FanNation - The Republic of Sport

If he were to skip out on a playoff tie for a friendly, I think it's safe to say that would be the end of any chance for redemption with Galaxy fans. Considering the article which came out documenting the jump in his endorsement earnings since coming to MLS, he'd be wise to stick around a while.

Fabio Capello: AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR...

PootieTang hit it on the head.

Wow, what a wierd sentence.....

This is a very obvious T&R. Even this idiot wouldn't leave a play-off game for a stupid friendly "in the middle of nowhere." Not my words. Good stuff. Fergie is a mad man.

Oh and Dempsey scored again today. PK. Well done Clint. Hull won, too. Phil Brown must be very happy. He should still be fired, though.

shocking O.o wonder if he will make a difference like blanco did against the Revs

Vegas, seriously what were the odds :D

QUOTE(#5):

Originally posted 11:22 AM ET  11.08 by Otergod

shocking O.o wonder if he will make a difference like blanco did against the RevsVegas, seriously what were the odds :D

Whether you love or loathe Golden Balls, you've got to admit he puts himself in the very best of situations when it's nut-crunching time. He could get an MLS trophy, then he goes to Milan and gets to play in the Champions League given the team's current form and then he runs off to the biggest stage of all - The World Cup. Doesn't get much better for a footballer if you ask me.

The last one is probably a bridge too far ... but the other two trophies are not.

Regarding Blanco, and I watched the entire game which had the feel of an old Red Star Belgrade match with the reddish flares (very well done Chicago!): he's a tremendous player who plays bigger than his body probably allows him to do at times, but I thought it was more a function of a shocking performance by the left side of the New England defense than Blanco. Nyarko, the human stick figure, bodying off a defender on the 50-50 ball leading to the deciding goal pretty much confirmed this. I thought Thorington was the guy who made the difference - not just because he scored, but because his pressure inside meant that the defenders had to pick their poison.

Any word on McBride? Those RSL central defenders are big boys (especially Olave) and I don't think things are going to get much easier for him.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 11:37 AM ET  11.08 by dynamo818

Regarding Blanco, and I watched the entire game which had the feel of an old Red Star Belgrade match with the reddish flares (very well done Chicago!): he's a tremendous player who plays bigger than his body probably allows him to do at times, but I thought it was more a function of a shocking performance by the left side of the New England defense than Blanco.

I'm looking forward to watching the LA derby later on ESPN (they only showed the Fire vs Revs on ESPN HD, which isn't available here in northern Brazil yet). Reading your comment on the red flares, I feel the tears well up with pride at the thought of my countrymen really becoming football fans, rather than your "let's go sit and watch" types so prevalent in other sports. I mean, can you imagine red flares at a baseball game?

I hope Goldiballs can provide better service into the Milan attack once he gets there; watching the 2x1 win over Lazio today, I found myself thinking that, with proper delivery, the advantage could have been much greater.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 11:51 AM ET  11.08 by Raven1971

I'm looking forward to watching the LA derby later on ESPN (they only showed the Fire vs Revs on ESPN HD, which isn't available here in northern Brazil yet). Reading your comment on the red flares, I feel the tears well up with pride at the thought of my countrymen really becoming football fans, rather than your "let's go sit and watch" types so prevalent in other sports. I mean, can you imagine red flares at a baseball game?I hope Goldiballs can provide better service into the Milan attack once he gets there; watching the 2x1 win over Lazio today, I found myself thinking that, with proper delivery, the advantage could have been much greater.

Did you see Diego yesterday? I think LVG compared him to Socrates after that performance, and I don't know how much longer Dunga can look the other way on a Diego-Melo link in the midfield; they scored 5 goals yesterday and three more were called back against Atalanta.

And Pato ... my god. He's the closest thing I've seen to a young Ronaldo - very quick feet and he just terrorizes defenders with his bag of tricks. He gets better and better upfront, dangerous every time he's got even a slice of space.

Regarding the red flares: it's just another sign that Americans are growing into this sport just fine.

they scored = Juventus

Chicago has struggled all year long with an attacking "identity" in games. They have so much talent going forward, and yet because of everyone's different skill sets, the team hasn't always played well together.

The commentators on FSC said that McBride got a nasty charlie horse on his thigh. As bad as the hit he took from Reis, it was most likely the defender getting him across the leg that forced him out of the match. I would think that he would be back against RSL come Saturday.

As for Nyarko, he has slowly been proving himself as a real threat up top, and he offers something that McBride doesn't have any longer- a good pace and quick movements for through balls. I think he fits in with Blanco better than McBride does for that reason. Blanco isn't the type to want to play off of those long bombs towards MB's head and relies on the give and goes, over lapping play and I think appreciates the speed of Nyarko.

It is the reason why I thought that Rolfe has been a disappointment this year. His style should be more about those through balls and the speed game- something he has had in the past, but just hasn't played very well with this year (in my opinion, sorry Otergod!).

Section 8 was great again last night, and I bought tickets for Saturday right after the game. I checked back on Ticketmaster about two hours later and the "best seats available" option near Section 8 at that point was placing people much further away from where my ticket is for. Good news should be that we will have another amazing atmosphere for the Eastern Conference Finals.

I love MLS Cup, though think that the winner should not be considered the year's champion (that should go to the Crew for winning the Supporters Shield), but it is great entertainment.

Anyone who watched that match last night I think would see that Blanco loves to play for this city! I think he will try to come back after WC 2010 even if it is just for a 1/2 season.

I think the story of the MLS Cup would be a great one if Chicago wins and LA Galaxy make it through. It would be headlined Beckham vs. Blanco but I think the real attention for MLS and football fans in general will be on Blanco/Mexico vs. Donovan/USA.

Either way, it would be something that MLS could really use as a showpiece for how far the league has come in the last 13 years.

QUOTE(#11):

Originally posted 12:21 PM ET  11.08 by rhussmann

I think the story of the MLS Cup would be a great one if Chicago wins and LA Galaxy make it through. It would be headlined Beckham vs. Blanco but I think the real attention for MLS and football fans in general will be on Blanco/Mexico vs. Donovan/USA.Either way, it would be something that MLS could really use as a showpiece for how far the league has come in the last 13 years.

If you really look at it the majority of these players are leaving like Beckham, Blanco, Donovan, and Rolfe so it would make for an interesting match up. Sorry Otergod but I really hate Chicago even though they have a legend like McBride. I can't stand Blanco and would love to see a match-up like a L.A. vs Chicago final.

QUOTE(#8):

Originally posted 12:04 PM ET  11.08 by dynamo818

Did you see Diego yesterday? I think LVG compared him to Socrates after that performance, and I don't know how much longer Dunga can look the other way on a Diego-Melo link in the midfield; they scored 5 goals yesterday and three more were called back against Atalanta. And Pato ... my god. He's the closest thing I've seen to a young Ronaldo - very quick feet and he just terrorizes defenders with his bag of tricks. He gets better and better upfront, dangerous every time he's got even a slice of space.Regarding the red flares: it's just another sign that Americans are growing into this sport just fine.

I wrote my first column over at the "One Love" site on Diego, where I called him the best player to emerge from the 2002 Santos squad that had received so many accolades. I have a feeling that, depending on how Robinho does against England and Oman, that Diego may just have a shot at his former teammate's expense - that's how low Robinho's stock is these days among Brazilians.

Watching the Brazilian League, Flamengo have just taken a 3x1 lead over Atletico Mineiro in the Mineirao Stadium (65,000 in attendance), while Palmeiras trail away to Fluminense. Looks like it's going to come down to Flamengo and Sao Paulo fighting for the title down here!

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 02:38 PM ET  11.08 by Raven1971

I wrote my first column over at the "One Love" site on Diego, where I called him the best player to emerge from the 2002 Santos squad that had received so many accolades. I have a feeling that, depending on how Robinho does against England and Oman, that Diego may just have a shot at his former teammate's expense - that's how low Robinho's stock is these days among Brazilians.

That was a nice article it was apart of your "players to watch" and you posted it a couple of days before Juve played I believe it was Roma. Then Diego scored those 2 beautiful goals that was classic, nice call.

I think Diego is a type of player that Brazil's need in central midfield. I dont really like the pairing of Melo/G.Silva. I think Robihno still can play on the wings with Diego still in the lineup. But Knowing Dunga that won't likely happen.

QUOTE(#15):

Originally posted 02:55 PM ET  11.08 by ~Soccer_Hooligan~

That was a nice article it was apart of your "players to watch" and you posted it a couple of days before Juve played I believe it was Roma. Then Diego scored those 2 beautiful goals that was classic, nice call. I think Diego is a type of player that Brazil's need in central midfield. I dont really like the pairing of Melo/G.Silva. I think Robihno still can play on the wings with Diego still in the lineup. But Knowing Dunga that won't likely happen.

I'm not a Gilberto Silva fan by any means, but if you have a right back like Maicon who likes to go forward as he does, you best have a second defensive mid as cover. Dunga obviously trusts him for that simple reason. If you are going to put Diego in that lineup, you'd be forced to sacrifice another attacking player - perhaps a Robinho as Raven has pointed out? That means you're either forced to go 4-2-3-1/4-1-4-1 /4-4-1-1 with Fabiano as your point man.

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 02:38 PM ET  11.08 by Raven1971

I wrote my first column over at the "One Love" site on Diego, where I called him the best player to emerge from the 2002 Santos squad that had received so many accolades. I have a feeling that, depending on how Robinho does against England and Oman, that Diego may just have a shot at his former teammate's expense - that's how low Robinho's stock is these days among Brazilians.

Excellent shout on Diego: he was clearly the best off-season signing in any league. Arsenal fans are all over the Vermaelen signing as a sign of Wenger's genius, but Diego does so much more with that Juventus squad. He's also more tactically astute which speaks to his pedigree as a player.

Thanks Becks, that's nice of you. What an altruistic guy you are...

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 11:37 AM ET  11.08 by dynamo818

Whether you love or loathe Golden Balls, you've got to admit he puts himself in the very best of situations when it's nut-crunching time. He could get an MLS trophy, then he goes to Milan and gets to play in the Champions League given the team's current form and then he runs off to the biggest stage of all - The World Cup. Doesn't get much better for a footballer if you ask me.The last one is probably a bridge too far ... but the other two trophies are not. Regarding Blanco, and I watched the entire game which had the feel of an old Red Star Belgrade match with the reddish flares (very well done Chicago!): he's a tremendous player who plays bigger than his body probably allows him to do at times, but I thought it was more a function of a shocking performance by the left side of the New England defense than Blanco. Nyarko, the human stick figure, bodying off a defender on the 50-50 ball leading to the deciding goal pretty much confirmed this. I thought Thorington was the guy who made the difference - not just because he scored, but because his pressure inside meant that the defenders had to pick their poison.Any word on McBride? Those RSL central defenders are big boys (especially Olave) and I don't think things are going to get much easier for him.

lol, Heaps got laid out nicely by Nyarko.... made me smile inside

Blanco does alot of good, though this season it seemed like his mind was drifting between nats and club.... i thought he did very well last night, and yes the left side of NER were absolute garbage... Castro is a prick, i'll just flat out say it... he better be fined for that sad display

as for Becknuts, my comment wasnt a bash nor really even related towards him, except to poke fun at Vegas losing the bet....

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 11:51 AM ET  11.08 by Raven1971

I'm looking forward to watching the LA derby later on ESPN (they only showed the Fire vs Revs on ESPN HD, which isn't available here in northern Brazil yet). Reading your comment on the red flares, I feel the tears well up with pride at the thought of my countrymen really becoming football fans, rather than your "let's go sit and watch" types so prevalent in other sports. I mean, can you imagine red flares at a baseball game?I hope Goldiballs can provide better service into the Milan attack once he gets there; watching the 2x1 win over Lazio today, I found myself thinking that, with proper delivery, the advantage could have been much greater.

i was in the 9th row in the section to the left of Section 8 and i was standing the entire game... everyone in front of us were sitting, but everyone above us were standing (i take full credit)...

flares were quite nice to see, especially since the FO were so adament about punishing Section 8 for using them all season... sort of like giving the finger to the FO who is constantly alienating us