Ode to the beautiful game... (Soccer)

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NeilJLeonard

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KHenry14 said:
Fans may recall how 4 years ago the USWNT had to go to the playoff game in order to qualify. So far that doesn't look like it's going to happen again, but ya gotta figure it's in the back of the minds of a lot of the players. Losing Alex Morgan to injury isn't helpful, but that's one position where there is a lot of depth. Just win the game against Mexico and be done with it!!
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Alex was not missed. After a slow start to the tournament the USA defeated Mexico in a dominating 3-0 win on Friday - team USA also hit the post or crossbar 3 times - to set up a final with Costa Rica who defeated TnT on PKs in the other semi-final. The CR keeper made 3 straight saves while CR made 3 straight PKs for the win.

Unlike all the other teams the USA played Costa Rica decided not to park the bus & bunker but to try to play a full field game and attack the US. After all both teams had already qualified for the WWC 2015. I guess they decided to see just how they stood against the number 1 ranked woman's team in the world. It was no contest. The USA won 6-0 with Abby Wambach scoring 4 goals & an assist as the USA simply played their best game of the tournament.

Mexico had to go to extra time to defeat TnT in the consolation. With the win Mexico advances to the WWC.

TnT has to play a home & home series vs Ecuador. The winner of that series will advance to the WWC. Since the home field in Ecuador is over 9,000 feet above sea level, a huge advantage, TnT will probably accept the Mexican Federation's offer allowing TnT to train at some of the higher venues, over 6,000 feet, in Mexico.

NJL
 
Buzz

Buzz

Socialist Canada
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Oh poooo... :wuzrobbed Just for that , they are gonna have to kick Man City bum in the EPL rankings this season! :p
 
Buzz

Buzz

Socialist Canada
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The Russian Football Union says it does not have the funds to pay NT coach Fabio Capello's salary. So my question is, how in earth are the Russians gonna be able to put on the 2018 WC if they are broke?
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30018551


And on another joyful note; the BBC is reporting that FIFA is expected to clear Qatar of corruption charges in connection to it's 2022 WC bid.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30031405
 
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Buzz

Buzz

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Man U is in 4th place after our second win in a row and I am in heaven! :cheer2:
 
Buzz

Buzz

Socialist Canada
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Another win for Man U and we now have 25 points and in fourth place. The win against Stoke wasn't pretty but I'll take it!
 
C172

C172

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I very nearly went to this, as I live maybe 100 miles south. Kind of planned it spur of the moment, though, and my logistics weren't as fine tuned as I needed. But I saw it on TV. The match got better as it rolled on, and the end was great. Too little too late for the Revs, and things being what they are, runner up in MLS Cup is not good for a spot in CONCACAF Champions League. Bummer for them, but I hope that franchise does better at the gate next year (maybe through getting their own stadium closer to Boston rather than Foxboro. I wonder the timetable on that).

And wonderful job, Galaxy. That team knows how to make soccer work, and work well. Hoping Landy is still visible within soccer.
 
KHenry14

KHenry14

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Whee, my Galaxy wins 3rd title 4 years!! Not a stirring game, but came up big when it counted.
 
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NeilJLeonard

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KHenry14 said:
Whee, my Galaxy wins 3rd title 4 years!! Not a stirring game, but came up big when it counted.
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Lucky you. My beloved Div II Strikers made it to the NASL championship Final for the 2nd time in 4 years and lost 2-1. Two tries and 2 losses. We are not happy.

NJL
 
C172

C172

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Yeah, I was pulling for the Revs (I am a southern Californian, but a Sounders fan. The Sounders lost to LA. And I've lived in New England as well, anyway). The Revs, I think, have even worse of a finals appearance/win ratio. Aggravating. But I think NER's recent attendance was improving. Hope they can move closer to Boston soon.
 
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NeilJLeonard

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;):cool::cool::cool::cool:;)
KHenry14 said:
NJL, looks like your Strikers have a new partner!! http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2014/12/11/ronaldo-fort-lauderdale-strikers-nasl-brazil

Not sure if having a guy like that Ronaldo involved with the team is a good thing or not. But It's got to be a good sign for the franchise
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The original 3 seem to think they have someone that can have a huge impact in several ways. He is a very well known name worldwide and the media seems to have been reporting it favorably. He also has ties to one of the major manufactures of team uniforms & equipment and that could help the Strikers get favorable rates for gear. Plus he does have contacts with some major clubs worldwide that should help the Strikers fill their 7 foreign player slots with some talented young players on loan.

They also seem to think he can help fill the bleachers with some new fans and help in getting some sponsorship for the team giving them some much needed income.

I do not know if any of this will come to pass, but it at least is an attempt to do something to make things better. I hope so since the total screw up with replacing Tom Mulroy as team President and CEO, losing a very, very good and hugely popular head coach in a contract dispute, plus giving one of the teams most popular players his outright release has the fan base outraged. They've got to replace these folks with some one at least their equal, if not better. Lotsa luck with that.

NJL (to repeat the cynical Striker Liker's chant for the last few years: We'll believe it when we see it......;)...)
 
Buzz

Buzz

Socialist Canada
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Van Persie, the old man, still got it going on!!! And Man U has their sixth win in a row and we are in a solid 3rd place! :cheer2:
 
4rkidz

4rkidz

plotting, planning and travelling
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Buzz said:
Van Persie, the old man, still got it going on!!! And Man U has their sixth win in a row and we are in a solid 3rd place! :cheer2:
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Booooooooooo! But on a happy note I really enjoyed going to the game few nights back here in Barcelona, was great to watch the Champions league game of Barca versus PSG, classic goals an great atmosphere!
 
Buzz

Buzz

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LOL


Cambridge U says they will use their FA Cup money on toilets! Love my boys but can't help but feel happy for that little club. :)
 
C172

C172

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In the U.S. Open Cup, we give $x to the furthest-going team from each of our five tiers. Is that true in England as well? Seems like good motivation. While the FA Cup is a huge affair, it seems, the USOC (same kind of tourney) gets badly ignored compared to MLS.
 
KHenry14

KHenry14

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Well it's really hit the fan for Hope Solo. Her latest incident, once again involving alcohol, has got her suspended and in danger of being left off the World Cup roster:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/hope-solo-could-left-off-us-world-cup-204503979--sow.html

Sunil Gulati of USSoccer has made it clear what is expected of Hope. But I actually think it's possible that Hope may wreck her career by arrogantly not doing what's she has been told to do, which would be a shame since she's the best keeper in the world. But at least Nicole Barnhart and Ashlyn Harris are pretty darn good in their own right, and either could replace Solo in goal without much of a drop off.

But this is a distraction that the team doesn't need.
 
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