SOCCER!

[The Professional Fan]

I'm surprised there's absolutely no Soccer discussion going on here. With the USMNT making it to the semi finals in the Copa and the Euro going on simultaneously it's kind of soccer porn right now. I know most people here are not fans of soccer but some of you are (wheels where are you?)

And, I believe some of you can be converted! I am a convert. So much of a convert that I watched the USMNT vs Ecuador last night instead of game 6.

 

[porkchopexpress]

I was at the game last night. Other than the disappointment of it not being a sell out, it was an amazing night. It was at least 90-95% US fans, which isn't always the case, and the place was rocking. Really wanted to see Nagbe and Pulisic, but can't complain too much. The last thirty minutes or so we never wracking!

It's only going to get better as the euros enter the knockout phase.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Oh, and John Brooks is a fucking beast. He's gonna get a $20-$30M transfer in the next year or so. He needs to be in the champions league

 

[The Professional Fan]

Oh, and John Brooks is a fucking beast. He's gonna get a $20-$30M transfer in the next year or so. He needs to be in the champions league

John Brooks has become my favorite USMNT player over the course of the Copa.

 

[The Professional Fan]

I was at the game last night. Other than the disappointment of it not being a sell out, it was an amazing night. It was at least 90-95% US fans, which isn't always the case, and the place was rocking. Really wanted to see Nagbe and Pulisic, but can't complain too much. The last thirty minutes or so we never wracking!

It's only going to get better as the euros enter the knockout phase.

I was dangerously close to going up to Seattle for the match. I'm so jealous! It felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. When will we ever get a meaningful USMNT tournament match in the PNW again? Maybe never. I just couldn't get out of work and the tickets, as reported, were pretty damn expensive (the reason given for lack of sell out). The energy translated to TV big time. More than any other USMNT game this tournament and it wasn't even close.

I almost died in the 2nd half. It was too much to take. What I've discovered since becoming a soccer convert is there is no game as stressful as soccer. And I love it.

U.S. Soccer formally challenged the Jones and Wood yellow's last night. Do they get over turned often? I'm not familiar with this process.

 

[theprunetang]

I'm surprised there's absolutely no Soccer discussion going on here. With the USMNT making it to the semi finals in the Copa and the Euro going on simultaneously it's kind of soccer porn right now. I know most people here are not fans of soccer but some of you are (wheels where are you?)

And, I believe some of you can be converted! I am a convert. So much of a convert that I watched the USMNT vs Ecuador last night instead of game 6.

USMNT? Is this a new take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to make them more patriotic for the 4th of July?

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

Loved the match last night. As said, tickets were horribly overpriced. There are so many other boards for soccer. It is easier to read them than to try to start a meaningful board here.

 

[The Professional Fan]

USMNT? Is this a new take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to make them more patriotic for the 4th of July?

Or an acronym for United States Mens National Team

 

[theprunetang]

Or an acronym for United States Mens National Team

I was being purposely obtuse. If I wasn't so busy I would watch. Just haven't been able to pay attention. I actually work with a girl who almost made the women's squad as a goal keeper before knee injuries. We watch matches at a local bar when we can.

 

[ripcityboy]

I love that we beat Ecuador but I'm sick Jones crap. He always has his tizzies and costs the tram. And we don't have enough defensive midfielders of high quality.

Next game might be hard to watch. Getting Yedlin back along with Fabian Johnsons will help on the wings. But if Aguero starts on top with Messi and Di Maria.... Argentina will go through us like shit through a goose.

 

[porkchopexpress]

I was dangerously close to going up to Seattle for the match. I'm so jealous! It felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity. When will we ever get a meaningful USMNT tournament match in the PNW again? Maybe never. I just couldn't get out of work and the tickets, as reported, were pretty damn expensive (the reason given for lack of sell out). The energy translated to TV big time. More than any other USMNT game this tournament and it wasn't even close.

I almost died in the 2nd half. It was too much to take. What I've discovered since becoming a soccer convert is there is no game as stressful as soccer. And I love it.

U.S. Soccer formally challenged the Jones and Wood yellow's last night. Do they get over turned often? I'm not familiar with this process.

Given the atmosphere, I'm guessing Seattle will get at WCQ at some point. But yeah, other than whenever the world cup comes back to the US, this is probably the highest level soccer that will come to the PNW, or even the US.

Tickets were expensive. I was convinced that this "soccer city" I live in would fill up the stadium for all 3 games, so as soon as tickets went on sale, I bought a venue pass. The first game only had 20K, which in that stadium felt empty. My seat was in the corner, in the 200 level, and they were $95 per seat per game. $95 for 2nd level isn't horrible, but I think the upper deck was still $80+, which is too much. That said, the $600 we shelled out was worth just it to see last nights game (seeing Messi play the other night wasn't bad either).

On the cards, I don't know how often they get rescinded. Even if they reversed Jones', I'm guessing it'd still be a yellow, so he'd be out still. The red is for violent conduct so as of right now he's out for the final/3rd place game. Wood's yellow, I'm not sure either. The weird thing is, the ref had completely lost control and they shouldn't have been playing. Jones was still on the field when that shit happened. One thing I'm glad about is no one saw Brooks run into the crowd and shove a player. This was a few seconds before the Jones incident. That could have been a yellow and he would have also been suspended, which would have been a huge blow.

 

[porkchopexpress]

I love that we beat Ecuador but I'm sick Jones crap. He always has his tizzies and costs the tram. And we don't have enough defensive midfielders of high quality.

Next game might be hard to watch. Getting Yedlin back along with Fabian Johnsons will help on the wings. But if Aguero starts on top with Messi and Di Maria.... Argentina will go through us like shit through a goose.

How many times has Jones truly hurt the team with his outbursts? It was dumb (even if he makes no contact, which I guess is being argued), but that intensity is why he was our best, or at least one of our best, player against Costa Rica. Same goes for in Brazil. One good thing about his suspension, as well as Bedoya, is that it forces Klinnsman to start Nagbe and maybe even Pulisic. As long as he doesn't trot out Beckerman.

Agreed on Argentina. It could get ugly. But I don't think we can just bunker for 90 minutes, which is why I'm hoping he doesn't put in Beckerman. He is just way too slow for international soccer these days. I keep hearing people wanting Besler to stay at LB so Fabian can play in the midfield. He did fine yesterday, but those guys you listed will turn him around on the outside. And as much as I want to see Fabian further up, for this tournament I think he needs to stay in defense. This is why we needed to bring Villafana or Lichaj to play LB.

 

[EL PRESIDENTE]

The American soccer team rubs me the wrong way. I can't put my finger on it but I usually cheer for the other guy except if it's Mexico

 

[JfizzleBlazer]

The American soccer team rubs me the wrong way. I can't put my finger on it but I usually cheer for the other guy except if it's Mexico

I like seeing the teams lose that are supposed to be the favorite.

I also enjoy when usa kicks canadas ass in hockey.

Soccer is so god damn boring. We are supposed to suck at it and usa usually acts like soccer is a shit sport, while the rest of the world acts like its the best. But its scrawny dudes running around the entire time and MAYBE you get to watch one goal the entire match. So lame.

 

[Wheels]

I'm surprised there's absolutely no Soccer discussion going on here. With the USMNT making it to the semi finals in the Copa and the Euro going on simultaneously it's kind of soccer porn right now. I know most people here are not fans of soccer but some of you are (wheels where are you?)

And, I believe some of you can be converted! I am a convert. So much of a convert that I watched the USMNT vs Ecuador last night instead of game 6.

Oh hai! I remember when you were just cutting your teeth with soccer. Awesome to see you still going strong ProFan! I'm still around. But most soccer talk is on Twitter, as that's where most of the Timbers forum community went when it shut down.

I still lurk some, but just hard for me to chime in much here with not being around the Blazers cause I can't. Hopefully that changes soon with a tv deal!

But back to soccer! US-ECU was nuts yesterday. Two desperate teams giving their all. This has been an absolute blast to watch. Just got done watching Colombia-Peru. Was awesome to see the sportsmanship with Ospina and Colombia afterwards. Class all around!

 

[Wheels]

I like seeing the teams lose that are supposed to be the favorite.

I also enjoy when usa kicks canadas ass in hockey.

Soccer is so god damn boring. We are supposed to suck at it and usa usually acts like soccer is a shit sport, while the rest of the world acts like its the best. But its scrawny dudes running around the entire time and MAYBE you get to watch one goal the entire match. So lame.

Not disparaging at all from me, in case that doesn't come across on on forums lol. But it's not for everyone. To me it's the same as an intense Pitchers Duel in baseball. You have to work so hard just to score. I love watching a team work together, and it's formation shape change, all with little communication, you just have to be on the same page mentally, knowing when to stay back cause your partner is already bombing forward, and you can't spread your defense too thin. It's kind of like a Basketball and Chess Match wrapped in one on a giant field.

If you get a chance, see if you can watch the Timbers vs Sporting KC penalty Shootout in last years playoffs. I've never been through a roller coaster of elation, to doom, to wtf just happened, back to elation, in such a short amount of time. I re watch it to this day and still get nervous lol.

Also just one little thing on games with no scoring. I get it sucks when it happens, but
That happens about 8% of the time, which is just at 3 times in a 38 game season. So while it's difficult to score, it happens a lot less than people think

Edit had England national league at 4%

 

[Wheels]

I like seeing the teams lose that are supposed to be the favorite.

I also enjoy when usa kicks canadas ass in hockey.

Soccer is so god damn boring. We are supposed to suck at it and usa usually acts like soccer is a shit sport, while the rest of the world acts like its the best. But its scrawny dudes running around the entire time and MAYBE you get to watch one goal the entire match. So lame.

Sorry if doesn't post right. But on iPad. I decided to watch so found link lol

 

[ripcityboy]

How many times has Jones truly hurt the team with his outbursts? It was dumb (even if he makes no contact, which I guess is being argued), but that intensity is why he was our best, or at least one of our best, player against Costa Rica. Same goes for in Brazil. One good thing about his suspension, as well as Bedoya, is that it forces Klinnsman to start Nagbe and maybe even Pulisic. As long as he doesn't trot out Beckerman.

Agreed on Argentina. It could get ugly. But I don't think we can just bunker for 90 minutes, which is why I'm hoping he doesn't put in Beckerman. He is just way too slow for international soccer these days. I keep hearing people wanting Besler to stay at LB so Fabian can play in the midfield. He did fine yesterday, but those guys you listed will turn him around on the outside. And as much as I want to see Fabian further up, for this tournament I think he needs to stay in defense. This is why we needed to bring Villafana or Lichaj to play LB.

I like Jones. By choosing the US as his national team he really gave us shot in the arm..... I just think he runs a little hot sometimes. But I don't blame him for getting angry about playing time or his place on the squad. He was a starter on Schalke.... he got injured, they f-cked his rehab up, and the manager benched him.
He didn't have much of a choice but come to the MLS.....

And yes, Villafana would be an AWESOME team selection. How's he doing in Mexico?

 

[ripcityboy]

I like seeing the teams lose that are supposed to be the favorite.

I also enjoy when usa kicks canadas ass in hockey.

Soccer is so god damn boring. We are supposed to suck at it and usa usually acts like soccer is a shit sport, while the rest of the world acts like its the best. But its scrawny dudes running around the entire time and MAYBE you get to watch one goal the entire match. So lame.

Funny. I see NFL, MLB and the NBA as monumentally boring sometimes..... baseball plays so long you could right a book. Football is like a commitee meeting for three hours and a half hours with 10 minutes of actual movement. Basketball is fast movement but ruled by a jillion fouls, commercials and time outs that get progressively longer..... Soccer is just 90 minutes with one stop for commentary and a few minutes for injuries. Then I can go about my day. I don't care if it's a tie or if one goal is scored. What I don't want is a waste of time.

 

[Wheels]

I like Jones. By choosing the US as his national team he really gave us shot in the arm..... I just think he runs a little hot sometimes. But I don't blame him for getting angry about playing time or his place on the squad. He was a starter on Schalke.... he got injured, they f-cked his rehab up, and the manager benched him.
He didn't have much of a choice but come to the MLS.....

And yes, Villafana would be an AWESOME team selection. How's he doing in Mexico?

I haven't watched more than one game there. But last I heard was he was starting and looking pretty good.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Oh hai! I remember when you were just cutting your teeth with soccer. Awesome to see you still going strong ProFan! I'm still around. But most soccer talk is on Twitter, as that's where most of the Timbers forum community went when it shut down.

I still lurk some, but just hard for me to chime in much here with not being around the Blazers cause I can't. Hopefully that changes soon with a tv deal!

But back to soccer! US-ECU was nuts yesterday. Two desperate teams giving their all. This has been an absolute blast to watch. Just got done watching Colombia-Peru. Was awesome to see the sportsmanship with Ospina and Colombia afterwards. Class all around!

I just remember discovering soccer and coming here for advice. I remember asking what soccer league was the best. I remember thinking it was like American sports where there's one league to rule them all. I remember being confused that there were multiple soccer leagues to choose from. I searched for that thread but I couldn't find it. For the record, I don't care which league may or may not be "better" because I've learned it's impossible to quantify. For me? And for the best balance of quality of play and fan experience? I claim bundesliga

 

[The Professional Fan]

I just remember discovering soccer and coming here for advice. I remember asking what soccer league was the best. I remember thinking it was like American sports where there's one league to rule them all. I remember being confused that there were multiple soccer leagues to choose from. I searched for that thread but I couldn't find it. For the record, I don't care which league may or may not be "better" because I've learned it's impossible to quantify. For me? And for the best balance of quality of play and fan experience? I claim bundesliga

For now, as I continue to learn. What is really hard for Americans to understand is there isn't "one league" - or at least it was hard for me. Yet I find that aspect so intriguing. And it's infinitely debatable which is AWESOME

 

[Natebishop3]

*Futbol

 

[The Professional Fan]

For now, as I continue to learn. What is really hard for Americans to understand is there isn't "one league" - or at least it was hard for me. Yet I find that aspect so intriguing. And it's infinitely debatable which is AWESOME

A relegated bundesliga team is my fave. Rich history, amazing fans. They're the Blazers of Soccer haha 1. FC Nurnburg

 

[The Professional Fan]

Funny. I see NFL, MLB and the NBA as monumentally boring sometimes..... baseball plays so long you could right a book. Football is like a commited meeting for three hours and a half hours with 10 minutes of actual movement. Basketball is fast movement but ruled by a jillion fouls, commercials and time outs that get progressively longer..... Soccer is just 90 minutes with one stop for commentary and a few minutes for injuries. Then I can go about my day. I don't care if it's a tie or if one goal is scored. What I don't want is a waste of time.

This is a very astute POV. I'm a die hard NFL fan. Out of 3 hours of NFL football we get almost 15 minutes of actual game play. Getting so heavily in to soccer and the beauty that is no commercials and continuous play will likely make the American football season very difficult for me. At least at first.

 

[ripcityboy]

This is a very astute POV. I'm a die hard NFL fan. Out of 3 hours of NFL football we get almost 15 minutes of actual game play. Getting so heavily in to soccer and the beauty that is no commercials and continuous play will likely make the American football season very difficult for me. At least at first.

Don't get me wrong..... I love American sports. But I am also half german so I was have that shit in my DNA. I means I was playing before I could walk. I mean why are so many American service kids born overseas like me (Brooks, Jones) on the national team? That's THE SPORT over there.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Not disparaging at all from me, in case that doesn't come across on on forums lol. But it's not for everyone. To me it's the same as an intense Pitchers Duel in baseball. You have to work so hard just to score. I love watching a team work together, and it's formation shape change, all with little communication, you just have to be on the same page mentally, knowing when to stay back cause your partner is already bombing forward, and you can't spread your defense too thin. It's kind of like a Basketball and Chess Match wrapped in one on a giant field.

If you get a chance, see if you can watch the Timbers vs Sporting KC penalty Shootout in last years playoffs. I've never been through a roller coaster of elation, to doom, to wtf just happened, back to elation, in such a short amount of time. I re watch it to this day and still get nervous lol.

Also just one little thing on games with no scoring. I get it sucks when it happens, but
That happens about 8% of the time, which is just at 3 times in a 38 game season. So while it's difficult to score, it happens a lot less than people think

Edit had England national league at 4%

You know what first captured my love of soccer? Or perhaps intrigued me like no other sport? I was way more focused on not conceding a goal than scoring one. That was a revelation. All sports I grew up with were about how much you can score. This was a massive shift in thinking and then everything opened up

 

[BlazerDuckSeahawkFan94]

I hope USA beats Argentina, it would e amazing if we shut down Messi completely.

I've been watching the EURO games in the morning, Croatia vs Czech Republic had a crazy finish.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

I hope USA beats Argentina, it would e amazing if we shut down Messi completely.

.

Hopefully the extra two days of rest helps us.

Still, I hope any success the US team has now does not overshadow the need for reform of the developmental system. Seems like most of our players develop in other countries.

 

[porkchopexpress]

Hopefully the extra two days of rest helps us.

Still, I hope any success the US team has now does not overshadow the need for reform of the developmental system. Seems like most of our players develop in other countries.

Agreed. Although it seems to be getting better. I guess it depends on what you consider "developed here" to mean. Zelalem (arsenal/rangers), Pulisic (Dortmund), Hyndman (Bournemouth), Wood (Hamburg) are all products of our youth system. All went to Europe as teens, but that doesn't mean they weren't developed here. It does need to get better though. Not all kids have the chance (or passport) to move to Europe before 18. Take Zardes. He makes good runs, is decently fast and strong, can hit a one time shot, but cannot trap the ball. Herc Gomez (I think) was talking about him the other day. Saying he is good, but still developing, and that should have happened at 16, not in his 20s.