Futbol Talk

[77ncaachamps]

Well, it's certainly a start, but that just reinforces the idea that pro soccer in Milwaukee is a long way away.

Tangent, promotion/relegation is as far away from North America as an MLS franchise is from Milwaukee, but that sure would be a lot of fun. Related to that... several of the NASL/USLPro teams get amazing fan support. Of course, many more NASL/USLPro teams have crazy ownership and are unstable.

Many of the NASL/USLPro teams were NASL teams before MLS came to being:
Tampa Bay Rowdies
New York Cosmos
Ft Lauderdale Strikers
Puerto Rico Islanders

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Soccer_League_(1968%E2%80%931984)#Founding

[jesmu84]

Well, this would sure be interesting...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/07/27/is-mens-college-soccer-about-to-undergo-big-changes-many-hope-so/

[Golden Avalanche]

Well, this would sure be interesting...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/soccer-insider/wp/2014/07/27/is-mens-college-soccer-about-to-undergo-big-changes-many-hope-so/

That is an interesting angle in solving the irrelevancy problem that college soccer has in the grand scheme of developing legitimate prospects for their professional career as well as possible national team selection.

It's the fundamental underpinnings of a broken system developing multi-linear prospects that affects our national squad rather than the lazy trope that the US needs to get better athletes to play the game. Our players are supreme athletes already. We need technical skill and tactical acumen fostered at a young age to be truly successful.

[Henry Sugar]

I was listening to a podcast last night that had one of the soccer coaches on as a guest. He raised a good point that the college season is basically the same it's been for 55 years. Plus, there's not enough rest allowed for the players, where they will typically play 2-3 games a weekend.

Some concerns exist about costs. There are some questions about the broader implications of making this change on other sports. There are also some questions about the implications on the MLS draft.

Generally, the college coaches are in favor of making this move.

[mu03eng]

I was listening to a podcast last night that had one of the soccer coaches on as a guest. He raised a good point that the college season is basically the same it's been for 55 years. Plus, there's not enough rest allowed for the players, where they will typically play 2-3 games a weekend.

Some concerns exist about costs. There are some questions about the broader implications of making this change on other sports. There are also some questions about the implications on the MLS draft.

Generally, the college coaches are in favor of making this move.

I can attest to the complete grind of that season, I think it would be a great change.  Personally, I would make the change at the high school level as well(though the academies and club teams make high school relatively irrelevant).

[jesmu84]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/07/admit-interest-jermaine.html#more-85585

I'm a big fire fan. But this is a waste for Jones. And I'm surprised the MLS is going to let it happen

[Henry Sugar]

http://www.soccerbyives.net/2014/07/admit-interest-jermaine.html#more-85585

I'm a big fire fan. But this is a waste for Jones. And I'm surprised the MLS is going to let it happen

What makes you say this is a waste?

I'm on the fence, personally. I mean... the current Fire roster isn't cutting it. Granted, I'm onboard with the youth movement and all, but the Fire are not good.

As for being surprised with MLS, who knows how their weird rules work?

[jesmu84]

What makes you say this is a waste?

I'm on the fence, personally. I mean... the current Fire roster isn't cutting it. Granted, I'm onboard with the youth movement and all, but the Fire are not good.

As for being surprised with MLS, who knows how their weird rules work?

Just seems that if I was Jones, I'd want to play for a team that is even semi-competitive.

Yea, MLS pretty much does what they want with stars coming into the league. which, again, is why I am surprised they are going to let someone like Jones go to a place like Chicago.

[Henry Sugar]

Just seems that if I was Jones, I'd want to play for a team that is even semi-competitive.

Yea, MLS pretty much does what they want with stars coming into the league. which, again, is why I am surprised they are going to let someone like Jones go to a place like Chicago.

The Fire /are/ competitive. They almost never lose!*

Seriously, though, your answer about Jones makes sense. I thought for a sec you were saying it would be a waste for the Fire to bring in Jones... which is also a valid question.

[77ncaachamps]

At 32, he'd be a bench player in Europe.

He'd be a star in MLS.

[tower912]

Finally, real futbol being played in the Big House.   And with all of that red in the stands.   My, my, my.

[jesmu84]

Jermaine Jones just laughed at the Chicago Fire.

[GGGG]

My sure to be wrong picks for the EPL this year.

1. Man City:  Slow start but by the end they have the most talent.
2. Chelsea:  A year away
<big gap>
3. Man Utd:  Better coach and no European play will help.
4. Arsenal  Might be third
5. Everton:  Finished in this position last year although Thursday Europa League games won't be fun
6. Liverpool:  Suarez will be hard to replace


18. Hull:  Would be better for them not to qualify for Europa group stages.
19. WBA
20. Burnley

[MUfan12]

Top 4: Chelsea, City, Arsenal, Liverpool.
Relegated: Hull, Southampton, QPR

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Chelsea really should win it. Costa, hazard, fabragas is a pretty good 3 headed monster with a solid defense. Dark horse for me is arsenal.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Also, just went to El campin 2 days ago to see a Colombian league match. It was a ton of fun.

[ChitownSpaceForRent]

Happy first day of the premier League everyone.  Let's go Blues!

[GooooMarquette]

Happy first day of the premier League everyone.  Let's go Blues!

Ditto...except let's go Gunners!

[MUDPT]

Ditto...except let's go Gunners!

+1000

[MUfan12]

I might have to reconsider my prediction for Southampton. Very impressive today against my Reds. Tadic looks like a really nice bit of business for them.

[JoeSmith1721]

I don't know if any of you cats caught the Everton - Chelsea game, but it was one for the ages. 3-6 final to Chelsea at Goodison Park; Costa looking like he'll fit in real well with the Blues even if he is a bit of a jackass.

[GGGG]

I don't know if any of you cats caught the Everton - Chelsea game, but it was one for the ages. 3-6 final to Chelsea at Goodison Park; Costa looking like he'll fit in real well with the Blues even if he is a bit of a jackass.

Yeah I watched a good portion of it.  Chelsea is a serious contender for the Champions League.

[JoeSmith1721]

Yeah I watched a good portion of it.  Chelsea is a serious contender for the Champions League.

I'd say them and City are the front-runners for the EPL and both should be up there for the Champions League as well, except Real Madrid and Bayern Munich will be tough this year.

[jesmu84]

I don't know if any of you cats caught the Everton - Chelsea game, but it was one for the ages. 3-6 final to Chelsea at Goodison Park; Costa looking like he'll fit in real well with the Blues even if he is a bit of a jackass.

He sure was a tough guy, talking crap to coleman and others, right up until Timmy got in his face. Not so tough then.

[GGGG]

City got screwed in the CL draw though.  Bayern, City, CSKA (Russian Champion), and Roma.  (Italian Runner up)

Meanwhile Chelsea got Schalke, Sporting and Maribor.

The UEFA seedings are really silly.