The Soccer Thread (Version 13) — Winter World Cup Edition

My son has already announced he'll be heading to a soccer bar in Dorchester (some 20 miles from our location) on Black Friday, leaving his family, including wife, for the day. He asked if I wanted to go and I told him I have several TVs in the house.

 

There's no denying that U.S. fan interest in soccer has grown in the past 10-15 years, but is this a good litmus test for exactly where it stands in the American pecking order of sports?
Much like the Olympics, the World Cup always makes a splash here because it's great summer time filler for a month in the summer. Now that it's up against the heart of the college football and NFL seasons, as well as the NBA, and tucked in around the holidays, it'll be interesting to see how it does when it's competing for attention with a dozen other things.
I think that USA-England game on Black Friday afternoon will do well, though. That seems to be in a perfect time slot to grab some eyeballs.

 

We are having a party for US-England. Nothing wrong with me getting drunk and angry at my house 2 days in a row.

 

Friday also has the least competition from football over that weekend, at least in the last few years. One other thing. Qatar is what, 7 or 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time? So games will be on in the morning and afternoon. Very little if any sports counterprogramming five days out of the week. All three US games are at 2 p.m. on weekdays, a Monday, Friday and a Tuesday. Not a shocker, that last.

 

MLS really needs to recognize its lane and stage the championship final on a Friday night.

 

Agreed. I’ve been saying for years that they should start with a game Super Bowl Sunday and end the Friday of the first NFL game. Play the first month where it’s warmer.

 

I haven't read about it because I have no interest in soccer, but I think the MLS Cup is today, right now as a matter of fact (1 p.m. PT). L.A. vs. Philly at the stadium that is right next to the Coliseum. Soccer fans were allowed NO parking because it was all allotted to USC football fans for tailgating. I think the arranged some kind of shuttle bus system.

 

Aww man I just realized I’m going to be at the in-laws where they couldn’t give a lick about soccer. Damn.

 

I don't post here often, choosing to soak up the soccer knowledge of the regulars, but, eight minutes of stoppage time in the MLS Cup?

 

The LAFC goalie looked to have a compound leg fracture late in the game. Those take a few minutes to tend to.

That MLS Cup final was BONKERS. Best game I've seen this year, in any sport. Just nuts.

 

No Zack Steffen, it appears.

USMNT World Cup buzz: Zack Steffen not in 26-man squad; Ethan Horvath, Sean Johnson, Matt Turner make cut

 

Wow — is he hurt?