12/18/24
August 01, 2003
This is a cool story about Van Nistelrooy.: Maybe I'm a simpleton, but I always enjoy these stories. Makes me think sports stars are still human.
Awesome.
posted by 86 at 10:07 PM on August 01, 2003
Thanks chules. Can I fix that?
posted by usfbull at 10:33 PM on August 01, 2003
We won't make fun of usfbull for writing "Maybe I'm a simpleton," then messing up the link, will we? I'm just kidding, and I really like the story, too. It's good to know that athletes at that level still want to play on their days off!
posted by dusted at 12:28 AM on August 02, 2003
Y'all need to come over to the SpoFi EPL Fantasy League! We've been waiting for you!
posted by worldcup2002 at 12:50 AM on August 02, 2003
I love it!! When are we changing the site's name to SoccerFilter?!
posted by StarFucker at 03:08 AM on August 02, 2003
Here's your soccerfilter. That was a good story though.
posted by gspm at 04:01 AM on August 02, 2003
What wc2002 said usfbull. I saw the goal he scored against Juventus. Fecking awesome player. I wonder how he'll get on next season without Beckham's crosses. I predict it won't make a shred of difference.
posted by squealy at 08:40 AM on August 02, 2003
squealy, I think Giggs' goal off the free kick Thursdday night showed that Beckham may not be missed as much you suggest. That one was a beauty.
posted by billsaysthis at 11:53 AM on August 02, 2003
My squad has been entered. It should be interesting to see if my managerial skills will mirror those of my ineptness to properly post. Damn it! Good luck to all.
posted by usfbull at 12:21 PM on August 02, 2003
This makes me wonder... do soccer players have a love of the game clause A la MJ?
posted by lilnemo at 05:57 PM on August 02, 2003
This was way cool, and I never post in soccer lines. :)
posted by wfrazerjr at 12:37 AM on August 03, 2003
Speaking of Ruud, how about the fact that today his ManU team will play Barca in front of a huge crowd (Lincoln Field looks pretty full but they didn't give any number I heard in the pre-game) while just up the Turnpike at Giants Stadium over 54,000 showed up for the Italian Supercup? Soccer is coming on in America, boys and girls, and it won't be long before we stop using that silly name.
posted by billsaysthis at 07:04 PM on August 03, 2003
The attendance was 70,000...
posted by StarFucker at 01:29 AM on August 04, 2003
This all kinda makes the MLS look bad, doesn't it?
posted by worldcup2002 at 09:56 AM on August 04, 2003
WC: yes, I think it does. Or else it shows them the pot of gold if the correct path is taken to the future. Though I have no clue what that path is other than simply playing better matches.
posted by billsaysthis at 10:49 AM on August 04, 2003
It says, get quality players...people will come see them play...
posted by StarFucker at 11:32 AM on August 04, 2003
SF, that's quite true, quality players will surely help. Back in the day, the Cosmos had no trouble filling Giants Stadium because they had the likes of Pele, Beckenbauer, and Chinaglia. That was much fun to watch! However, this is also a bit of chicken and egg since (for now) top players are told they have to go to Europe to realize their potential. As long as this continues to be the best way to develop US National team players, MLS will be hurt. But I also think the recent matches had the success they did in part because of the rarity factor. That is, how often does ManU or Juventus play a real game (with their top line players, that is) in the States? MLS will never have that factor. Eventually, though, if Anschutz's pockets hold out, MLS will pass the NHL in popularity and average attendance; maybe in 5-7 years or so especially if immigration patterns and US Team successes continue. Then we'll see a real TV package and no more Gold Cup on Galavision only and then teams will have the revenue to challenge top European leagues for quality players.
posted by billsaysthis at 02:25 PM on August 04, 2003
I believe this is the story you were intending to link to? The goal he had against Juventus last night was amazing. He had a lot of supporters from both sides applauding in appreciation (including myself), at least from where I was sitting.