LIVE! Match discussion 2014/15

[Alan]

Considering it's two brand new teams, don't expect the end product to be great.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Not for me, I've watched MLS before. The quality of League One played at the pace of a pre-season friendly.

 

[Kenny]

I should enjoy it then.

Don't really watch enough football from outside the UK but going to change that. Starting from tonight.

If it gets my attention, I may even pick a team to follow

 

[Alan]

Not for me, I've watched MLS before. The quality of League One played at the pace of a pre-season friendly.

How long ago was this?

I should enjoy it then.

Don't really watch enough football from outside the UK but going to change that. Starting from tonight.

If it gets my attention, I may even pick a team to follow

How exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I last watched one about two years ago. Of course the quality could have vastly improved in the meantime with such superstar signings as Ronald Zubar but I suspect that's as likely as Richard Littlejohn's 'Hell In A Handcart' turning into Tolstoy on page 151.

 

[Alan]

I last watched one about two years ago. Of course the quality could have vastly improved in the meantime with such superstar signings as Ronald Zubar but I suspect that's as likely as Richard Littlejohn's 'Hell In A Handcart' turning into Tolstoy on page 151.

It has done and Zubar certainly wasn't regarded as a marquee signing. More like a footnote.

It's about mid-Champ fare as of last season. The bad teams, though, are incredibly bad.

 

[Kenny]

How exciting! Let me know if you have any questions!

Why have they got a dullard to sing the National Anthem before kick off?

 

[Alan]

Why have they got a dullard to sing the National Anthem before kick off?

Jingoism.

Seriously, we sing the national anthem before every single sporting event in this country. Every damn one. It drives me nuts.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

Zubar certainly wasn't regarded as a marquee signing. More like a footnote.

Yes, I know. I was being facetious, for a change.

However it's notable that the "MLS Cup MVP" of 2013 was a guy who couldn't make a go of things at either Gretna or Wrexham. It's indicative of a very low bar in terms in quality across the board. If you go through most, perhaps even all, the squads they have an approximate 1:8 ratio, at absolute best, of decent players to dross. I'd say that places it significantly below the Championship (which I also think is generally of lowish quality, certainly not as good as it was 15 years ago) in the scheme of things.

 

[Kenny]

Alan Curbishley the co-comm. What's not to like.....

 

[Kenny]

63k attendance. Not to shabby is that

 

[Alan]

Yes, I know. I was being facetious, for a change.

However it's notable that the "MLS Cup MVP" of 2013 was a guy who couldn't make a go of things at either Gretna or Wrexham. It's indicative of a very low bar in terms in quality across the board. If you go through most, perhaps even all, the squads they have an approximate 1:8 ratio, at absolute best, of decent players to dross. I'd say that places it significantly below the Championship (which I also think is generally of lowish quality, certainly not as good as it was 15 years ago) in the scheme of things.

Collin is a myth in this league. How he continues to start is a mystery.

Regardless of that I can only tell you that things have improved quite a bit of late but if you haven't watched it in two years then you probably have no reason to now. Certainly though the better teams in this league would be right at home against the likes of Wolves, Watford, etc.

 

[Jack Regan]

Bradley Wright-Phillips was the top scorer last season was he not?

 

[Alan]

Yep, he had a very good season, scored some great goals.

 

[Kenny]

Agreeing with Alan's view on it being Championship level. Some quality on display with a couple of dodgy defensive moments.

New York keeper (Saunders) has just smashed his head against the post whilst taking a free kick under pressure.

 

[Alan]

Agreeing with Alan's view on it being Championship level. Some quality on display with a couple of dodgy defensive moments.

New York keeper (Saunders) has just smashed his head against the post whilst taking a free kick under pressure.

It'll be interesting to see how these teams pan out. Some "big" names on both sides but also a lot I've never heard of. A few of Orlando's players have come up from our 2nd tier with the rest of the club so I'm curious how they'll get on.

Certainly MLS has followed the more or less worldwide trend of deteriorating defensive quality.

 

[jd1981]

The Villa fans almost as bad as the ones who pitch invaded when we won a corner against Rotherham last season

It'll be interesting to see how these teams pan out. Some "big" names on both sides but also a lot I've never heard of. A few of Orlando's players have come up from our 2nd tier with the rest of the club so I'm curious how they'll get on.

Certainly MLS has followed the more or less worldwide trend of deteriorating defensive quality.

Second tier? Only thought there were MLS clubs. Take it there is no promotion relegation?

 

[Alan]

There is no promotion or relegation between tiers but we have multiple leagues that generally break down in the same way as the Prem/Champ/L1/L2/etc.

I guess technically Orlando has come up from our relative third tier (USL) with NASL lately becoming our 2nd tier. Tough to keep track when the lower tiers get so little coverage!

 

[Kenny]

Got the diving sorted I see. ex-Stokey Shea takes a dive in the area and gets a deserved booking

 

[jd1981]

I assume the home audience prefers the traditional league followed by the knockout play-offs.