June 2011
17 posts
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This writer has some ideas on how to fix the... →
Thoughts on this article?
-Pete
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Argentine #Football club River Plate have been... →
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#USWNT, #WorldCup Kick Off
Photo by Brad Smith at ISIsports.com
The United States Women’s National Team is looking to capture its first World Cup Crown since 1999, but as the tournament kicks off today they are not the favorite. In face the U.S. team may not be one of the top two squads entering the World Cup being played in Germany. Coach Pia Sundhage has installed a possession-oriented system hoping to control...
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WatchHighlights of from the #USMNT game last night.
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Kicking + Screening Soccer Film Festival →
beatthefirstman:
Attention all of America. If you read this and can get to NY, go. For me. Please?
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Pete & Doug Talk #USMNT & Tonight's #GoldCup Game
Pete: so let's start with USMNT's performance so far. What are your thoughts?
Doug: It has been inconsistent in that I think the level of patience and consistent defensive play are both not where they need to be. Dempsey has been a lightning rod for critics and I think that transferred to Wondo and others. I think the play of the defense speaks for itself
Pete: I agree about the Defense. It's been poor overall but it has gotten better after Bradley made some adjustments. I am also concerned about the lack of width that this team has and Panama exposed that well on the counter attacks.
Doug: Yea you are right, so I think there may be some early adjustments today to better handle Panama. There have been some steady play by Kljestan and Lichaj, but I do think their decision making has been a step behind they are still growing. It was nice to see Agudelo come in and complete all his passes last game
Pete: Yea, the last game was very promising. Gotta give Bradley the Elder props for making adjustments.
Doug: Yea he definitely made better calls for the last game
Doug: I was coaching from afar on facebook and had Donovan coming in around the 60' and Edu for Jones and that is what happened, but the decisions prior to the match were what counted
Pete: Agreed. I think Bradley is kind of stubborn but is willing to make changes when he is on the edge
Doug: Yea and I think he knows that his job isn't very secure. There has to be pressure for the team to win the Gold Cup and be a player in the next few years. It's a good time to step out and be bold. Of course the decisions have to pay off
Pete: Yes, they have. So, let's talk more about the players. Who's stood out to you?
Doug: Well I would have to say Kljestan, whom I questioned initially. There have been times he found himself out wide and was calm and generally found a way to create. I think he has covered his position well and could be a big part of the game plan today. How about you?
Pete: He's done well. My one pet peeve with him is that he's afraid to shoot sometimes.
Pete: For Pete, I'm gonna go with AVFC player, Lichaj. He's a natural RB but has been playing some LB prior to the Gold Cup. He's got some ways to go but he is (as of right now) the UMSNT's best LB option.
Doug: Yes I agree with you. He is another I would like to see react just a touch faster, but he has been stable. Anyone that you are expecting more from than you have seen?
Pete: I wish we'd get to see Adu play but I trust Bradley the Elder if he thinks he's not ready. He did make the bench though. Also, I don't know why I have a man-crush on him but I'd wish we'd get to see Spector. I think he would make a great CB with his crossing ability.
Doug: I wonder if we see Spector today to give Cherundolo - probably a bit of a reach. I will say that I expect more out of Jones in his attitude. His play and athletic ability are great, but his mind is in the wrong place.
Pete: I don't see Spector replacing Cherundolo even thought he could probably use some rest. Spector doesn't have the pace.
Doug: very true. A reach for sure
Pete: That's true re: Jones. He needs to stay clam.
Doug: So what are you expecting to see this evening?
Pete: I think we'll see a similar line up except with Donovan in there. I'm guessing in place of Bedoya
Doug: I am guessing the formation stays the some 4-2-3-1 with Agudelo as the lone man up front
Pete: Yea, there's been no info saying that Altidore is fit for this game.
Pete: I think the back four will be: Lichaj, Bocanegra, Goodson (I'd like Ream to get a shot though), & Cherundolo. Mids: Bradley & Jones playing behind Donovan, Kljestan, & Dempsey. Also, Agudelo as the lone striker like you mentioned.
Doug: I have to agree with the lineup. I would prefer Goodson as I am not sure where Ream's mind would be today. He was exposed against Panama. I think we will find Donovan on the left most of the time with Kljestan and Dempsey interchanging
Pete: Agreed. Since we've kind of alluded to this: What would be your fantasy lineup be (assuming everyone is in form not including injuries though. Just performance)? Let's start with defense first
Doug: cherundolo-bocanegro-ream-lichaj. Edu-Bradley. dempsey-donovan-kljestan. Altidore as the lone striker. I lean Edu with the attitude that Jones has shown. I do also think it is hard to keep Wondo out given his club performance, but there may not be a place for him
Pete: Wondo hasn't shown he can cut it internationally yet
Doug: Any changes to your fantasy lineup
Pete: I'd go with a 4-2-3-1 with Lichaj-Boca-Ream-Dolo, Jones-Bradley, Donovan-Bedoya-Dempsey, Altidore.
Doug: Very nice. I can see why people may favor Bedoya. Whomever is in that spot will play a big role tonight. What do you see as the key against Panama
Pete: I think Bedoya seems to have a good understanding with Dempsey & has more guts. What do you think the outcome of this game will be? Does USMNT advance?
Doug: Well I do think they advance. The trend continues as the U.S. has not lost in the semis of the Gold Cup. They will need to show patience on offense. I'm not expecting a lot of scoring as Panama may attempt to sit back and wait for one good rush like in the last match. Blas Perez is out for Panama after a red card too, so that could be a benefit.
Pete: Good point re: Perez. I think the USMNT will advance as well. Like 2-1 or 1-0. Looks like they've got things turned around as needed. I'd also like to see more composure on both ends of the field.
Doug: This is true. Also, have to hope there is no looking ahead at a possible match with Mexico.
Pete: Yea, I don't think so since Panama whipped them. The score was not reflective of how much in control Panama was.
Doug: This is true. I have confidence about the match today and I think that the U.S. will control possession. Just have to be smart with the ball
Pete: true. Well, I think that about wraps it up. Anything you wanna mention?
Doug: Not much else. I'd say Clint Dempsey is the most polarizing player in recent national team memory. It’s very interesting to see the debates about it. People have a right to be nervous about today's match, but I think the outcome will be positive
Pete: Do you think it's because we're so anxious to have a true superstar?
Doug: that's a pretty good conclusion I would say
Pete: cool. Thanks for participating. Maybe one day we can be all modern & have a podcast to talk about this stuff
Doug: yea I’m sure at some point.
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WatchHighlights for the NY Red Bulls - Portland Timbers match.
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Way to kiss ass Drogba #Football #Soccer #CFC #EPL →
Supposedly Didier Drogba had Chelsea over Roman Abramovich officiate his wedding. Really trying to get that contract extension, huh?
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List of the 2011 - 2012 #UEFA Champions League... →
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List of the 2011 - 2012 #UEFA Europa League Teams... →
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Looking for a place that has a good list of... →
Sky Sports provides a comprehensive list of rumors that are flying around. It does mostly focus on the Premier League which isn’t a shocker since it is a English media outlet.
-Pete
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Here's part two of @therealjoelp's look at...
‘Allo, and welcome to Part Two of Set Piece’s exclusive takeover of Project Runway: The Soccer Season. Before we get back to the remaining teams with new kits out, I must first make an adjustment on last round’s judgments.
You see, I rated Chelsea in, but with the revelation of their new aways… I have to change it to a draw because they are simply tragic. ...
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Our resident fashion expert, @therealjoelp, looks...
So, I have toyed with many ideas of how to write an article for Set Pieces regarding this upcoming year’s fashions and faux pas’ that we’ll see out on the pitches of jolly olde England… or for many of us Yanks, on our pub’s TVs, or for yet another contingent of American soccer fan, on a tiny little pirated internet window. Seriously, I was so nervous about this post that I thought of imitating...
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#Blatter Re-Elected for #FIFA, but Why?
Sepp Blatter was re-elected today for another four-year term as the FIFA present despite controversy and no opponent for the position. Despite an effort by England’s Football Association to have the vote postponed based on there being no competition for the presidency, the election became very meaningless for those interested in the future of FIFA. Given the recent corruption allegations,...
News: Bayern Munich announce signings of Manuel... →
soccerrumours:
News posted on Jun-02-2011 02:13 Hong Kong Time
Bayern Munich announce signings of Manuel Neuer from Schalke & Rafinha from Genoa
The Germany international admits he expects to settle in quickly ……
