Soccer 2023-24 (A/K/A Futbol)

[imref]

And the worst kept secret in soccer is finally out...

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/68346321

can they bring in Messi too?

[English Natsie]

can they bring in Messi too?

They could, but won't - Messi is at the end of his career, and has everything he wants. Such is the fervor, around him, that MLS is now being referred to as 'Messi League Soccer'...

[JCA-CrystalCity]

I've enjoyed watching Modric, just about only in the world cup and national team games. I don't watch Real Madrid regularly. I see he's likely to move on. I don't think he would be the gate draw of Messi, of course, but I'd love to see him land in MLS.

Meanwhile, what's it say after I look at the terms of the contract and think, "meh, Soto will top that." Heck, I'm not sure this tops Jaylen Brown.

[Natsinpwc]

Hey Messi just got to MLS. Let him play a full season.  Can you imagine him going to Real Madrid after all those years at their arch enemy Barca.  Would be nice to see him close out his career at the latter.

[English Natsie]

Meanwhile, what's it say after I look at the terms of the contract and think, "meh, Soto will top that." Heck, I'm not sure this tops Jaylen Brown.

Mbappe had to take a personal financial hit to get out of the one-year extension - PSG were never going to let him walk for nothing. The Real deal doesn't really reflect his true value - it's just to try and keep all sides relatively content.

[welch]

And Tuchel is finished at Bayern Munich.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/68301718

[Five Banners]

DC United up 1-0

[1995hoo]

DC United up 1-0

Nice 3–1 win salvages an otherwise mediocre sports day.

[Natsinpwc]

Chelsea and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final this morning. 

[JCA-CrystalCity]

Chelsea and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup Final this morning. 

The Carabao Cup sounds like it should be played on coastal plain in Alaska National Wildlife Reserve.

[English Natsie]

The Carabao Cup sounds like it should be played on coastal plain in Alaska National Wildlife Reserve.

    

[Natsinpwc]

Scoreless and nearing the end of regulation.  I suppose they do 30 minutes of extra time and then penalty kicks?

[welch]

Scoreless and nearing the end of regulation.  I suppose they do 30 minutes of extra time and then penalty kicks?

I think it is two 15-minute periods and then penalty kicks. Liverpool starters look tired. Chelsea advantage.

[Natsinpwc]

I think it is two 15-minute periods and then penalty kicks. Liverpool starters look tired. Chelsea advantage.

Liverpool has rallied in the extra time. But still no goals. 

[welch]

Half-time in ET

[welch]

Liverpool looking good.

[welch]

What a great game! Liverpool plays their prospects and win.

[welch]

And Jon Champion is a terrific announcer.

[Natsinpwc]

I had to go out and missed the end. 

Maidstone plays tomorrow in the FA Cup.

[welch]

I had to go out and missed the end. 

Maidstone plays tomorrow in the FA Cup.

ESPN+ ??

[Natsinpwc]

ESPN+ ??

Yea. I believe all 8 are on ESPN+ this week.

I’m a big spender so put $1 on Maidstone to win $13 and then another Buck on a tie which would bring $7.50. Less of course the other dollar lost.  Coventry at home.  They are in the Championship League so have some talent.  They were apparently in the Premiere League of its equivalent for a long time but before my fandom. 

[welch]

Yes, ESPN+. Starts in a minute or so. I remember Coventry in the Premier League / First Division, but don't pay much attention to the Championship these days.

[welch]

Pressure on Coventry. Their faces say it is almost embarrassing to line up with Maidstone.

[Ali the Baseball Cat]

It is in their team DNA...they were in the top flight at the time when they lost to all-amateur Sutton United in the 80s.

Pressure on Coventry. Their faces say it is almost embarrassing to line up with Maidstone.

[welch]

Ouch...Coventry scores two quickly.