The Soccer Thread (Version 8)

He looked OK. Like Ian Darke said, this is really the first time most people have seen him. All we really know is that he's had an impressive strike rate in the fourth division of the Bundesliga. I doubt many other Bundesliga 4 players will be in Brazil this summer.

If he makes the World Cup squad, it had better be Wondo getting left off. I don't want to bump Johnson or Johannsson for Green.

 

So, do you think that Klinsi promised him a spot for the switch? I do.

 

Absolutely think he did.

 

Could Portland and Seattle just play every week? Horrid defending at times, but an entertaining match.

 

Next up for MLS: Atlanta
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/thegoalkeeper/Atlanta-confirmed-as-Major-League-Soccers-next-expansion-market.html

Good: Expanding into an underserved part of the country, enthusiastic partner in Arthur Blank
Bad: Playing on artificial turf in an NFL stadium, located in the Atlanta sports market (not exactly enthusiastic), end of the Silverbacks?

 

From the official press release...

U.S. Soccer has announced that Tom Sermanni has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team, effective immediately.

U.S. Soccer Director of Development Jill Ellis will serve as interim head coach, starting with the USA's next match against China PR on April 10 in San Diego.

"We want to thank Tom for his service over the past year and half, but we felt that we needed to go in a different direction at this time," said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. "We will begin looking for a new coach immediately to guide our Women's National Team toward qualifying for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup."

"I'm disappointed that things didn't work out, but I'd like to thank U.S. Soccer for the opportunity to have coached this team and also the staff and players for all their hard work," said Sermanni.

Ellis previously served as interim head coach for seven matches at the end of 2012, going 5-0-2.

 

Off the field activities? That's my only guess.

 

Well, they did lose a couple of matches.

But, yeah, this is odd.

 

I think it's possible -- not necessarily likely, but possible -- that the MLS team develops the same kind of hipster fanbase that has worked in places like Seattle and Portland. There's certainly no shortage of yuppies in Buckhead, etc. But the trials and tribulations of Atlanta pro sports teams are well-documented for a reason.

Then again, maybe the MLS team fills whatever niche is left in downtown by the Braves moving out to Cobb. Blank, et al., should at least be able to market.

 

maybe not odd after the tourney in Portugal, but strange that they let him have the match.

 

Grant Wahl mentioned that Gulati likely spoke to some of the players before making this decision.

Losing to Pia at the Algarve Cup probably didn't help.