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steelerfan
06-29-2015, 09:40 AM
With the FA Community Shield just over a month away, Copa America down to the Semifinals and the transfer market in full swing, I figured it was a good time to open a new thread.

To start things off, Arsenal have completed the capture of former Chelsea keeper and legend Petr Cech. I was hopeful Cech would leave England but I wish him well. He won about a dozen trophies with the Blues and should have another 8 or 10 years left in him. Of course, with Thibaut Courtois who is 10 years younger than Cech, the Blues will not miss a beat.

steelerfan
06-29-2015, 08:30 PM
If you're not watching the Copa America, you don't know what you are missing. The football has been fantastic and having Ray Hudson doing the color commentary has been an added bonus. :nod:

steelerfan
07-09-2015, 03:30 AM
FIFA: Former CONCACAF general secretary and ExCo member Chuck Blazer banned for life, world governing body announces.

SmoothPancakes
07-25-2015, 05:53 PM
And, along with the loss to Jamaica back on Wednesday, the United State officially goes full "crap the bed" mode at the Gold Cup, losing to Panama 1-1 (3-2) in the third place match. What the hell has happened to this team since the World Cup?

steelerfan
07-25-2015, 05:54 PM
USA finishes 4th at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Terrible.

souljahbill
07-25-2015, 06:30 PM
Are our best in season in league play?

steelerfan
07-25-2015, 06:37 PM
Are our best in season in league play?
They leave their clubs for this. It was our best.

souljahbill
07-26-2015, 07:45 AM
They leave their clubs for this. It was our best.

Yikes! That German dude is still the coach, right?

steelerfan
07-26-2015, 12:34 PM
Yikes! That German dude is still the coach, right?
Yes. For the time being.

steelerfan
07-29-2015, 08:25 AM
The 2015-16 season officially gets underway in England on Sunday as defending Premier League winners Chelsea face FA Cup holders Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in the FA Community Shield. I fully expect these two clubs to be the top competitors for the Premier League title in 2016. Of course, the two Manchester sides figure to have a say in the title race as well but I think the Blues and Gunners will be the class of the league. It should be interesting to see Chelsea legend Petr Cech against his former side for the first time. The combination of Arsenal's strong second half last year and the addition of a world class keeper in Cech have me convinced that they are Chelsea's top competitor in the league this year.

Come on, you Blues!

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/07/29/86a90a4b13162f6c471ef66578294e79.jpg

JBHuskers
07-29-2015, 09:00 AM
Drogba is coming to the US I hear?

steelerfan
07-29-2015, 09:19 AM
Drogba is coming to the US I hear?
If by US you mean Montreal, yes. I may have to see if they're coming to Houston still this season.

JBHuskers
07-29-2015, 09:25 AM
If by US you mean Montreal, yes. I may have to see if they're coming to Houston still this season.

I forgot Canada has a MLS team :D that would be badass if they do come to Houston.

steelerfan
07-29-2015, 02:47 PM
I forgot Canada has a MLS team :D that would be badass if they do come to Houston.
Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC...

JBHuskers
07-29-2015, 04:05 PM
Montreal Impact, Vancouver Whitecaps, Toronto FC...

Yeah shows you how much less I follow MLS than the Premiere League :D

steelerfan
07-29-2015, 06:04 PM
Yeah shows you how much less I follow MLS than the Premiere League :D
I looked at Houston's remaining schedule, no Montreal. :(

steelerfan
08-07-2015, 09:16 AM
https://youtu.be/bAa0Xz_5t8E

https://youtu.be/MRYAsi_pLBM

:))

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/07/61399348c83e81445fa6c80523953570.jpg

JBHuskers
08-07-2015, 11:26 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vy-sP4JjnN8

steelerfan
08-29-2015, 11:27 AM
Boy, has it been a shit start to the season. 4 points from 4 matches for the Blues. :fdown:

steelerfan
09-05-2015, 09:20 PM
Shared Alert -via @ESPN
MLS: Didier Drogba scores hat trick in his first start in MLS, helps Montreal Impact rally to beat Chicago Fire 4-3*-via ESPN http://es.pn/app


Good for Drogba. Chelsea Legend!

steelerfan
09-09-2015, 08:21 AM
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11661/9984395/mls-is-in-talks-with-the-premier-league-over-an-anglo-american-cup?


A meaningful competition in the US that involves English clubs? Yes, please!

steelerfan
09-15-2015, 03:51 AM
Just accidentally stumbled onto a PlayStation FC UEFA Champions League app on the PS4. I had no clue such a thing existed.

I'm not sure what all it does (sounds like pick em and fantasy games) but I'm downloading it now. Just thought I'd mention it here since the Group Stage kicks off today and tomorrow.

Forgot to mention that it is Free to download (dunno if there is cost involved after that).

JBHuskers
09-15-2015, 09:43 AM
Haven't gotten to follow it much this season, but what in the world is wrong with Chelsea? Obviously the injury to Courtois doesn't help, but he just got hurt.

steelerfan
09-15-2015, 10:17 AM
Haven't gotten to follow it much this season, but what in the world is wrong with Chelsea? Obviously the injury to Courtois doesn't help, but he just got hurt.
Other than Matic, it seems the entire squad is out of form. I really can't believe they added so little over the Summer. Hopefully the weak UCL group will help kick start them.

Sigh.

KTBFFH!

bdoughty
10-03-2015, 09:23 PM
5 goals in 20 minutes. Still trying to find a good video with English announcers to view.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3258682/Manchester-City-6-1-Newcastle-Sergio-Aguero-smashes-five-goals-just-20-minutes-hosts-come-sink-sorry-Toon.html

steelerfan
10-03-2015, 10:13 PM
Yeah, Aguero finally went off today. Class!

SmoothPancakes
10-10-2015, 11:25 PM
And the US pisses it away in literally the final minutes of extra time.

bdoughty
10-10-2015, 11:59 PM
And the US pisses it away in literally the final minutes of extra time.

I would not say pissed it away. Mexico had the better team, yet down twice the US was able to tie up the match. Dempsey was MIA, Altidore was seen but little impact. Bradley and Jones played their asses off. Beasley played well for an old fart.

Edit: Had to look at the stats, Mexico had 63% possession and it felt like more.

steelerfan
10-11-2015, 05:11 AM
I didn't watch the match. I had 2 TVs going (TCU and the Penguins) and was playing Strat-O-Matic Hockey so that was as much as I could handle.

Sucks the US lost though. :(

JBHuskers
10-12-2015, 01:05 PM
I didn't watch the match. I had 2 TVs going (TCU and the Penguins) and was playing Strat-O-Matic Hockey so that was as much as I could handle.

Sucks the US lost though. :(

You have a Strat-O-Matic or were you at the Cock & Swallow?

steelerfan
10-12-2015, 03:01 PM
You have a Strat-O-Matic or were you at the Cock & Swallow?
Haven't been to the Cock & Swallow in quite some time. :(

JBHuskers
10-12-2015, 03:04 PM
Haven't been to the Cock & Swallow in quite some time. :(

Bummer, why is that?

steelerfan
10-12-2015, 03:08 PM
Bummer, why is that?
No reason. Hell, I was invited to watch rugby there yesterday (invited several days ago) and forgot until you mentioned it, lol.

JBHuskers
10-12-2015, 03:15 PM
No reason. Hell, I was invited to watch rugby there yesterday (invited several days ago) and forgot until you mentioned it, lol.

Guess that means it's time to return to the Cock & Swallow!

steelerfan
10-12-2015, 05:13 PM
Guess that means it's time to return to the Cock & Swallow!
Yep!

steelerfan
10-13-2015, 03:57 PM
Netherlands has been eliminated from Euro 2016 qualification. Losers!

souljahbill
10-13-2015, 08:17 PM
What is this Cock and Swallow talk?

JBHuskers
10-13-2015, 10:49 PM
What is this Cock and Swallow talk?
A bar inside of a friend of :sf: house. I'll let him go into more detail.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

steelerfan
10-14-2015, 02:32 AM
What is this Cock and Swallow talk?


A bar inside of a friend of :sf: house. I'll let him go into more detail.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
Yep. Best bar in town. :)

More alcohol than some for-profit bars.

JBHuskers
10-14-2015, 08:18 AM
And what? 120" HDTV?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

steelerfan
11-20-2015, 07:45 PM
Very happy to see Houston selected. I'm going to have to keep an eye on the scheduling and tickets to see if I can get out for at least one match.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/11/19/15/05/151119-mnt-ten-metropolitan-areas-across-the-us-selected-to-host-copa-america-centenario

SmoothPancakes
11-21-2015, 03:39 PM
http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/21/456a4d80dd6b688b097977074e9e7f10.jpg

Goddamn that is a sexy sight. :)

steelerfan
11-23-2015, 12:59 AM
We're about to find out just how good Leicester is as 7 of their next 11 are against the traditional Top 6, starting Sunday with United.

The thing is, even if Leicester struggle against those clubs Leicester can stay in the Top 4 if they keep beating the lesser clubs. Should be interesting.

I'm not sure they can keep scoring at the pace they have been but regardless they HAVE to have Vardy and Mahrez stay healthy to compete for a top 4 position. That, and hope ownership doesn't sell them in January (I doubt they will unless they fall apart in the next 6 weeks) because a club like Leicester just doesn't have the depth to replace those guys.

SmoothPancakes
11-23-2015, 04:24 AM
We're about to find out just how good Leicester is as 7 of their next 11 are against the traditional Top 6, starting Sunday with United.

The thing is, even if Leicester struggle against those clubs Leicester can stay in the Top 4 if they keep beating the lesser clubs. Should be interesting.

I'm not sure they can keep scoring at the pace they have been but regardless they HAVE to have Vardy and Mahrez stay healthy to compete for a top 4 position. That, and hope ownership doesn't sell them in January (I doubt they will unless they fall apart in the next 6 weeks) because a club like Leicester just doesn't have the depth to replace those guys.

Yeah, it's gonna be interesting to see how well they hang with the usual top dogs. I'm not naive enough to think they'll win the majority of those matches, but hopefully they can hang tough and steal some points here and there, maybe even surprise a couple and pull out a win.

And I agree. They are SCREWED of they lose Vardy or Mahrez to either injury or transfer. Those two carry the club. They could probably overcome a decrease in scoring, just would lose some more matches that they otherwise haven't until now. But to outright lose those two? Hell, I could see them falling like a rock and flirting with demotion again like last year.

steelerfan
12-05-2015, 06:15 PM
The MLS continues to set attendance and TV records (for the league) and today announced plans to expand to 28 clubs (which ups the planned number of 24 by 2020).

Good to see. :up:

steelerfan
12-09-2015, 09:12 PM
Well, Chelsea may be an unmitigated disaster domestically but at least they were able to win their group in the Champions League today. :)

steelerfan
12-17-2015, 08:58 AM
ESPN Chelsea: Chelsea sack manager Jose Mourinho after 9th loss of season, multiple reports.



Sad that it has come to this but it was inevitable with the inexcusably disastrous season that Chelsea are having.

steelerfan
12-26-2015, 08:29 AM
Manchester United are minutes away from losing for the 4th consecutive time across all competitions. They haven't done that since 1961.

So, at least there's that. :D :))

steelerfan
01-03-2016, 09:26 AM
Good to see Chelsea back in form under Guus Hiddink. A dominant 3-0 result over the Eagles at Selhurst Park against a Crystal Palace side who had only conceded one goal in their last 4 matches.

SmoothPancakes
02-06-2016, 11:57 AM
:nod:

695952176657653760

695952801734627329

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695968938275037185

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695973430584336385

695972041611153408

695969090888933377

steelerfan
02-06-2016, 12:43 PM
The only thing that can stop Leicester at this point is a rash of injuries. Remarkable!

I'm guessing this may become a more common occurrence. With the massive amount of TV money that is flowing to all BPL clubs, you're going to see clubs other than the "Big 6" winning the league. It's great for the league, even if it's bad for England's chances in the UCL (and bad for clubs like Chelsea).

SmoothPancakes
02-06-2016, 04:49 PM
The only thing that can stop Leicester at this point is a rash of injuries. Remarkable!

I'm guessing this may become a more common occurrence. With the massive amount of TV money that is flowing to all BPL clubs, you're going to see clubs other than the "Big 6" winning the league. It's great for the league, even if it's bad for England's chances in the UCL (and bad for clubs like Chelsea).

I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that come early February, Leicester would be 15-8-2! Only two losses at this point, the last coming back in December. Absolutely nuts! Thank god, the team did the right thing and signed Vardy through 2019.

Still seems unbelievable. They just get promoted back up for the first time in 10 years, finish 14th last year, 6 points shy of relegation. And now this year, so far they have the most wins, they have only two losses, and sit 5 points clear of the Spurs at the top of the table.

And based on their remaining schedule, there really is a true chance they can win the title. They finish the year with Arsenal, Norwich, West Brom, Watford, New Castle, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Sunderland, West Ham, Swansea, Man United, Everton and Chelsea.

If they can get through that with two losses or less, they can definitely win the title. Even three losses wouldn't necessarily eliminate them from the title, depending on what the Spurs and City do.

steelerfan
02-07-2016, 11:57 AM
Chelsea should have taken the full 3 points against United today as they were the better side. That said, the late equalizer by Costa seals 10 straight without a loss to United so I'll take it.

SmoothPancakes
02-14-2016, 08:28 AM
Son of a bitch...

Hopefully Leicester make a quick turn around from today.

steelerfan
02-21-2016, 11:40 AM
No matter the circumstances, it's good to send City crashing out of the FA Cup. :))

bdoughty
02-21-2016, 06:10 PM
Chelsea thoroughly dismantled our B team today. We had 6 teenage starters and most were making their debuts. Manager was more concerned with Kiev match and the Champions League.

steelerfan
02-21-2016, 06:41 PM
Chelsea thoroughly dismantled our B team today. We had 6 teenage starters and most were making their debuts. Manager was more concerned with Kiev match and the Champions League.
Uh, yeah. Which is why I said, "no matter the circumstances".

I was surprised Kelechi Iheanacho didn't have a better game. He's a star waiting to happen, I believe.

bdoughty
02-21-2016, 06:46 PM
Uh, yeah. Which is why I said, "no matter the circumstances".

I was surprised Kelechi Iheanacho didn't have a better game. He's a star waiting to happen, I believe.

And since the circumstances were 6 teenage starters, I though it was worthy of expanding on. A couple injured starters is one set of circumstances, beating up the JV squad is whole different ball of wax. ;)

Best of luck against Paris on the second leg, we can all agree that beating a French Team is a good thing.

steelerfan
02-21-2016, 07:54 PM
Very happy to see Houston selected. I'm going to have to keep an eye on the scheduling and tickets to see if I can get out for at least one match.

http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/11/19/15/05/151119-mnt-ten-metropolitan-areas-across-the-us-selected-to-host-copa-america-centenario
Draw for the Copa America this Summer:

Group A
1. USA
2. Columbia
3. Costa Rica
4. Paraguay

Group B
1. Brazil
2. Ecuador
3. Haiti
4. Peru

Group C
1. Mexico
2. Uruguay
3. Jamaica
4. Venezuela

Group D
1. Argentina
2. Chile
3. Panama
4. Bolivia

steelerfan
02-22-2016, 11:51 AM
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/10177430/remi-garde-watches-aston-villa-lose-to-clubs-u21-team

:D

bdoughty
02-22-2016, 05:20 PM
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/10177430/remi-garde-watches-aston-villa-lose-to-clubs-u21-team

:D

Page does not exist. Another link to the hilarity.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/aston-villa-lost-to-their-own-u21-side-on-friday-as-remi-garde-watched-on-a6889586.html

steelerfan
03-06-2016, 06:51 AM
The biggest clubs in England took part recently in discussions about forming a European Super League. The clubs have mostly said that the discussions were mostly about Summer friendlies in the US but there is speculation that there is talk of more.

I hope this doesn't happen (and doubt it will) because it would completely change the landscape of European Football and not in a good way, imo.

steelerfan
03-06-2016, 07:05 AM
Here's an article about the possibility of a Super League.

http://m.bbc.com/sport/football/35707372

bdoughty
03-06-2016, 08:25 AM
Not a fan of the idea but thanks for the article.


Last week, the Barcelona president Josep Bartomeu told me he was in favour of tennis-style 'wild cards', guaranteeing automatic entry to the Champions League for big clubs that miss out on qualification via their domestic leagues.

Just when I thought my dislike of Barcelona was at an all-time high, "BAM" through the roof. I know a few Dallas Cowboy fans that wish that was implemented in the NFL. ;)

steelerfan
03-06-2016, 08:31 AM
Even as a supporter of a "big club", I'm against this on all levels. I'm glad to see the money being spread around in England and to see that it will be in Spain next year. My hope is that Germany, France and Italy can get nice TV deals and follow suit in the near future.

It would be nice to see the likes of Barca, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have to fight to qualify domestically and would give the English clubs a better chance in the Champions League.

SmoothPancakes
03-06-2016, 01:00 PM
The cunts also discussed limiting the Champions League to only the biggest clubs. Apparently no matter how much Manchester United sucks, they apparently deserve to make it and suck it in the riches every year because of "their contribution to making it a financial success".

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/04/champions-league-leicester-relevent-sports-charlie-stillitano

Here's to Leicester winning it all and making those cocksuckers choke on it!

steelerfan
03-16-2016, 04:06 PM
Bayern Munich, one of the 3 European Super Powers, are 30 minutes from bowing out of the Champions League in the Round of 16. They're down 4-2 on aggregate to Juventus. Wow.

steelerfan
03-16-2016, 04:39 PM
Bayern Munich got goals in the 73rd and 91st minutes to force extra time. With possession being all with the Germans, I can't see Juventus winning now unless they get lucky on penalties.

steelerfan
03-16-2016, 05:36 PM
Two more for the Germans in the second period of extra time. Bayern Munich is through on aggregate, 6-4. Lol.

SmoothPancakes
03-19-2016, 02:43 PM
8 points clear!!!

steelerfan
03-24-2016, 12:08 PM
One of the all-time greats, Johan Cruyff, has died.

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/mar/24/johan-cruyff-revolutionary-changed-football-richard-williams

SmoothPancakes
04-03-2016, 11:17 AM
7 points clear with 6 to go. Come on Foxes!

SmoothPancakes
04-10-2016, 11:20 AM
Yes! A big 2-0 win over Sunderland by the Foxes. Leicester City is now 10 points clear with 5 to go!

That could change, granted, as the second place Spurs are currently battling Man United.

Meanwhile, this run they're on! Since drawing 2-2 with West Bromwich back in March 1st, the Foxes have gone 5-0-0 and have been unscored on, picking up 1-0 wins over Watford, Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Southampton, and then today's 2-0 win over Sunderland.

Their final five matches, entirely controlling their own destiny, they're home versus West Ham and Swansea to end April, then for May at Man United, home against Everton and then at Chelsea to wrap the season up.

Finally, on a player note, Jamie Vardy, holy shit! He now has 21 goals for the season. First Leicester player to reach 20+ goals in the top flight of English soccer since 1984-85. He's also only the second player to top 20 goals this season, now one behind Spurs forward Harry Kane.

bdoughty
04-17-2016, 09:35 AM
Wow, that was amazing. No chance Leicester draws the game. Vardy, what an idiotic play. He has 22 goals now and an extra day off. From the double post miss by W. Ham at the beginning and Leicester getting a draw on a goal kick with seconds left in the match. It's just another notch in this magical season for Leicester.

SmoothPancakes
04-17-2016, 11:40 AM
Now hopefully they can keep their 8 point lead and not have just that single point hurt them. So damn close to the end, hopefully this doesn't get blown now.

steelerfan
04-17-2016, 12:13 PM
Won't be easy but they certainly were fortunate to escape with a point today. Vardy will be suspended for Swans and then it's United, Everton and Chelsea.

None of the above have played well this season at all but they're all capable of having one good one in them.

Andy Carroll is an idiot. Completely unnecessary penalty that may have killed West Ham's shot at the Champions League.

steelerfan
04-17-2016, 01:56 PM
I HIGHLY doubt this happens but, apparently, Vardy could face a multi-game ban after today's sending off.

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/leicester-s-jamie-vardy-could-face-more-punishment-for-reaction-to-red-card-041716

jaymo76
04-17-2016, 02:18 PM
So Steeler, what is your honest opinion (since you follow Chelsea closer than anyone here) as to the #1 issue the team had this season? From the outside looking in I would say the coach situation, but I just didn't follow close enough.

steelerfan
04-17-2016, 05:45 PM
So Steeler, what is your honest opinion (since you follow Chelsea closer than anyone here) as to the #1 issue the team had this season? From the outside looking in I would say the coach situation, but I just didn't follow close enough.
I think Mourinho is so intense that he wore the players down and they quit on him. It's unfortunate because he may be the best manager in the world (definitely among them) but if you look at his track record it is similar in that he doesn't last long anywhere.

The problem going forward is going to be deciding who to keep. Several players absolutely quit on Jose and I'm sure Conte is well aware of that and he's going to have to clean house, to a degree, this Summer. No manager would want to come in and manage a bunch of guys who quit on the previous manager.

I think Costa will be gone. I think Fabregas will be gone. I wouldn't be shocked if Hazard, Oscar and Matic are gone (though probably not all 3). I also think there will be massive changes at the back with Terry and Ivanovic possibly going (more due to age and declining performance).

It's quite a mess right now but the club has the cash and the prestige to turn things around fairly quickly. Not to be forgotten, the club has an embarrassment of riches with loads of youth and several talented players that are out on loan.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 12:09 PM
I HIGHLY doubt this happens but, apparently, Vardy could face a multi-game ban after today's sending off.

http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/leicester-s-jamie-vardy-could-face-more-punishment-for-reaction-to-red-card-041716
Vardy has been charged with improper contact and his suspension could be extended. He has till Thursday to respond. I still doubt he gets more than the one match ban.

JBHuskers
04-18-2016, 12:33 PM
Has LC been in EPL for a while or have they been promoted in the past decade or so?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

SmoothPancakes
04-18-2016, 02:05 PM
Well, that's one way for the elite shadow behind the curtain puppet masters to try and fuck LC out of the title.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 03:18 PM
Has LC been in EPL for a while or have they been promoted in the past decade or so?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
They were promoted for the 14/15 season and barely avoided going back down last year.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 03:19 PM
Well, that's one way for the elite shadow behind the curtain puppet masters to try and fuck LC out of the title.
:ram?:

SmoothPancakes
04-18-2016, 03:33 PM
:ram?:
:D

Hey, you already had the Champions League talking of changing their set up, changing the number of teams, etc, as well as the talks of a Super League, because heaven forbid a team like Leicester ends up in the CL instead of Chelsea, ManU, City and the other big name teams every fucking year.

And unlike ram's non-existent proof of massive corruption in the NFL and other American sports, everyone knows FIFA is fucking corrupt as all hell! Even long before that cocksucker Blatter got his ass thrown out.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 03:34 PM
:D

Hey, you already had the Champions League talking of changing their set up, changing the number of teams, etc, as well as the talks of a Super League, because heaven forbid a team like Leicester ends up in the CL instead of Chelsea, ManU, City and the other big name teams every fucking year.

And unlike ram's non-existent proof of massive corruption in the NFL and other American sports, everyone knows FIFA is fucking corrupt as all hell! Even long before that cocksucker Blatter got his ass thrown out.
FIFA is not involved in English FA matters.

SmoothPancakes
04-18-2016, 03:37 PM
FIFA is not involved in English FA matters.
True, but the English FA has had their own moments. Maybe not as corrupt as FIFA is, but soccer has always been a dirty sport world wide.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 03:42 PM
True, but the English FA has had their own moments. Maybe not as corrupt as FIFA is, but soccer has always been a dirty sport world wide.
So now if Vardy is suspended you'll believe it's because the Premier League doesn't want LCFC to win the title even though they have done so much to bring competitive balance through TV money and that it won't have anything to do with Vardy diving and throwing a tantrum?

Ok.

SmoothPancakes
04-18-2016, 03:57 PM
And with that, I'm not even going to waste my time discussing this anymore. Clearly I've already wasted the last couple posts.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 04:02 PM
And with that, I'm not even going to waste my time discussing this anymore. Clearly I've already wasted the last couple posts.
You certainly did waste those posts. By talking out of your ass.

SmoothPancakes
04-18-2016, 04:06 PM
Or rather them being read like a retard by a retard. But that's none of my business.

steelerfan
04-18-2016, 04:51 PM
Or rather them being read like a retard by a retard. But that's none of my business.

Or maybe you should refrain from throwing out ludicrous conjecture when you don't know a fucking thing about the subject.

bdoughty
04-18-2016, 06:19 PM
Or maybe you should refrain from throwing out ludicrous conjecture when you don't know a fucking thing about the subject.

Exactly. If the "Shadow Puppets" of the EPL were trying to prevent Leicester from winning, they probably would have started a few months ago. This whole drama was on Vardy.

Man City and Real Madrid is coming up in a week!

steelerfan
04-19-2016, 01:55 AM
Exactly. If the "Shadow Puppets" of the EPL were trying to prevent Leicester from winning, they probably would have started a few months ago. This whole drama was on Vardy.

Man City and Real Madrid is coming up in a week!
Yep. Vardy points in the ref's face and calls him a "fucking cunt", allegedly, yet it's somehow everyone else's fault.

steelerfan
04-22-2016, 09:59 AM
First, let me say that I was wrong. Or at least it appears so. I was relatively insistent that Vardy would not get any additional suspension. Having watched the incident, it didn't look THAT bad (of course I didn't know what he allegedly said, at that time either).

Well, now Vardy has admitted guilt and he does face the possibility of an additional suspension. It would be stunning if he did not get another game added on, after a flat-out admission of guilt (Diego Costa was in the exact same boat earlier this season and got an additional game).

It was quite brilliant for the script writers to have Vardy admit guilt to quell the drooling masses and not let them on to the fact that the nameless, faceless puppeteers that lurk in the shadows of FIFA's corridors are working 24/7 on destroying LCFC's title run because FIFA (don't ask why they're involved, it would explode your mind) doesn't want them in the Champions League (also, nevermind the fact that LCFC will be in the Champions League regardless of whether or not they win the Premier League).

We all know that FIFA has a history of interfering with up-and-coming clubs winning the Premier League. Remember when Chelsea was trying to win their first title in more than half a century just over a decade ago? Chelsea have never been heard from again.

Remember just a few years ago when Manchester City were trying to win their first title in nearly 50 years? Who even knows if MCFC still exists today? They were snuffed out by the evil that lurks in the FIFA offices.

Sad.

bdoughty
04-22-2016, 10:39 AM
Remember just a few years ago when Manchester City were trying to win their first title in nearly 50 years? Who even knows if MCFC still exists today? They were snuffed out by the evil that lurks in the FIFA offices.

I know Man City exists because they send me an e-mail at least one a day trying to sell me something. ;)

steelerfan
04-25-2016, 05:48 PM
With Spurs only getting one point today, Leicester needs any combination of earning 3 points or Tottenham dropping 3 points (with 3 matches to go) to secure the title. It's nearly impossible at this point for Leicester to not win it.

The FIFA Shadow Puppets sure left their work until the last minute.

bdoughty
04-25-2016, 06:04 PM
With Spurs only getting one point today, Leicester needs any combination of earning 3 points or Tottenham dropping 3 points (with 3 matches to go) to secure the title. It's nearly impossible at this point for Leicester to not win it.

The FIFA Shadow Puppets sure left their work until the last minute.

:D I am still rooting for Leicester to win on Sunday. Winning the title at OT would be icing on the cake. Thanks West Brom!

Also Vardy has been suspended for the Man U game. Damn you FIFA! Keep your mitts off the EPL. ;)

steelerfan
04-25-2016, 06:18 PM
:D I am still rooting for Leicester to win on Sunday. Winning the title at OT would be icing on the cake. Thanks West Brom!

Also Vardy has been suspended for the Man U game. Damn you FIFA! Keep your mitts off the EPL. ;)
Yeah, I'm good with Leicester winning it. It's a great story. I'm not sure if they'll become the next big thing or if they'll fade back into oblivion (I'm not sure their chairman is committed to financially backing the club even if it means losing money every year). But right now that's irrelevant.

bdoughty
04-25-2016, 06:22 PM
Has LC been in EPL for a while or have they been promoted in the past decade or so?

Here is a good Leicester Football video covering their near relegation last season up to March of this year. Only 360p so you might stay in small screen mode.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDxfksB4-OU

bdoughty
04-25-2016, 06:43 PM
Yeah, I'm good with Leicester winning it. It's a great story. I'm not sure if they'll become the next big thing or if they'll fade back into oblivion (I'm not sure their chairman is committed to financially backing the club even if it means losing money every year). But right now that's irrelevant.

I think they will be a middle of the pack team in the near future but this is one of the greatest stories in football history. Scratch that, sports history. Just look at this odds.

76'ers had 200-1 odds to win the NBA Championship. This Year!
US winning the 1980 Gold Medal in hockey before the tournament started - 1000-1
Leicester City odds to win the PL before the season - 5000-1 (Vegas had them at 2500-1)

steelerfan
04-25-2016, 10:05 PM
I think they will be a middle of the pack team in the near future but this is one of the greatest stories in football history. Scratch that, sports history. Just look at this odds.

76'ers had 200-1 odds to win the NBA Championship. This Year!
US winning the 1980 Gold Medal in hockey before the tournament started - 1000-1
Leicester City odds to win the PL before the season - 5000-1 (Vegas had them at 2500-1)

I tend to agree that they won't become the next heavy-hitter (ala your club and mine) because we have yet to see the ownership group pour funds in with no regard to profit (or loss). Unless I'm mistaken, the only year that Chelsea has turned a profit since Roman Abramovic bought the club (first season was 2003-04) was in the 2011-12 season when they won the Champions League.

I wouldn't doubt if MCFC is in a similar boat. While they have more sponsorship money coming in and a higher stadium capacity, MCFC also consistently spends more on the transfer market than Chelsea. Chances are, they're losing money more times than not as well.

The point is, I don't think MCFC is a profitable club either and neither MCFC or CFC were bought by people who intended to use the club to make money. Until LCFC shows that they are willing to lose money, I can't be sure they will be and the reality is (even with massive TV money flowing in now) that you have to be willing to lose money to stay consistently, highly competitive.

Maybe LCFC will become that next club but there isn't any evidence for it. Not yet, anyway.

As far as the story, no question. It is probably the most improbable thing that has happened in sports in our lifetimes (maybe ever). Truly amazing.

bdoughty
04-26-2016, 06:13 AM
I knew our owner was a Sheikh, just not much else about him, other than being rich beyond belief. So upon research... His family is worth over a trillion dollars. The thing that I did not know is that the Government of China has a 13% ownership of the team, acquired in December (http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/dec/01/manchester-city-265m-deal-chinese-investment-group?).

They both own a stake in not one but two women's professional soccer teams in Australia and England. Plus an MLS team. Those tidbits alone would lead me to believe they are not in it for profit. :D These guys make their profits elsewhere, in things like oil and selling cheap crap to the US. The sports investments are for trophies on a mantle. Playthings that they can buy on a whim. Man City did not become a top tier team until they started spending money. Back when the former Prime Minister of Thailand took over the team and started the cash flow. How clean that money was... is another matter altogether (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaksin_Shinawatra#Purchase_of_Manchester_City_Foo tball_Club).

You can pick your team but you can't pick the owners.

steelerfan
04-26-2016, 10:33 AM
No question, man.

Abramovich has constantly had his name swirling around with the Russian Mafia, with dirty dealings with the KGB and all sorts of other ugliness.

He bought the club to win the Champions League. Not to make money. A club whose owner needs to make money doesn't really stand a chance.

I know LCFC, despite being characterized as poor little innocent victims of a FIFA/UEFA/FA plot against them, have shady ownership too. King Power has been accused of illegally setting up shop at an airport (through collusion with politicians) as well as extorting money from tourists (accusing them of shoplifting and threatening prison sentences if they don't cough up cash).

I just have to chuckle when people think that LCFC is some kind of beautiful Hoosiers or Rudy story. On the pitch, yes it's fantastic. Off the pitch they're as scummy as the next. Whatever they are, they aren't some innocent little group of choir boys being taken advantage of by the dirty powers that be.

steelerfan
04-26-2016, 07:23 PM
For those who are aware of the Hillsborough Tragedy.

http://www.90min.com/posts/3151321-footballers-and-fans-react-on-social-media-to-unlawful-killing-verdict-in-hillsborough-inquiry?utm_medium=share&utm_source=fotmob

bdoughty
04-26-2016, 08:15 PM
For those who are aware of the Hillsborough Tragedy.

http://www.90min.com/posts/3151321-footballers-and-fans-react-on-social-media-to-unlawful-killing-verdict-in-hillsborough-inquiry?utm_medium=share&utm_source=fotmob

Glad to see they finally got some justice. If anyone wants more info on the Hillsborough Tragedy, Netflix has the 30 for 30: Soccer Story available.

https://www.netflix.com/title/80001104

bdoughty
05-01-2016, 04:40 AM
Just over three hours until kickoff. I am really hoping Leicester can get the three points today, on the road and at Old Trafford. Would be the icing on the cake.

Plus fuck Man PU. I think we can all agree to that!

JBHuskers
05-02-2016, 10:35 AM
Just over three hours until kickoff. I am really hoping Leicester can get the three points today, on the road and at Old Trafford. Would be the icing on the cake.

Plus fuck Man PU. I think we can all agree to that!

It's pretty cool to see someone unexpected up there.

steelerfan
05-02-2016, 11:01 AM
If Chelsea beats Tottenham later today or the match ends in a draw, Leicester City will win the league.

steelerfan
05-02-2016, 04:00 PM
Chelsea draw, 2-2, with Spurs. Leicester wins the league. So much for conspiracies.

JBHuskers
05-02-2016, 04:13 PM
Chelsea draw, 2-2, with Spurs. Leicester wins the league. So much for conspiracies.

So at one time they were 5000-1 shots huh?

steelerfan
05-02-2016, 04:27 PM
So at one time they were 5000-1 shots huh?
Yes.

For perspective:

80 Olympic Hockey 1000-1
99 Rams 300-1
Buster Douglas 42-1

steelerfan
05-02-2016, 04:44 PM
By the way Burnley, who were relegated last year, will return to the Premier League next season.

The other auto-promotion spot will go to Middlesbrough or Brighton & Hove, pending their match this weekend. If Brighton & Hove win, they'll get the spot. Any other result gives it to Middlesbrough.

Whoever doesn't get the spot will be joined by Hull City, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday in the promotion playoff.

JBHuskers
05-02-2016, 04:54 PM
Yes.

For perspective:

80 Olympic Hockey 1000-1
99 Rams 300-1
Buster Douglas 42-1

If only I could go back in time and just drop $10 on it, :D

bdoughty
05-02-2016, 05:34 PM
Chelsea draw, 2-2, with Spurs. Leicester wins the league. So much for conspiracies.


Congrats to Coach Lasso!!!!!!!! Fired from Tottenham


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KeG_i8CWE8

to champion of the league!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRqypM7jb5Y


:D Even NBC Sports was making fun of Leicester a couple years ago.

steelerfan
05-03-2016, 01:26 AM
If only I could go back in time and just drop $10 on it, :D
Well, Burnley have opened at 5000-1 for next season, from what I hear. Feel free to drop $10 on it and good fucking luck! :D

steelerfan
05-03-2016, 01:27 AM
Well, Burnley have opened at 5000-1 for next season, from what I hear. Feel free to drop $10 on it and good fucking luck! :D
And here it is.

http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/burnley-new-leicester-5000-to-1-odds-to-win-premier-league-title-after-promotion-a3238311.html

steelerfan
05-03-2016, 03:41 PM
Glad to see Atletico get past Bayern Munich in the UCL semis but wow - I can't believe Simeone shoved the 4th official like that. It could (probably should) have him banned from the Final.

Dumb.

bdoughty
05-03-2016, 06:14 PM
Glad to see Atletico get past Bayern Munich in the UCL semis but wow - I can't believe Simeone shoved the 4th official like that. It could (probably should) have him banned from the Final.

Dumb.


Here is hoping for Man City to score a goal and go to the Finals. Do not want an all La Liga final.

steelerfan
05-03-2016, 07:52 PM
Here is hoping for Man City to score a goal and go to the Finals. Do not want an all La Liga final.
I don't care for a La Liga Final either but City vs Bayern would have been more interesting with Guardiola.

bdoughty
05-04-2016, 06:30 PM
Did not get to see it but we scored an own goal. So there was that. :fp:

steelerfan
05-18-2016, 06:00 AM
Amongst the news for Chelsea over the last 2 days, the club has signed a deal with Nike to begin providing kits for the Blues beginning (iirc) in 2017-18.

The deal is worth £60M per season and is likely to be for 10 years. It doubles the previous deal that Chelsea had with Adidas (£30M per season) and makes the West Londoners deal the second highest in Europe (Manchester United £75M).

Along with the big deal they signed with Yokohama Tyres last year, Chelsea have greatly improved their income for FFP purposes and should have no trouble loosening the purse strings during the Summer window.

Also, this morning John Terry signed a new one-year contract to remain with the Blues next season, ending months of speculation that his career may not end at Stamford Bridge. Terry is expected to be a 4th option at CB next year (behind Zouma, Cahill and another player that will probably come through a Summer transfer) but wanted to remain with the club.

Captain, Leader, Legend.

KTBFFH!

steelerfan
05-24-2016, 11:38 AM
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160524/e6b05e396056faaf2920fe1981a185fb.jpg

http://m.premierleague.com/en-gb/news/article.230516-premier-league-payments-to-clubs-in-season-2015-16.html

steelerfan
06-11-2016, 08:02 PM
I'm really enjoying all of the good football going on right now, with both the Copa America and Euro 2016 running simultaneously.

It was good to see the US get through the group stage tonight but Brazil will put them out in a few days, without the biggest effort in American history.

Edit: We'll hell. The US may just win Group A. Colombia currently trails Costa Rica 3-1 in the 61st minute, needing a point to win the group.

That doesn't mean the US will avoid Brazil. But it's a feather in their cap either way.

steelerfan
06-11-2016, 10:28 PM
Well, USA wins Group A as Colombia loses to Costa Rica, 3-2. Hopefully, that helps the US avoid Brazil in the first round of knockouts.

bdoughty
06-12-2016, 10:38 PM
US avoids Brazil because Brazil did not make it out of group stage. :D I watched the first half and Brazil just dominated the possession. Have no clue how Peru even got close enough to the net to score in the second half. Those poor Brazilian fans. First Germany and now Peru.

steelerfan
06-13-2016, 01:45 PM
US avoids Brazil because Brazil did not make it out of group stage. :D I watched the first half and Brazil just dominated the possession. Have no clue how Peru even got close enough to the net to score in the second half. Those poor Brazilian fans. First Germany and now Peru.
That was hilarious! Lol Brazil!

JBHuskers
06-14-2016, 11:46 AM
I'll just leave this here :D


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaO_SsxXVKE

bdoughty
06-14-2016, 05:41 PM
LOL, went full Al Bundy with a sniff to boot. :D

bdoughty
06-14-2016, 06:22 PM
Iceland, appearing in their fist ever major tournament gets a 1-1 draw against Portugal.

http://i.imgur.com/S7regCf.jpg

bdoughty
06-16-2016, 09:16 PM
US up 1-0 against Ecuador. Dempsey on a tear.

bdoughty
06-16-2016, 10:01 PM
2-0 USA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Playing 10v10 right now.

bdoughty
06-16-2016, 10:31 PM
Survive and advance! 2-1 USA win.

Next up: Semis vs.

Argentina vs. Venezuela winner. LOL

steelerfan
06-16-2016, 10:38 PM
Nice win for the US but they're going to be very shorthanded in the semis.

I'm tempted to spend the cash to go but I may regret it if they get BTFO.

I'm glad to see them get this far. It's been fun watching them. [emoji4]

JBHuskers
06-17-2016, 12:43 PM
Nice win for the US but they're going to be very shorthanded in the semis.

I'm tempted to spend the cash to go but I may regret it if they get BTFO.

I'm glad to see them get this far. It's been fun watching them. [emoji4]

Is it in Houston?

steelerfan
06-17-2016, 03:39 PM
Is it in Houston?
Yep.

I think I'll ask my business partner if he wants to go but he's in Berlin right now and doesn't get back until tomorrow night. If he's in, I'll try to find tickets the day of the match because the resell prices may go down on match day. Last night the cheapest tickets were about $200.

bdoughty
06-17-2016, 06:16 PM
Sunday is going to be a great doubleheader. Just going to glance over the NBA Final. Expect Argentina to cruise and rooting for Chile to beat Mexico.

bdoughty
06-18-2016, 08:26 PM
Thought it was Sunday but it was today. Argentina destroys Venezuela as expected and Messi played, so that is what the US gets next. Still have Mexico and Chile in under an hour. Two of my neighbors are flying the Mexican flag in their yards, so go Chile!

steelerfan
06-18-2016, 08:32 PM
Two of my neighbors are flying the Mexican flag in their yards, so go Chile!

I bet there wasn't a yard cut in all of Houston today!

steelerfan
06-18-2016, 10:28 PM
Mexico is getting absolutely horsefucked. [emoji38]

steelerfan
06-18-2016, 10:45 PM
Did the Mexican team drink their own water? Cause all they've done is shit themselves while Chile runs through them like a bad enchilada.

bdoughty
06-19-2016, 03:39 AM
Did the Mexican team drink their own water? Cause all they've done is shit themselves while Chile runs through them like a bad enchilada.

That was a slaughter. Seven goals. :D The best part was it only took five goals for one of my neighbors to bring the flag into the garage.


US Soccer goes for the jugular!


http://i.imgur.com/ov2CLUF.jpg

steelerfan
06-19-2016, 06:47 AM
[emoji38] [emoji38] [emoji38]

bdoughty
06-21-2016, 07:19 PM
Just under an hour till kickoff. Don't cry for me Argentina.

steelerfan
06-21-2016, 11:26 PM
It was a good run for the US. They got a far as I thought they would when the group stage ended and a round further than I thought they would when it started.

bdoughty
06-21-2016, 11:41 PM
It was a good run for the US. They got a far as I thought they would when the group stage ended and a round further than I thought they would when it started.

Agreed. Argentina was just toying with them. They way the controlled the game and kept playing it back to the goalie, back and forth between the defenders and then strike, just as the US started to get aggressive on defense. Then you had the US offense which was just horrible tonight. I have seen kids in pee wee soccer string together more passes in game. Tough to watch, especially Michael Bradley, it's like his non-soccer playing clone was on the pitch tonight. Did they even have a shot on goal? I honestly do not remember and prefer not to look.

steelerfan
06-22-2016, 12:53 AM
Forget shots on target, the US did not even have a shot!

bdoughty
06-22-2016, 07:18 PM
Iceland beats Austria on the last possession of the game to make it the knockout stage. In their first ever international tournament. Congrats my Nordic brothers (I played as a Nord in Skyrim).

Best commentary ever.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3u9bB23X7No




Iceland vs England. London may burn down once again with a loss.

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 07:05 PM
Rooting for you Chile!

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 07:40 PM
Shit call leaves Chile down to 10 men.

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 07:54 PM
Almost as shitty call, to cover his ass for the previous call. Now both teams playing with ten.

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 10:19 PM
Chile win in PK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://i.imgur.com/s6jkcGj.jpg

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 10:21 PM
Missi

https://abload.de/img/untitled-100is3d.gif

bdoughty
06-26-2016, 10:21 PM
Now time for Iceland to beat England tomorrow!

steelerfan
06-27-2016, 06:00 PM
Now time for Iceland to beat England tomorrow!
Done.

Lol.

bdoughty
06-27-2016, 06:23 PM
Brexit from everything!

steelerfan
06-27-2016, 06:24 PM
Brexit from everything!
[emoji38] [emoji38] [emoji38]

bdoughty
06-27-2016, 06:49 PM
Some terrific stuff on display.

The crow, so much crow.

https://www.facebook.com/carly.t.catherine/videos/10157049589060322/

This one is just too damn good. England supporters are just the best.

https://twitter.com/mikesanz19/status/747539158630076417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

steelerfan
06-27-2016, 09:52 PM
I spent the whole day at a car dealership buying a car so I missed the game. I got home just in time to see the last bit of stoppage time. Fucking funny.

I hope they take the hosts out next!

steelerfan
07-15-2016, 11:06 PM
With Kante set to join Chelsea and Mahrez rejecting a contract extension, it looks like the dismantling of Leicester has begun. They'll get great ROI on anyone they sell though so it's not all doom and gloom for them.

steelerfan
07-16-2016, 03:51 AM
https://youtu.be/5vjC4kP7uA0

https://youtu.be/408RGGxBqJ0

steelerfan
07-16-2016, 09:18 AM
With Kante set to join Chelsea and Mahrez rejecting a contract extension, it looks like the dismantling of Leicester has begun. They'll get great ROI on anyone they sell though so it's not all doom and gloom for them.
Kante is a done deal.

http://www.90min.com/posts/3466682-chelsea-complete-signing-of-n-golo-kante-from-leicester-city-on-5-year-contract?utm_medium=share&utm_source=fotmob

steelerfan
07-16-2016, 11:56 PM
Rumors growing that Mahrez wants to join Kante at Stamford Bridge. We'll see...