General Soccer Thread

[Fat Strat]

KC, bros. Get with the Wiz.

Games aren't broadcast at all. That's what it would take.

[thrill]

In Seattle? They play in the Seahawks stadium which is really nice.

Yeeah, boy.

A question I asked before, though. Is the MLS expanding too quickly?

Nah. Dilution of talent isn't a concern as there's a fan base there already that isn't watching because they want to see world class soccer. They're watching because they love American soccer.

The NASL legacy was overspending and big market disparity, which isn't an issue at all in MLS.

[thrill]

BBC reporting Bob is back for 4 more years.

[Radbird]

I really should go see a Rapids game.

[thrill]

I've heard good things about the stadium.

[Tambourine Man]

BBC reporting Bob is back for 4 more years.

Who were some other candidates? I'm not sure I'm gaga over this decision.

So I watched the DC/Seattle game last night and I can get into that. Looking forward to Man U coming over here later this month, though I have no idea if they actually bring their "A" squad.

[Fat Strat]

I'm assuming you mean back with the US club, but the fact that the BBC was reporting it makes me wonder if you were meaning back to England or something.

I have mixed feelings about Bradley. Mostly I think he's just fine, but some of his lineup choices really bugged me.

[thrill]

Boca sold to St Etienne. An upgrade, and he hasn't retired internationally, so we'll still see him for the next two years or so.
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_i ... ienne.html

BBC reporting Bob is back for 4 more years.

Who were some other candidates? I'm not sure I'm gaga over this decision.

In order of rumored USSF preference w/my opinions/rundown.
1. Bob Bradley - The best available combination of tactical acumen, experience and understanding of the American player. Potential drawbacks for me is the fact that more than one cycle rarely works for a National coach. Also, I'm anxious to see how his son would develop with another manager. This is not insignificant since Michael is our most important player for 2014.
2. Jurgen Klinssmann - Klinsy is largely responsible for the cohesive relationship between the German national team and the German football community from the youth ranks to the pro teams to the national team. The style of play, the direction of player development, etc is largely down to the work he did in the years leading up to and through the World Cup in Germany in '06. Tactically though? Suspect. He SUCKED at Bayern Munich. Club and country are two different beasts, but his use of Landon Donovan in particular was shocking. Also, current German manager/sideline booger digger/eater, Joachim Lowe was his assistant in '06 and many people credit him with the game tactics that led to the 3rd place finish.
3. Bruce Arena - No. Just no. He had 8 years and the second 4 were a debacle. He led us to our highest heights in '02 and our lowest disappointment in '06. He can enjoy winning more MLS titles with the Galaxy as long as Landon and Omar Gonzalez are there, but putting him back in charge of the national team would be a step back.
4. Jason Kreis - If there were a book that took such bets, I would lay big money on Jason Kreis being our head coach going into 2018 in England. If Bob represents the safest pick Jurgen the one with the most upside and downside, Arena representing a step back, Jason Kreis represent the future. He's out stud prospect. Reigning MLS champ, smart tactically, managed the transition from star player to head coach more seamlessly than anyone else I've seen, charismatic, hard working and a sharp sideline dresser, which I always like. He's not ready though. Needs seasoning.

I believe he could be our coaching equivalent of Claudio Reyna, as in the, the first coach to do big things with big clubs in Europe (although I guess it's possible that someday, Claudio Reyna could be the coaching version of Claudio Reyna, but whatever). I really like Kreis.

Looking forward to Man U coming over here later this month, though I have no idea if they actually bring their "A" squad.

B squad.
http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pageg ... id=6650598

Travelling squad: Edwin van der Sar, Tomasz Kuszczak, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Dimitar Berbatov, John O'Shea, Wes Brown, Rafael, Jonny Evans, Darren Fletcher, Darron Gibson, Chris Smalling, Nani, Fabio, Federico Macheda, Danny Welbeck, Javier Hernandez (will join in Houston on 27 July), Mame Biram Diouf, Tom Cleverley, Ritchie De Laet, Corry Evans, Ben Amos, Gabriel Obertan.

No Rooney. If they sign someone in the upcoming transfer window, which they will, that player or players will probably come too.

[thrill]

Landon departure looking more likely:
http://www.soccerbyives.net/soccer_by_i ... kicks.html

Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts let spill in a recent interview that the Los Angeles Galaxy are signing Ronaldinho. The subject of several transfer rumors in recent days, Ronaldinho was supposedly returning to AC Milan, but with the fresh Galaxy rumor, you wonder whether Ronaldinho is ready to re-unite with good friend David Beckham and spend some time in LA

If Ronaldinho comes, Landon goes.

[Dillagii]

Thrill, is Manchester City a good team? They are coming to ATL next week and I am thinking of going to that game..