the second straight game the US gave up a late goal. They also gave up late goals against Ghana, Portugal and Belgium.

In their last 10 games, the US have given up goals in the 80th minute or beyond six times. Two of those games in which that didn't occur were shutout wins (2-0 vs. Azerbaijan, 1-0 at Czech Republic) and one was a 1-0 loss (vs. Germany). The other was a 2-2 draw vs. Mexico in which the US didn't give up any late goals, but did cough up a 2-0 lead midway through the second half.

Even worse is that Matt Besler ended up looking a little gimpy with his hamstring early in the second half. This is a recurrence of a familiar problem:

Raymond Verheijen @raymondverheije

Two muscle injuries already for USA in their first game. What kind of training program did they do in preparation for the World Cup?
7:04 AM - 17 Jun 2014

Raymond Verheijen @raymondverheije

Whenever a muscle injury happens, a coaching staff should always ask the question: what could we have done to avoid this? Never bad luck.
5:37 AM - 6 Jul 2014

Verheijen isn't some nobody. He literally wrote the book on how to train players to their peak in the modern game, and how to avoid the kinds of work overloads that lead to muscle injuries.

Klinsmann's reputation as a fitness fanatic is no secret. Germany and Bayern Munich's Philip Lahm wrote in his autobiography that "we practically only practiced fitness under Klinsmann," and while that's probably an overstatement, it's pretty clear that Jurgen's reputation for overtraining his squad is well-earned.
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X

xbhaskarx

Member
If only Bradley and Dempsey could switch positions with Altidore or Shea or Agudelo but alas they're stuck playing every week as leaders of their teams in MLS.

Also, as Twellman pointed out, why is MLS okay for Klinsy's pal Jones but not for Dempsey?
And has he commented on Diskerud playing in Norway?
 
N

Nesotenso

Member
xbhaskarx said:
If only Bradley and Dempsey could switch positions with Altidore or Shea or Agudelo but alas they're stuck playing every week as leaders of their teams in MLS.

Also, as Twellman pointed out, why is MLS okay for Klinsy's pal Jones but not for Dempsey?
And has he commented on Diskerud playing in Norway?
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yeah because each player or their situation is the same. I am sure if you ask him, Klinsmann is thrilled with the situations of Shea or Altidore just because they are in Europe.

As far as Jones is concerned, I think the answer to that one is easy. In all likelihood, he is not going to Russia, especially not as defensive mid.

and a whole lotta good leadership did for Bradley.

Come on down to the MLS. Your ass is under no threat to sit on the bench because the league is breaking the bank to sign you. That is totally great.
 
X

xbhaskarx

Member
Could Alex Bono Join U.S. Goalkeeping Elites?

But Bono’s numbers so far this season rival those of any goalkeeper in Division I history, including Meola and Friedel. Through 13 games Bono has registered 10 shutouts and allowed just three goals. His 0.23 goals-against average and 0.93 save-percentage lead the nation and are challenging NCAA records for each category.
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Born in April 1994, maybe the U-23s should take a look at him if Cropper keeps making costly mistakes...
 
H

Heretic

Member
rhfb said:
Hoping I'm able to go to the Sounders/Galaxy game next Saturday :( All depends on if my airline is accommodating in getting me a flight later on in the day...
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Only *expensive* tickets left. Had to buy two at $125 each. Couldn't miss this game.
 
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