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Post by rifle on Dec 20, 2023 10:40:09 GMT -5
It appears that AI has entered the chat. Click with care.
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Post by rifle on Dec 19, 2023 21:38:36 GMT -5
It would be like an NFL livestock sale except the “winners” here only get a tryout and often don’t get a contract at all. #runaway
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Post by rifle on Dec 18, 2023 10:34:24 GMT -5
Must have dual citizenship or parents moved there. I was always under the impression FIFA wouldn’t permit players under a certain age to play in Europe. As a prior post stated parents moved there. A ”nomad visa” was referenced above. No idea what that is but sounds like it’s pertinent.
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Post by rifle on Dec 17, 2023 10:51:12 GMT -5
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Post by rifle on Dec 16, 2023 12:45:47 GMT -5
If ya can’t stand her.. and it is understandable… why write a story about an athlete that was put out to pasture in the recent past.. over something she said a long time ago? Clickbait is an illness.
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Post by rifle on Dec 16, 2023 9:03:03 GMT -5
“We don’t control it so it sucks” -Don Garber . Well, he didn’t really say that but I shortened the article for you. Rather than allowing small teams to host matches against “superior” MLS teams and create a boost to their income stream, MLS prefers to pinch off their income stream. Basically… “we were unable to monetize it so we’re out”. Good riddance. MLS may be on a more solid footing over the past twenty years as a result of the franchise model but their control of the federation is suffocating the growth of the game in our country.
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Post by rifle on Dec 13, 2023 21:06:50 GMT -5
Don Garber spoke on the day of the MLS championship about building a pyramid, comprised of MLS Next and MLS. An illegitimate closed pyramid. An “open” pyramid is the necessary solution. A pyramid is strongest because of the base.. the grassroots. It is also self aligning. It is not highlighted by a “top” league with salary gimmicks and participants who land there by fiat. I honestly agree with you on an open pyramid, but implementing it in the vast expanse of the United States poses significant challenges. A country like England works because of its size. I venture to say that may be similar for other countries in Europe. The US is just a ginormous beast and the travel would kill off many borderline profitable clubs. As a marker, the entire United Kingdom (4 countries) would fit into Oregon. An open pyramid would be great, envisioning the nation divided into 4-6 regional pyramids seems pragmatic. This approach could see regional champions progressing to a national schedule, ultimately culminating in a prestigious championship, perhaps under an MLS or alternative title(or whatever we call it)... And… you’re on the way to finding a solution with a couple minutes of thought. Regardless - IMO copying the NFL/MLB/NBA model for a sport with no TV commercial breaks - ain’t it.
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Post by rifle on Dec 13, 2023 6:03:17 GMT -5
I wonder if Miami will find a way to sign David de Gea.
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Post by rifle on Dec 13, 2023 6:01:58 GMT -5
Maybe. But I suspect he is inexpensive.. which seems more important in the MLS team construct.
Thanks Brad for the years but I’m glad to see AU turn the page.
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Post by rifle on Dec 12, 2023 21:09:41 GMT -5
Wonder how many of the homegrowns would do it again, knowing what they do now.
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Post by rifle on Dec 12, 2023 20:58:20 GMT -5
Basketball has its parks and blacktops for unorganized play, while football has the backyard ball with friends, family, and that Uncle with the gimpy knee. Baseball enthusiasts enjoy stickball and pilgrimages to Cooperstown. Soccer's true growth lies in breaking down societal barriers that gatekeep fields and pitches, hindering kids' access to learn and play in its raw form. The shortage of qualified coaches and scouts perpetuates a cycle where we repeat the same actions, hoping for a different outcome. It's time to redefine the game from the grassroots up! ⚽️ Don Garber spoke on the day of the MLS championship about building a pyramid, comprised of MLS Next and MLS. An illegitimate closed pyramid. An “open” pyramid is the necessary solution. A pyramid is strongest because of the base.. the grassroots. It is also self aligning. It is not highlighted by a “top” league with salary gimmicks and participants who land there by fiat.
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Post by rifle on Dec 11, 2023 18:59:44 GMT -5
These two teams don’t like each other.
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Post by rifle on Dec 11, 2023 17:58:20 GMT -5
Live, 3 minutes from now
Clemson vs Notre Dame.
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Post by rifle on Dec 11, 2023 7:34:20 GMT -5
Funny… this was MLS’s biggest season ever, because of Messi and the end of covid. 11 million fans attending matches, about a 5% increase. I don’t regularly watch MLS either but did tune into about a dozen Messi games this year. The 🐐 DID NOT disappoint. Biggest season ever and STILL counting on the gimmick of paying a star in the twilight of his career.. wanting to escape a pressure environment. A broken system that starts at the top.
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Post by rifle on Dec 10, 2023 15:32:06 GMT -5
This is most definitely a way to make the non-white kids on USNTs feel excluded. Plop them down in Dan Cathy's racist/classist town. Holy hell what a bad look. Garber must love it. They tried to price people out, and when that didn't work, the neighbors took over. Yikes dude. That is a shizatty comment. Not sure you have visited lately or at all, but Fayette County has a great bit of diversity and social economic diversity. You sure you are not thinking about Forsyth County, Buckhead or Johns Creek and surrounding North Fulton County? I don’t know anything about Dan’s town but having lived in OH, SC, RI, CT, FL, GA - I’m confident that NE Ohio was far less diverse and more racist than Atlanta. The difference is the racism “here” happens in public. It’s in your face. But I’m pretty certain it’s less prevalent and the ignorance is dying off more and more with each generation. I doubt minority national team candidates are all that concerned that traveling to Atlanta will be any worse than where they live. You just have to call it out when you see and hear it…
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Post by rifle on Dec 10, 2023 9:26:08 GMT -5
The league remains a hedge for NFL owners. They like owning real estate development rights around stadiums. The soccer seems to be an inconvenience.
On the bright side, at least Don didn’t hand the trophy to the owner immediately after the game. This time.
Regardless, as an OH native, I am happy for the Crew.
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Post by rifle on Dec 9, 2023 18:29:16 GMT -5
Darlington Nagbe helped Columbus get their 3rd star.
Don Garber got boooed unmercifully.
That was beautiful. First game I watched all season on TV since it was on FOX.
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Post by rifle on Dec 7, 2023 18:50:03 GMT -5
So far, we've opted out of 'the system' for my U12 son. We started in rec league soccer when he was 8 years old and were fortunate enough to land on a team with a quality coach (former player), quality players, and the team has stayed together since (some people come and go but mostly the same kids). Much of the competition isn't great, but there are a couple of other decent teams we meet a few times during the season. It's enjoyable for everyone, no travel schedule, very affordable and is how youth sports should be IMO. He also played on his middle school soccer team this year and the school is stacked with club kids. There are a couple kids who are in that group that are clearly superior players and I can understand why they might play travel ball and pay the expense. But my anecdotal perception is that the vast majority of club kids aren't clearly better than top rec league players (my son started over a number of them for his MS team). I truly believe that if the majority of those kids played rec league, it'd be an ideal league for 90% of young players. One problem with rec league is that you need volunteer parent coaches and no parents want to volunteer for any youth activities anymore. Everyone is looking to drop their kids off and pick them up. I have no proof, but I believe it to be a major contributor to why youth sports has changed so much from when we were kids to now. Parents would rather pay to not be involved. When my kids were in cub scouts, the pack had a policy that family needed to be involved and volunteer for something. There was also a way to pay extra funds to opt out of volunteering. It amazed me that most parents would rather pay extra than be involved with their kids. We do pay for some supplemental summer camps and training (like RDS), but they are all reasonably priced. We'll see what happens as he gets older. We've gone to club tryouts a couple times and been offered spots but I don't really see the need to switch unless something stops working. This is the way. Truly. I am doubtful but I hope your kid can do the same in HS. Select should be selective rather than just “take everyone willing to pay”. It’s gotten ridiculous.
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Post by rifle on Dec 7, 2023 18:43:30 GMT -5
Exciting to have this land here. I hope to get an opportunity to work on the design and construction.
It’s still a huge waste use of resources (including donations). There are numerous parks around the country that can be rented to host events rather than always in being one place. For a 90% discount.
But this is how we roll with pay to play baby - forget about using resources (I’m talking money) wisely.
Good location. I was expecting it to land at Ft Mac.
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Post by rifle on Dec 7, 2023 7:54:36 GMT -5
Definitely.
Example: Tournaments used to cost $500 in 2010. How much today?
I don’t begrudge anyone from trying to earn a living but coaching kids simply shouldn’t be a full time job. I’m certain the training fees have gone up exponentially as well since there will always be more willing suckers ready to fund the dream. By the time you realize what’s up, your kid is aged out. Rinse and repeat.
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Post by rifle on Nov 30, 2023 15:41:50 GMT -5
Heads up.
George Bello should be facing off with Mohammad Salah today in UCL match.
Edit: Europa league
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Post by rifle on Nov 29, 2023 17:34:34 GMT -5
How many international kids are on there? International? Playing football? Isn't the US the only country that plays this dumb sport? The irony is Clemson pays for football scholarships by accepting a TON of out of state students. Good business decision if willing suckers (myself included at one point) pay more…
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Post by rifle on Nov 29, 2023 13:05:57 GMT -5
I've been seeing a lot of talk about foreign players recently (on the men's side). It's not the foreign players but moreso the ages in my opinion. You've got 18-19 year old MLS Next and ECNL kids competing with 23 year old international players. Need to fix the age issue and NCAA rules regarding eligibility. So a kid serves their country for a few years and wants to go to college. Do you make an exception or tell them “nope”?
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Post by rifle on Nov 29, 2023 13:04:51 GMT -5
If you're not a private school this means the college is being funded by tax dollars in some way shape or form. If you receive tax dollars American players should be prioritized over foreign players. Or I should get an option to not pay a certain percentage of my taxes. In general, think all schools should have an athletic team that’s reflective of where their student body is from. For example, in the case of UGA. They don’t have a mens team but if 90% of your student body is from Georgia, 5% are from neighboring and other regional states, and 4.999% are from other states, then the rosters should try to reflect that. Also, like everything else the top 10 or 15-percent of international players are really good, have played in pro systems, and 3-4 years older. However, IMO 85% are overrated + a lot are not very good students. sounds a lot like the Atlanta United South American pipeline…
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Post by rifle on Nov 29, 2023 13:02:51 GMT -5
According to my last referee recertification, a coach texting 1:1 to player(s) should be reported to SafeSport. There is an endless supply of stories about unethical coaches, players and parents - but there are actually a lot of coaches with integrity, too. Even some clubs where that is the standard. No no. We're allowed to text players 1:1 IF we are helping them transition without their parents' knowledge AND we use the right pronouns. Checking on injuries, confirming practice attendance or sending a training plan is not allowed. That's what I got from SafeSport. My pronouns are hee haw.
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Post by rifle on Nov 28, 2023 18:02:40 GMT -5
According to my last referee recertification, a coach texting 1:1 to player(s) should be reported to SafeSport.
There is an endless supply of stories about unethical coaches, players and parents - but there are actually a lot of coaches with integrity, too. Even some clubs where that is the standard.
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Post by rifle on Nov 27, 2023 12:47:48 GMT -5
Sounds like GGG
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Post by rifle on Nov 27, 2023 7:29:05 GMT -5
I watched two NCAA Div 1 games yesterday on ESPN+. Lots of players from across the pond. The twenty one year old “kids” from Europe must have better email skills!
Unrelated: one ESPN+ announcer for the Clemson-New Hampshire game repeatedly said “moving the puck” and “in the crease”. To his credit, he did have a proper radio voice and he skillfully avoided saying high sticking…
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Post by rifle on Nov 21, 2023 21:53:58 GMT -5
I don’t know. Do you think they’ll bring back Bruce Arena?
(…ducking)
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Post by rifle on Nov 19, 2023 22:23:49 GMT -5
Pretty dang good run they made in the first season under a new coach. Heartbreaker of an ending.. like every game that ends with penalties. I don’t think UGA should have changed keepers for the kicks but I only watched 2/3 of one game this season (and that was today) so what do I know.
The level and style of play of both teams was quite good IMO.
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