Kolek planning to go pro
I like Ian Joy, but I don't get how Pirlo doesn't fit Kreis' system. Kreis uses the 4-4-2 diamond in which one of his major components is a deep-lying playmaker. Pirlo is potentially one of the best deep-lying playmakers in the world. I heard Ian Joy's comments on it, but just didn't feel that was completely accurate. The one DP that I don't think quite fits Kreis' system is Lampard.Pirlo will be at NYCFC max for a year and a half I'm sure. I'm not too sure there were other players that would have made a better DP signing right now. I do get the marketing point, I will definitely say this is a grand slam for that, tapping into the Italian market and generating additional instant interest in a team in its first season, but I really do think its much more than that.
The other aspect of this entire thing is the MLS parochialism. Joy is new to it in a sense since he's spent most of his TV days on beIn but I'll bet there are a ton of "expert" commentators who were just waiting for NYC to make the signing(s) that didn't originate from Kreis' mind but originated in Manchester just so they have the ability to bemoan NYC as only an extension of the Citeh brand (in their viewing).This is a weird one since Pirlo is a guy anyone following the game the last 15 years have enjoyed immensely whether in Milan, Turin, or the national program. Having him in the States will be great to watch and, selfishly, I think it's tremendous for us that Mix can spend time with such a master. You just wonder how long Kreis is down for the gig when he knows his input as manager is not the utmost consideration when acquiring players.
Interesting..http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2015/06/25/beckenbauer-tells-schweinsteiger-not-to-go-to-manchester-united-wait-for-mls-move-instead/
Despite the improved play the problem remains that the US team cannot finish chances to kill off a game. China was slow, unskilled, unambitious, and more than happy to lose by only 1-0. Germany and France would have destroyed that Chinese team if put in that position. It will be interesting to see what happens if two world powers can sleepwalk through the Cup only to find themselves having a replay of the 2011 Final. That is likely the only lose-lose scenario possible for the women's game.
Saw about 2 minutes of the first half (the last 2) and the last 20 minutes starting after Lloyd's goal. Was fortunate enough to be on a call when Germany got the PK and the patient had it on in the house, so we watched that bit with them.But all in all, I can't evaluate the performance at all, didn't see near enough. But I'll take a 2-0 win and Final appearance any time
Where, oh where, has this team been the last three weeks? Watched them in Winnipeg in a lackluster tie against SWE, but today....ZOWIE!!! And against Germany, no less!
Also, definitely cheering for England tomorrow. I just think USA v England would make for a more entertaining final.
USA vs England in Canada --- There's some kind of irony there!?
US women caught a break when Sasic missed the PK, but then they finished strong. Great clincher in the final minutes.
US quite fortunate. They've had an easy run in which they've been able to underperform and caught the best team in the world coming off an emotionally exhausting victory over (what they perceived) their toughest competitor.--Played the best 45 all Cup but due to Morgan's terrible finishing they got no reward in the first half. --Germany regrouped during halftime and was clearly the better team in the second half culminating in the deserved penalty in the 60th.--Shocking decision by the referee to allow Johnston to remain in the game. Clear as day red card for her.--Surprising decision by the referee to allow Solo the blatant delay of game tactics prior to the Sasic penalty. --Shocking decision by the referee to award the USA a penalty when fat guy on the couch could see Morgan was well outside the box.--Neid was clueless what to do after the US penalty since her ace up the sleeve turned her ankle against France. US dodged that bullet.--The second goal was an exquisite pass from Lloyd but the German defending was absolutely shocking in its incompetence.
On the 4th of July I believe as well.
Listen, referee decisions cut both ways. A German defender should have gotten her second yellow in the 33rd minute of the game and been sent off....that would have changed the game as well.The US played solid and had a break or two more than Germany....but more importantly took advantage of the breaks they got.