Soccer

[Scooter]

Any soccer fans out there?

Scotland plays the US tomorrow. I'm sad to say we're going to get stuffed...... 3-0 US I'd estimate.

Does ANYONE watch soccer over there? Or is it considered a non-sport like cricket to a Scotsman?

[Shagaroo]

Sadly, the US is still in the "Football, Baseball, Basketball and Hockey are the only REAL sports" frame of mind. Though, with as many Hispanics immigrating, and jumping the fence, and more Europeans coming over that mindset is starting to crumble. Hopefully it will continue to crumble and Soccer will become more accepted here.

There are a couple special cable channels that cover soccer, but getting companies to carry them is nearly impossible. ESPN has stepped up the coverage and are showing a few of the UEFA Champions League matches, but even then it's usually 2 games every two weeks. They sometimes toss some women's college matches, or US MLS matches, up on the weekends. Though, they are supposed to carry all of the World Cup matches so next year will be better for fans.

I wish it got more respect over here. It's a great game to play and watch.

[TheVitaleMob]

I LOVE soccer. Right now, it is still in it's grassroots stages in the US. Most of the "Family" commercials in my area are showing soccer moms instead of little league in the background, but it is not a sport taken seriously yet. The WWC that was hosted here did a lot for the sport, but not enough yet. I played from 5yrs old thru high school, and watch it on tv whenever I can. I even watch the mexican leagues on Gala or whatever it is in spanish. My GF always tells me to turn the volume off because she can't stand hearing foreign languages from tvs! LOL. And yes, ESPN will be broadcasting all 64(i think) WC games in HDTV and regular TV on their stations.

BTW, post the final score of the US/Scotland game, I won't get to watch it.

[Scooter]

Makes for an interesting future for US Soccer. You are already playing some great stuff and have some big scalps under your belt (I believe you beat Brazil not so long ago).

You should be very hard to beat with the resources available. Assuming the sport takes off of course.

Actually, I'd heard about the MLS as one of the players from my home team (Motherwell FC) left to join the Colorado Rapids. His name was John Spencer and he made the top scorer spot in 2001.

Anyway, the game is in 5 hours. I'll post the result afterwards (unless Scotland gets really hammered, then I may 'forget').

[Shagaroo]

Anyway, the game is in 5 hours. I'll post the result afterwards (unless Scotland gets really hammered, then I may 'forget').

[Scooter]

The result was 1-1. Not too bad for us, and both sides had reduced teams due to injuries and club commitments. You guys scored first by the way.

All in all a fair result that will help euro-american cigar discussions continue....

[TheVitaleMob]

Thanks for the score. Yes, a few Europeans have come over, but the best part is the exporting of our players to Europe. This means that we actually have the capable talent in our leagues. I'm just sad that Timmy Howard is second keeper at Man U instead of first.

[basil]

The result was 1-1. Not too bad for us, and both sides had reduced teams due to injuries and club commitments. You guys scored first by the way.

All in all a fair result that will help euro-american cigar discussions continue....

Club Commitments: MLS Championship Game in Frisco (Dallas area) 11/13/05. Would've been difficult for Americans on New England or LA teams to get to the Nat'l team game. Some may have opted to anyway though.

[Scooter]

Thanks for the score. Yes, a few Europeans have come over, but the best part is the exporting of our players to Europe. This means that we actually have the capable talent in our leagues. I'm just sad that Timmy Howard is second keeper at Man U instead of first.

You're right there are some quality Americans in the English Premiership, which is probably the best league in the world right now.

Tim Howard is a top notch keeper, but he's a bit inconsistent. I heard he has Tourette's Syndrome, which may or may not affect his game, and could easily be a tall story made up by the other side of Manchester. Interesting one though...

Seems to be that there are some quality goalkeepers in the US, The Premeriship has Tim at Man U, Brad Friedel at Blackburn and Kasey Keller was at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Germany.

Although, they do say you have to be a little mad to be a goalie!

[basil]

Slightly off thread -

I watched a tape of a rugby match between Wales Nat'l team and I think NZ Black. As they introduced the Wales side, the camera panned over them and every one, to a man, had some kind of facial twitch or tic going on. Pre-game nerves? dunno, but it was damn funny and I'm thinking - these guys are all mad!!

Back on thread. I've been fortunate enough to catch some of the EPL games televised here and those guys are absolutely awesome. The beautiful game.