The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

Rio out 3-4 weeks for United, joining Evans, Smalling and Jones on the sidelines. Meaning that Carrick will probably play CB today with Vidic.

On a totally different note, saw our man Pastor at the RBNY game last night.

 

Another bizarre, rarely-seen call. Late in Sunday's DC-Philadelphia game, DC had a penalty kick. De Rosario took it and scored ... but DC was called for encroachment. Replays indicated there was a DC player in the arc before the kick, but it seemed at least two Philly players also entered the arc/box before the kick.

Three red cards were handed out in the minutes after, and DC players were fighting each other after. Strange stuff.

 

I had never heard of Transnistria until I was doing a bit of random hopping around Wikitravel a few weeks ago. (I have a lofty, probably never-to-be-attained goal of visiting every European country, including the Moldovas of the world.) Sounds like a fascinating place.

 

That's a fantastic story, YF. Thanks for posting.

 

Ipswich have bid for Maurice Edu:

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1137914/ipswich-makes-offer-for-maurice-edu,-glasgow-rangers-confirm?cc=5901

 

I'd never heard of it until last night, and I love little obscure countries.

I know about Georgia's breakaway regions, but had no idea this place even existed, had a claim to sovereignty, or had achieved some degree of self-determination.

And, what an odd place -- loyal not just to Russia, but seemingly to the Soviet Union. Wild.

 

Everton fun to watch against Man U so far, but I have a bad feeling this is going to be one of those games where Everton gets more chances, but Man U finds way to win 1-0 or 2-1 based on superior individual talent.

 

I can see that too, Bubbler. Entertaining game, though Everton has really had more goalmouth touches. Deserve a goal.

 

Just checked on UEFA.com and Sheriff is still considered a Moldovan club, even though it's in that breakaway region (Transnistria).

 

It's mentioned in the article.

 

I realize one game does not a season make, but QPR was one point from relegation last season and looked absolutely dreadful on Saturday against Swansea, and Hughes didn't exactly set the world on fire as their coach after his mid-season hiring last season. I think they definitely will be in serious contention for relegation.

 

Osman hits the underside of the bar on the volley. Still 0-0.