The Soccer Thread (Version 9)

I'm warily excited for the Orns' trip to the Etihad. For one, Watford played really well against City at Vicarage Road earlier this year. And two, I can't imagine they'll wilt from the moment like they did at Anfield last week. Man City -- outside of the Chelsea game -- hasn't been crushing teams. Huge chance for Watford to make a big-six statement. Would be pleased with a draw, for sure.

 

Am totally loving the English press portrayal of ManU as the plucky underdogs of the Champions League.

 

Compared to PSG (and Man City) everyone is.

 

Off-pitch drama for US Soccer

Top Women’s Players Sue U.S. Soccer for Gender Discrimination

 

Every EPL result today, including come-from-behind wins for Southampton and Newcastle, was bad for Burnley. Couldn't have broke worse. I am afeared.

 

Sterling with a natural hat trick and a massive asterisk after an offsides call was overturned for reasons.

 

I can’t understand that decision. The defender has no idea that he’s off and would not have touched that ball except for the fact that he was marking Sterling. I think that the rule should be that if the defenders are at all distracted by a player in an offsides position, the flag needs to go up.

 

The officials association made a statement that the ruling was wrong and the goal should have been disallowed. I really don't know what the main ref saw.

 

A Birmingham fan rushed onto the field and punched Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish in the head.

 

It was a poor call, but there was no way Watford were winning yesterday with that lineup Javi trotted out there. I'm fine with him making sure everyone is fit and healthy for Palace next Saturday.

 

Two lucky things happened here: The attack wasn't worse (thank God he didn't have a weapon) and security got to the attacker first. They probably would still be mopping his sorry ass up from the field if the players got to him first.

 

Proud Boys and skinheads: MLS faces an incursion from the far-right

This would be a fascinating deep dive for 30 for 30. Not just here in the MLS but in Europe as well.