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Great news: USA soccer misses the Olympics

  • harpo_speaks said...

    Love that post.

    FarmLane walk sign is just jealous of soccer's increasing popularity throughout the country. Either you just accept the fact that ESPN is doing a tremendous job of promoting the world's greatest sport, or let it be.

    I would much rather have ESPN actually broadcast sports, than have some made up drama about the NFL during the summer. good lord i hate that crap.

    Euro 2012 is nothing short of awesome. ESPN does promote soccer in the U.S. but also pumps the quality of european football to the american viewer. Soccer is on the rise and nothing will stop that.

    soccer is below about 15 sports including womens basketball for the title of worlds greatest sport

    Big Fella

  • Death Roe said...

    First the MSU Hoops thread, now this one.

    You are cementing yourself as a major idiot.

    That's interesting, I was dead on right in my previous thread.

    But let's not let facts get in the way of hating on FarmLane.

    FarmLaneWalkSig

  • Iknowmorethanu said...

    You guys do realize for the Olympics, it is 23 and under, right? Which, it is never good to not qualify for something. But, this is not the same group that will be competing for a spot in the next World Cup.

    Didn't know about the age limit.

    Posting member of tRCMB since 1997. It is ALWAYS a great day to be a Spartan!!!!

    Raytooth Morgan

  • Lunchables said...

    That's exactly what I'm saying. This sport is supposed to be "growing" and the USA is supposed to be getting better, yet future members of the US national team can't beat future members of El Salvador's national team on home turf. That should be a big deal to US soccer fans. Otherwise they're just spinning. What accolades has the USA achieved in soccer for their fans - actual fans of the sport who follow it - to say Olympic soccer isn't important? Like... what? As fans of USA soccer, you should know better. Other countries who care about the game as a whole will gladly take the gold medal while you reminisce about beating Italy in a friendly.

    I think I can speak for most US soccer supporters in saying that the hope for the U-23 team was development. We've a very talented younger generation of players, by any measure. The Olympics tournament provides a chance for them to play together, to adapt to the approach of the national team program, to better understand the difference between club and international play. This U-23 was inconsistent, and while they showed some solid technical ability, they didn't respect their opponent, and didn't respect the type of game you find against such teams.

    The challenge for many younger American players is that the game you see on the weekends in the upper-middle class suburbs isn't the game you find at the international level. Some Americans adjust and some don't, but my guess is if you take a U-12 side from El Salvador and throw them against Vardar in suburban Detroit, there'd be some blood and a lot of parents complaining about the style. Canada was a game where we just didn't respect the opponent. El Salvador played like the El Salvador senior team, which is to say they made themselves a pain the arse to play. The focus has to be there to not take the bait, to focus on your game in dictating the style of play, to squash hope early. Better teams do that and the US did not.

    What this means in the big picture is less development time for such a group....they don't get the extended camp, the games, and a chance to show something for consideration for the senior team. The point of the USMNT is the World Cup and getting as far as possible in that tournament. Everything else, including friendlies and the Olympic tournament, are steps in that process. Inconsistency took away more opportunity, and deservedly so. Heck yeah, it's disappointing, but there are helpful lessons, even in a loss, and I hope the coaching staff drives that home, with emphasis......

    "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." --Gandhi

    Heathens 87

  • Iknowmorethanu said...

    You guys do realize for the Olympics, it is 23 and under, right?

    It's okay that they cried like little school girls after being eliminated, it just shows they cared.

    Narwhal

  • Death Roe said...

    First the MSU Hoops thread, now this one.

    You are cementing yourself as a major idiot.

    if i'm not mistaking his hoops thread was dead on balls accurate as to exactly what happened...that makes him an idiot how?

    Big Fella

  • Binford4State said...

    My point was the U.S. is no closer to competing on a global scale today than they were 20 years ago, no matter how much ESPN and the rest of sports media/marketing wishes they would be.

    True, except for the fact that you're completely wrong and the US is about a million times closer to competing on a global scale today than they were 20 years ago.

    20 years ago, we were just 1 1/2 years removed from our first World Cup in 40 years. While it hasn't been a bed of roses since then, not only have we been to each WC since, we have made it to the knock out round in 3 of the 5 WCs during the past 20 years, including one appearance in the quarterfinals and the winning of a group stage. Even in one of our poorer WCs during that time, we still managed to be the only team to score a goal against the eventual champions.

    I actually tend to be more demanding and critical of the US and where it stands in the world than a lot of the soccer fans on here, but I've been around long enough to see how far we've come and appreciate that.

    MiamiSpartan ●

  • Big Fella said...

    if i'm not mistaking his hoops thread was dead on balls accurate as to exactly what happened...that makes him an idiot how?

    He likes to hate his own teams. Takes pride in calling out their failures.

    Do you respect wood?

    Death Roe ●

  • Binford4State said...

    Even though this thread was started by an inflammatory, ridiculous post, I would like to ask the soccer guys in here a serious question with no attempt to cause a fight or be inflammatory.

    Why do you (or your contingent) believe that soccer will become big/popular in the U.S.? My perspective is that soccer has been around for something like 300 years. It was played by the majority of the nations whose citizens immigrated and settled the United States. US Citizens have known about/played soccer for essentially the entire history of this nation, but have actively chosen not to watch it from an entertainment aspect. Other sports popularity grew organically. There wasn't an ESPN or even Sports Illustrated around 90 years ago when the foundations of the popularity of baseball, football, and basketball began. Its just not in the nature of American's to enjoy the sport in my opinion. I'm really not trying to bash someone for liking soccer, playing soccer, watching soccer. I like watching Track and Field, and I can't stand watching Golf; Its just a personal thing. Any ideas/insight/info would be appreciated.

    Nobody answered your question because they don't have an answer.

    El Doctor B

  • MiamiSpartan said...

    True, except for the fact that you're completely wrong and the US is about a million times closer to competing on a global scale today than they were 20 years ago.

    20 years ago, we were just 1 1/2 years removed from our first World Cup in 40 years. While it hasn't been a bed of roses since then, not only have we been to each WC since, we have made it to the knock out round in 3 of the 5 WCs during the past 20 years, including one appearance in the quarterfinals and the winning of a group stage. Even in one of our poorer WCs during that time, we still managed to be the only team to score a goal against the eventual champions.

    I actually tend to be more demanding and critical of the US and where it stands in the world than a lot of the soccer fans on here, but I've been around long enough to see how far we've come and appreciate that.

    Exactly, and I think many younger people fail to understand that US soccer essentially began in 1990 when we qualified for a World Cup for the first time since the 50's. Heck, John Harkes was the first American to play in the EPL in 1990. You won't find another national team or player pool who has made such tremendous strides. Where the US finds themselves is at that more difficult transition where you're good but wanting to be great. That's really a matter of talent, which gets back to development of the formal youth teams and kids playing the game across the country. How we teach soccer is more the challenge there.......

    "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind." --Gandhi

    Heathens 87

  • soccerskillz6 said...

    It's embarrassing that the US isnt going to qualify for the Olympics with the talent that Caleb Porter had on that roster. Boyd, Bunbury, Shea, Adu, Corona, Sarkodie and Kitchen will all be competing for spots on the next World Cup team. This squad was also missing Chandler, Williams, and Altidore due to club commitments and Agudelo who tore his meniscus against Cuba.

    The problem was that Hamid played like crap against Canada and El Salvador and the one save Johnson had to make all night he fucked up. I dont understand how those two are the best U23 goalies that Porter had available. The last two results were absolutely unacceptable

    I totally agree, I think that the powers that be in MLS and USSoccer are going for athletic ability over soccer IQ at the keeper position. These guys are big, athletic keepers, but they aren't shot stoppers. They also don't seem to understand how to correctly parry the ball around the posts. I am a 37 year old 5'8 keeper and I would make the save on the last shot at least 9 out of 10 times. I saw no leadership out of either of those guys last night. The defense was slow to get in position for corners and set plays and that comes from the keeper's leadership. Athletic ability isn't everything at the keeper position, you have to be a leader.

    signature image

    DnvrSprtnhd

  • Death Roe said...

    He likes to hate his own teams. Takes pride in calling out their failures.

    he didn't take pride in calling out their failures and he doesnt like to hate on his own teams. it said right it in he hoped he was wrong but just had a feeling. he then ended the post with GO GREEN. someone who hates their team wouldn't do that. but dont let reading comprehension get in the way of your pointless hate towards the guy

    Big Fella

  • harpo_speaks said...

    argueCould not disagree more.

    In the U.S. because of morons like you and the majority of posters here, love to reject it as a sport or worthy entertainment.

    However, when looking at if from a global point of view, nothing but soccer matters to many nations. Including the ecomonic super-powers that are Germany, China and Japan.

    Other sports do matter, but soccer is the measuring stick that countries use to compare themselves to another. We in the U.S. just don't care about it that much as a whole. But if I were to ask you if you could actually play 5 mintues of soccer, you would be on the sideline gasping for air not understanding how difficult of a sport it truly is.

    So continue to bash the "beautiful game", I'm about to enjoy some UEFA Champions League.

    If soccer is beautiful, then football is equivalent to having a 3some with Kate Upton and Miranda Kerr while watching Adriana Lima fist Megan Fox until she squirts out diamonds.

    SpartanElement

  • Spartan Punk said...

    1975 - Pele signs with the NY Cosmos. Socceer enthusiasts proclaims soccer is on the rise, it wasn't. 1994 - World Cup is played in the US for the first time. Soccer enthusiasts proclaims soccer is on the rise, it wasn't. 1999 - Woman's World Cup is played in the US and won by USA woman. Soccer enthusiasts proclaims soccer is on the rise, it wasn't. 2007 - David Beckham is signed by the LA Galaxy. Soccer enthusiasts proclaim soccer is on the rise. It wasn't.

    Folks have been hearing for 35+ years that soccer is on the rise in the US and there is nothing that can be done to stop it. Still waiting.

    I guess it depends on what you consider "on the rise" or what you expect the end result to be to make the statement true that it is on the rise. Soccer has made tremendous strides since 1975, helped along by each of those events, to varying degrees. The Women's WC and the Beckham signing were certainly the least significant. But since we hosted the World Cup in 1994, the US has gone from having no real professional league, to a viable professional league with solid attendance and TV contracts with ESPN.

    I'm not foolish enough to say that it will ever overtake the NFL, NBA, or MLB. Maybe the NHL, though. But it's carved out a solid niche for itself that few thought possible 20 years ago.

    MiamiSpartan ●

  • Death Roe said...

    He likes to hate his own teams. Takes pride in calling out their failures.

    Nope, that's a serious exaggeration.

    I point out flaws (while still taking into consideration strengths) to the people on here too blinded by homerism to notice them.

    I call out our failures (to the members ..."fanboys"...of this board) not because I like bashing MSU teams, but because I was ridiculed for not having full 100% faith in the team.

    I can go the other route too:

    - Michigan State will make the Rose Bowl next year, as they are the best football team in the B1G
    - Maxwell and the receivers will be much better than expected. I've actually switched my opinion on this, so take that Spartandawgs
    - The secondary will actually be better despite the loss of Trenton Robinson
    - The basketball team will win the Big Ten next season. I'll hold off on a Final Four prediction.

    Also, I will always be the first to defend MSU when another school's fan talks shit. Unless they are a fan of Alabama.

    EDIT: I just realized this post is completely off the soccer topic..so...SOCCER SUCKS. There.

    This post was edited by FarmLaneWalkSig on 3/27/2012 at 1:36 PM

    FarmLaneWalkSig

  • El Doctor B said...

    Nobody answered your question because they don't have an answer.

    no it was just a ridiculously stupid question(if you even want to call it that), Soccer in the US is a big sport, in a lot of areas it is second only to Football. The MLS continues to grow it's brand and smash attendance records, outdrawing the MLB, NBA and NHL teams in some of their shared markets.

    The youth system continues to draw more highly trained/educated coaches, which is leading to better training and skill levels nationwide. The results of that show up in the amount of HS players jumping straight to the pros in the MLS, Mexican League and in Europe. These players will be the future of the national team having been trained as professionals from 16-18 rather than having to go to college(with the limited training/coaching allowed by the ncaa) and trying their luck in the pros at 22. There are 5 guys from Michigan under 20 playing professional in Europe right now, Do you know how many there were 10 years ago? 0

    Haterz gon Hate!

    signature image

    DnvrSprtnhd

  • Lunchables said...

    That's exactly what I'm saying. This sport is supposed to be "growing" and the USA is supposed to be getting better, yet future members of the US national team can't beat future members of El Salvador's national team on home turf. That should be a big deal to US soccer fans. Otherwise they're just spinning. What accolades has the USA achieved in soccer for their fans - actual fans of the sport who follow it - to say Olympic soccer isn't important? Like... what? As fans of USA soccer, you should know better. Other countries who care about the game as a whole will gladly take the gold medal while you reminisce about beating Italy in a friendly.

    To your point - As a Tigers fan and someone who follows baseball extensively, I would be a little concerned about the quality of play if Lakeland had only one losing season since 1976 and had a losing season in 2012.

    Here is an article as to why it is not a major catastrophe that the US did not qualify for the Olympics. Is it a good thing to? Yes. Absolutely. Any time you can get more training and international competition is a good thing. Let's not diminish that. But read this article and it puts in a better perspective as to why it is not the end of the US Soccer World.

    Germany, Netherland, Portugal, Italy, France, Ivory Coast, Ghana won't be represented in soccer at the Olympics. Heck, 2 time defending champ Argentina will not be competing either.

    The United States Didn't Qualify For The Olympics And It Doesn't Matter - SBNation.com

    The sky isn't going to fall because the USA didn't qualify for the Olympics, because the Olympics just aren't that important.

    www.sbnation.com

    Iknowmorethanu ●

  • ArtieLuvPancake said...

    If you aint down with the Red, White, and Blue, then GET THE FUCK OUT!

    This needed an upvote.

    ass dan ●

  • DnvrSprtnhd said...

    no it was just a ridiculously stupid question(if you even want to call it that), Soccer in the US is a big sport, in a lot of areas it is second only to Football. The MLS continues to grow it's brand and smash attendance records, outdrawing the MLB, NBA and NHL teams in some of their shared markets.

    The youth system continues to draw more highly trained/educated coaches, which is leading to better training and skill levels nationwide. The results of that show up in the amount of HS players jumping straight to the pros in the MLS, Mexican League and in Europe. These players will be the future of the national team having been trained as professionals from 16-18 rather than having to go to college(with the limited training/coaching allowed by the ncaa) and trying their luck in the pros at 22. There are 5 guys from Michigan under 20 playing professional in Europe right now, Do you know how many there were 10 years ago? 0

    Haterz gon Hate!

    soccer has no entertainment value to a majority of americans until the world cup comes on and then it's only for american pride. its like watching a more painful version of wisconsin basketball in a sport with less excitement and more pussies who flop every time someone touches them.

    do you know how many of those players anyone's ever heard of or care about? 0

    Big Fella

  • Big Fella said...

    soccer has no entertainment value to a majority of americans until the world cup comes on and then it's only for american pride. its like watching a more painful version of wisconsin basketball in a sport with less excitement and more pussies who flop every time someone touches them.

    do you know how many of those players anyone's ever heard of or care about? 0

    It's interesting that you bring up the flopping, because it is amazing how many people use that as a reason to hate soccer yet are still basketball and hockey fans. Flopping and faking exists in all of those sports and yes, even in soccer, it is looked down upon by the vast majority of fans as about the worst aspect of the game. Better stop watching football, too, since kickers will flop. Damn, baseball might be all you left.

    I'm not trying to convert you by any means. You don't like it, so just say that. Why do you feel the need to justify it by parroting the same tired cliches that have been said for decades? You clearly don't watch enough soccer to know how much or how little flopping there is, and that's fine. I am 100% fine with anyone who says that they don't like the sport. I'm fine if they say that they find it boring. I will never try to convert you. There are few things that I could care less about than whether somebody likes soccer or not. But when you guys try to justify your dislike, that's when you so often start talking out of your ass.

    MiamiSpartan ●

  • Big Fella said...

    soccer has no entertainment value to a majority of americans until the world cup comes on and then it's only for american pride. its like watching a more painful version of wisconsin basketball in a sport with less excitement and more pussies who flop every time someone touches them.

    do you know how many of those players anyone's ever heard of or care about? 0

    Serious question, what do you think of the NHL?

    MadMaxim

  • MiamiSpartan said...

    It's interesting that you bring up the flopping, because it is amazing how many people use that as a reason to hate soccer yet are still basketball and hockey fans. Flopping and faking exists in all of those sports and yes, even in soccer, it is looked down upon by the vast majority of fans as about the worst aspect of the game. Better stop watching football, too, since kickers will flop. Damn, baseball might be all you left.

    I'm not trying to convert you by any means. You don't like it, so just say that. Why do you feel the need to justify it by parroting the same tired cliches that have been said for decades? You clearly don't watch enough soccer to know how much or how little flopping there is, and that's fine. I am 100% fine with anyone who says that they don't like the sport. I'm fine if they say that they find it boring. I will never try to convert you. There are few things that I could care less about than whether somebody likes soccer or not. But when you guys try to justify your dislike, that's when you so often start talking out of your ass.

    "Diving" is a penalty in hockey

    Narwhal

  • DnvrSprtnhd said...

    no it was just a ridiculously stupid question(if you even want to call it that), Soccer in the US is a big sport, in a lot of areas it is second only to Football.

    I don't know what the rest of your post said, but this is one of the biggest flat out lies ever posted on this board. Name one US city where soccer attendance was larger than baseball, hockey, or basketball in that same city.

    SpartanElement

  • MiamiSpartan said...

    It's interesting that you bring up the flopping, because it is amazing how many people use that as a reason to hate soccer yet are still basketball and hockey fans. Flopping and faking exists in all of those sports and yes, even in soccer, it is looked down upon by the vast majority of fans as about the worst aspect of the game. Better stop watching football, too, since kickers will flop. Damn, baseball might be all you left.

    I'm not trying to convert you by any means. You don't like it, so just say that. Why do you feel the need to justify it by parroting the same tired cliches that have been said for decades? You clearly don't watch enough soccer to know how much or how little flopping there is, and that's fine. I am 100% fine with anyone who says that they don't like the sport. I'm fine if they say that they find it boring. I will never try to convert you. There are few things that I could care less about than whether somebody likes soccer or not. But when you guys try to justify your dislike, that's when you so often start talking out of your ass.

    The difference is in soccer guys flop and lay on the ground rolling in pain for 10 minutes until a penalty is called. In football, basketball, and hockey guys flop then get right back up.

    SpartanElement

  • MiamiSpartan said...

    It's interesting that you bring up the flopping, because it is amazing how many people use that as a reason to hate soccer yet are still basketball and hockey fans. Flopping and faking exists in all of those sports and yes, even in soccer, it is looked down upon by the vast majority of fans as about the worst aspect of the game. Better stop watching football, too, since kickers will flop. Damn, baseball might be all you left.

    I'm not trying to convert you by any means. You don't like it, so just say that. Why do you feel the need to justify it by parroting the same tired cliches that have been said for decades? You clearly don't watch enough soccer to know how much or how little flopping there is, and that's fine. I am 100% fine with anyone who says that they don't like the sport. I'm fine if they say that they find it boring. I will never try to convert you. There are few things that I could care less about than whether somebody likes soccer or not. But when you guys try to justify your dislike, that's when you so often start talking out of your ass.

    the difference is in the NHL flopping is a penalty. and when they flop in other sports they get right back up and continue play. they dont take 5 minutes to roll on the ground in pain, get taken to the sideline on a stretcher, and then sprint up the sideline to get back into play. and don't tell me i dont watch enough soccer to know how much they flop or dont flop. my roommate watches about 10 hours of soccer a week and it's always on our tv and i watch it frequently just by being in the room and i just want to stick multiple needles through my eyes. its one of the most boring sports on the face of the planet to watch, and yes i'm including womens basketball and water polo. they run around for 90 minutes and a majority of that time it looks like they are content to just tie 0-0 if it means not giving up a goal. i'm all for people watching what they want to watch and loving what sports they love but dont parrot the game like its the best fucking invention since sliced bread and its one of the most popular around. all you need to know about its importance is that if they dont go to the olympics its not a big deal and no one cares...sounds like a real popular sport to me

    Big Fella

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