The Soccer Thread (Version 7.0)

7 goals in the first half of Reading-Man United, plus another which was over the line but not called. Scoreless second half and United gains 2 points on the day over Man City and 3 over Chelski.

 

It was funny to see Bruce Arena holding up a baby like he was the trophy.

 

The first half was awful soccer. The second half was slightly better, but not a showcase for MLS

 

When are cup finals ever showcases for sexy soccer?

 

Maybe not sexy, but the first half was just terrible. Becks played well, but it was bad stuff.

 

Crazy goal to win it for the Ravens (MK Dons) over the Browns (AFC Wimbeldon). 1-1 in Fergie time and a ball is half cleared from a corner. An MK Dons player slightly mishits a shot from just outside the box towards the target. A teammate with his back to the goal about 10 yards out cooly sticks a leg out and loops a backheel over the keeper. Like something the slacker offspring of Berba and Ibra would do.

 

Tie of the third round for the romantics is either Lincoln City or Mansfield Town at home to Liverpool. Both are former League clubs now plying their trade in the Conference (automatic two-up, two-down means that probably close to half the Conference are former League clubs now). A high-stakes replay, to say the least.

 

See this is why I am still a novice at watching soccer. I thought the match was pretty good. Lots of up and down...yeah, sloppy passing near the box, but a few good chances both ways.

I really liked during the preshow when they explained Seattle's defense against L.A. and how they pushed them to the outside. They need more analysis like that. The talking-heads format that ESPNFC has does nothing for me.

 

If reports are to be believed, the Special One will be leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season. I assume that, should he wish to return to the EPL, he'll have his pick of Man City, Chelski and perhaps Man United.

 

Bad week to be an oligarch. Both Man City and Chelsea are out of the Big Cup at the group stages.

Celtic makes it through to the last 16.

 

Hope Messi is OK.

 

Heard it was a knee bruise. Doesn't sound serious, but anytime a player clutches the knee like that, you fear the worst.