Must share my soccer excitement

[beach_angel05]

Also, here is a link to the match highlights for anyone who didn't catch the game and who may be interested

Painful to watch (from my pov)
http://www.mlssoccer.com/videos?catid=1916&id=10745

[beach_angel05]

Just an update on MLS in general, it's almost that time of year! I'm getting the soccer itch for sure! We start back up in March and the Seattle Sounders get 5 picks, 4 of them are in the first round

Thought it was interesting that Wayne Rooney's little brother John is up for grabs! Wayne Rooney plays for Manchester United (as previously discussed in this thread). Small world.

Check out the link for a preview of the players available to us (Seattle!)!

http://www.soundersfc.com/News/Articles/2011/01-January/Draft-Preview.aspx

[beach_angel05]

Just an update on George, he's been transferred to the Blackburn Rovers!!! He's going to finish out his MLS contract w/ the European team (runs thru the end of 2012) and then we'll see if they keep him around. Rumor has it he's getting between 1-2GBP for being bought out of the rest of his MLS contract - that figures I think to be 2-3million USD!!!

For those that don't follow soccer, Blackburn Rovers are are an English Premier League team! The EPL is I believe the highest quality league in the world (in my opinion). We're all so happy for him back here in Shoreline We're hoping he eventually gets picked up for either the US Men's National Team or the Greek National Team - he has dual citizenship. He had a trial w/ the USMNT but had an injury and couldn't go earlier in the year. Things are looking up for George!

Here are a few short articles:
http://www.bigdsoccer.com/2011/8/19/2372895/george-john-responds-to-blackburn-rovers-transfer-rumors

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/soccer/post/_/id/13265/george-john-saga-taking-interesting-turns-for-fc-dallas

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11676_7119258,00.html

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

I wholeheartedly agree with you that the EPL is the best league in the world. Although, Serie A in Spain is probably as good, skill-wise. The big difference between the two leagues is the pace and physicality of the game. EPL is SOOOO much more fun to watch.

I saw Blackburn lose to Everton today - Tim Howard (goalkeeper for the US Men's team) saved a penalty. Blackburn is currently at the bottom of the table...but they haven't played poorly. Lots of it has been bad luck. They missed TWO penalties today and hit the upright on another. They should have won.

Congrats to George! I will look for him the next time Fox Soccer shows a Blackburn match.

Newcastle play tomorrow and it is on Fox Soccer at 8 am EDT. Hopefully "Irene" won't have taken my power away yet!!

[beach_angel05]

Stay safe from Hurricane Irene!

That's too bad that the Rovers are in last place but hopefully they'll get their act together w/ all the transfers/new players I hear they're getting.

Yes I agree about Serie A as well, they are excellent!

On another note, I'm watching the Seattle Sounders v. Columbus Crew game...you need to watch the recap Margie! We are up 6-2!!!!! I can't believe it! I wish I was at the game now! The first 4 of our goals were scored in the first 36 minutes! The last goal so far 6th (at 78min atm) was Columbus's own goal lol. They're replaying it at 4 or 4:30 on ROOT or whatever that channel is.

Also 4 of the 6 have been scored by 1 player! Way to go Soundersssssss!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

Chandra, I didn't get a chance to see that match, but did see some of the highlights. Congrats to you and your team!

Irene hasn't hit here too hard yet - just LOTS of heavy rain - so power is intact. I watched the match and Newcastle won 2-1!! WOO HOO!!! It wasn't pretty, but...I don't care.

I'm watching the Man U/Arsenal match now...and I know that Deb is watching Corrie. Good morning, Deb!!

[beach_angel05]

Had to share this w/ my other soccer fans! My classmate George is on loan to West Ham!!! http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/01/13/fc-dallas-john-seals-loan-move-west-ham


So excited for him

Article from West Ham ppl - http://www.whufc.com/articles/20120113/big-sam-welcomes-george_2236884_2575123

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

Good for him! I must say, I'm glad he didn't sign for Blackburn, considering the chaos that club is in right now. West Ham is not in the Premier League - they got relegated last season - but they are doing really well in the Championship division in England. They have a good chance to go straight back up this season.

Congrats, John!

[beach_angel05]

Oh awesome! Yeah there was a lot of stuff over here about Blackburn. His deal fell thru with them. All the better it seems. I saw that West Ham Utd was like 1st or 2nd in their level/league. Good for them! I'm so happy for George, he works so hard and I think he totally deserves it

[Margie-Rex's Mom]

OOPS! George John...sorry about that!

Anyway - he'll be coached by Sam Allardyce, who was a top defender for England in his day. His teams are very physical and in your face. George will be put thru his paces, that's for sure! Big Sam was manager for Newcastle for a little while, but the new owner at the time sacked him for all the wrong reasons.

It will be fun to see how George does. Hopefully it will turn into a permanent deal for him!

[Oliver & Henry's Mum]

[pawsforthought]

How exciting for you!! I wish I knew someone famous xD

I watch football 'soccer' too but I'm a Chelsea supporter after my dad, who grew up in London. I don't watch every game but I passionately support them at heart if that makes sense.