AirGoofy
DIS Dad#341
- Joined
- Jul 24, 2009
- Messages
- 18,071
I guess it's Monday, or just another day of the week. We've managed to get above freezing again. I take myself for a walk each day, but wouldn't make it far without thermals.
I think you have a bit too much confidence in me. But, thanks for that ego boost at the expense of American soccer.
Dan's team is West Ham United, which he then selected for me to support. Based on my immense fandom, they were not relegated last year. Wikipedia's has an interesting read on the origin on the "hammers", assuming it's true. Home games play the song "I'm forever blowing bubbles" and release soap bubbles from above onto the field, which sounds good coming from 60K singing drunk Britons.
I'm always planning trips, regardless of dates. It gives me something to do.
It's me leading by example. They are trying to keep up with my fitness routine.
I'm not knowledgeable or qualified enough to give any sort of analysis. I'm guessing you're right about the speed, similar to watching a tennis professional match in person vs tv. The speed & power is amazing. Back to soccer, I noticed the difference in ball handling. EPL players, even worse teams, can handle the ball. In MLS, it seems to be limited to long passes. I think the MLS uses the recycled tires as opposed to natural grass. Would that have anything to do with it?
I don't think American soccer will catch EPL in 20 years. As long as our athletes are drawn to other sports, specifically the NFL, there just won't be enough athletes of that quality. American soccer refuses to set up tiers in any professional league, and we are going to stay with the playoff format. But, it is fun having players like Rooney & Beckham stop by for awhile.
Jesus, one level under MLS? I think we could get a game. Darcy's at the back, I'm in goal, Norm, you're gonna have to be our midfield general mate.
I think you have a bit too much confidence in me. But, thanks for that ego boost at the expense of American soccer.

Ok, I have to ask, "Dan's Hammers singing bubbles?" I have an image of hammers singing a song about bubbles.
Dan's team is West Ham United, which he then selected for me to support. Based on my immense fandom, they were not relegated last year. Wikipedia's has an interesting read on the origin on the "hammers", assuming it's true. Home games play the song "I'm forever blowing bubbles" and release soap bubbles from above onto the field, which sounds good coming from 60K singing drunk Britons.
Thanks, though I'm not officially planning a trip yet. I'm figuring we'll start picking dates once I can get permanent work...which I'm hoping will be soon.
I'm always planning trips, regardless of dates. It gives me something to do.
You have had the benefit of only watching them a wee while.
West Ham were always famous of having a bit of a soft belly, i.e if they 2-0 up, and the other team scored, you would put money on them losing. They are a lot steelier in the last year or so, we don't give up leads and we get points out of games we don't really deserve anything out. It's probably because we are lot fitter than we were.
It's me leading by example. They are trying to keep up with my fitness routine.

I can't speak for the rest of the planet, but I can give you my view.
Most of the teams in the MLS would be OK/good in the third tier of English football. The top teams maybe LA & Seattle would last maybe a season in the Prem, but would likely be relegated, and would be a good second tier team same level of someone like West Brom, or C Palace. It's painfully slow, the passing is a bit meh, the keepers are actually pretty good. Atlanta seem to be doing the right way, picking younger better players, but are they shining because of the opposition? No one really knows.
To be fair though I have watched the Prem (which in MHO is the best league in the world) live for 20 odd years, the speed of the game is breathtaking, and you don't quite get it on TV which gives the illusion that all games look the same speed, and they really aren't.
I guess the best analogy would be the old NFL Europe. Most of the best players in that league couldn't cut it in the NFL either because they were too old, or just not quite good enough, hence them being in the league in the first place. Rooney being a good example. Was a Marquee signing for DC Utd, left there to go to an average Championship (2nd tier) team, didn't last a season. I'm sure in 20-30 years it will be a contender for one of the good leagues in the world, but right now it's miles off.
I know some guys on here think its better than that, but that's my honest view. It's just too young.
I'm not knowledgeable or qualified enough to give any sort of analysis. I'm guessing you're right about the speed, similar to watching a tennis professional match in person vs tv. The speed & power is amazing. Back to soccer, I noticed the difference in ball handling. EPL players, even worse teams, can handle the ball. In MLS, it seems to be limited to long passes. I think the MLS uses the recycled tires as opposed to natural grass. Would that have anything to do with it?
I don't think American soccer will catch EPL in 20 years. As long as our athletes are drawn to other sports, specifically the NFL, there just won't be enough athletes of that quality. American soccer refuses to set up tiers in any professional league, and we are going to stay with the playoff format. But, it is fun having players like Rooney & Beckham stop by for awhile.
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