All-Purpose, Never-Ending Soccer Thread

Speaking of overweight, over the hill players, Clintinho Mathis traded to RBNY

 

For a partial allocation ... wow. I'm actually kind of sad Clavijo didn't package Kirovski and a six-pack of Fat Tire with Cletus in exchange for the rights to Kenny Arena.

Wonder what Kroenke plans on doing with the cash. Trading for Conor Casey, perhaps?

 

Mathis' return will be interesting. I don't know much more than that.

I also forgot to add this thought on the US Guat game...
There was one thing that certainly stood out in my mind: Justin Mapp. I'm sorry, but he should NEVER get another call up again until he decides to have his right foot surgically repaired.

At one point in the game, Mapp could have crossed a ball into the box as it was on his right foot. Instead, he turned around and passed it with his left. He didn't use his right foot once the entire game.

I liked his pace. I liked his aggressive nature. I like that he can use his left. I do NOT like that he doesn't even attempt to use his right. Sorry, but that is a deal breaker for me.

 

So what does everyone think about how the young kids kept their cool in the face of that kind of a hack and slash game. It's what we'll probably face down south this summer and I think that the mental toughness gained can't be overlooked.

 

Matt, I think the kids keeping their cool was definitely good. The thing is, the US will not face the type of hacking they faced on Wednesday. They are going to be playing teams that possess actual skill and talent, like Ecuador, Argentina, etc.

Yes, the US dismantled Ecuador several days ago, but they at least have talent and were in the World Cup. Guatemala is a team that was looking to not embarrass their fans. They came out to draw the game nil-nil.

 

How has the possible signing of Juan Pablo Angel to the Red Bull not been mentioned here...

http://www.metrofanatic.com/story.jsp?ID=4286

 

It is mostly just rumor and conjecture. The talk is ongoing, but with all of the talk that occurred before, it remains just a rumor.

 

Regardless, it'd be a nice addition. Colombians rue the countless chances Angel fails to put away, but I think it'd be a good pick up.

BTW, Colombia is on a nice little stretch. 2-0 win over Switzerland in the Orange Bowl, followed by a 2-0 over Paraguay (their first over PGY in a loooong time) in Bogota.

 

Maybe so. But as an RBNY supporter, I've already seen what the Colombian league produces. So called Kings of Goals become court jesters.

 

Don't go ripping on El Rey.

 

Oh, I'll rip on the King of hitting the upper deck in Giants Stadium!

 

Angel was played shortly with Atletico Nacional (Medellin), but is more remembered for what he did at River Plate (and Aston Villa). He's not going to create his own shot, but inside the 18 he can be efficient.

With Reyna orchestrating from midfield, I could see Angel having success against the less physical backlines of the MLS.