TFC themed/related World Cup talk

[ensco]

Is Armando Cooper going to play?

Did you know that there is a WC goalkeeper, that is named .... Bono?

Did you know he was born in Canada?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yassine_Bounou

Are we allowed to root for Mexico because we learned a lot about them in CCL, familiarity and all that... ?

[Fort York Redcoat]

Egypt sports Gaber from LA. He'll be the first MLS presence in the tourney. If he gets time of course.

So Gaber plays alongside Canadians Jakovic and Antony Kaye and our ex red Beita.

[pfk]

It would be nice to see Cooper get some minutes in the WC.

[Canary10]

Is Armando Cooper going to play?

Did you know that there is a WC goalkeeper, that is named .... Bono?

Did you know he was born in Canada?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yassine_Bounou

Are we allowed to root for Mexico because we learned a lot about them in CCL, familiarity and all that... ?

I'll be cheering for Mexico. Helps to have family there too.

England as well for me.

[OgtheDim]

Somebody who used to be here is happy

https://twitter.com/Sbeita33/status/1007667966270291968

Glad I'm not trying to get through north of Finch right now.

[ensco]

Messi missed a PK. Peruvian guy just put one in the stratosphere.

Penalties are tough. Makes me feel a little better about TFC’s PK woes.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Peru has Yotun from Orlando

and Polo from Timbers.

Neither were standouts v Danmark today.

[Oldtimer]

Messi missed a PK. Peruvian guy just put one in the stratosphere.

Penalties are tough. Makes me feel a little better about TFC’s PK woes.

Everybody was raving about Ronaldo's kick, and I'm thinking ("meh, I've seen Giovinco do better." lol)

[Klinsmann]

if Italy had let Seba play they would probably be in the World Cup right now!!!!

[OgtheDim]

https://twitter.com/AnnieMPeterson/status/1008315848870768640

[ensco]

^Plus Venegas starts. Not in MLS this year but a longtimer...

[OgtheDim]

Calvo has been consistently awful for the Loons as a CB. Played as a DM, he's been OK in this game.

[OgtheDim]

Speaking of MLS representing in the World Cup


https://twitter.com/JeffreyCarlisle/status/1008329272539471872

[ensco]

^Looking at it in living colour... that team has no business being at World Cup. That has to make every USMNT supporter cringe. How did that team beat out the US?

Panama pay 20:1 if they beat Belgium. That's nuts. It would be a way bigger upset than that.

[ensco]

Now Bolanos. That's five guys with meaningful MLS pedigrees in this game for CR.

[OgtheDim]

Everybody was raving about Ronaldo's kick, and I'm thinking ("meh, I've seen Giovinco do better." lol)

Everybody is freaking out about the Kolarov goal today & all I can think is "I've seen Seba do that - twice."

[Richard]

Everybody is freaking out about the Kolarov goal today & all I can think is "I've seen Seba do that - twice."

Yeah but did he do it at the World Cup. Amazing free kick.

[Fort York Redcoat]

https://twitter.com/AnnieMPeterson/status/1008315848870768640

First CONCACAF match. I like looking for the MLS players but hate following our regional rivals. :canada:

[Auzzy]

Are we allowed to root for Mexico because we learned a lot about them in CCL, familiarity and all that... ?

Nein.

[Richard]

This Germany/Mexico game is going at a lighting speed, a lot of great end to end action.

Makes you realize Canada is probably 100 years behind, and the USA still a long ways off.

Mexico is by far still the class of North America.

[ensco]

Lozano won the Concacaf CL Golden Boot last year at Pachuca.

I’d like to continue the trend that Concacaf CL Golden Boot winners score at the next World Cup they can compete in.

[ensco]

I pledge $50 to an RPB supported charity if Cooper hits the goal post tomorrow.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Are we allowed to root for Mexico because we learned a lot about them in CCL, familiarity and all that... ?

Familiarity should breed contempt. While I'll still note the Dos Santos' and Vela LA Gals MLS connection to this team I won't by any stretch be behind them.

but to each their own. All full grown adult supporters here.:canada:

[ensco]

Familiarity should breed contempt. While I'll still note the Dos Santos' and Vela LA Gals MLS connection to this team I won't by any stretch be behind them.

but to each their own. All full grown adult supporters here.:canada:

Donovan is in hot water this weekend over this same issue. He said USMNT supporters should be pulling for MX, which created a huge reaction.

I just kind of admire the Mexican style of soccer. It's a whole country full of Giovincos.

[OgtheDim]

Donovan said that because Wells Fargo is an Mx sponsor & he endorses them.


Herc Gomez said it best - support whomever you want, no matter who you played for. He does both.

[ensco]

Donovan isn’t backing off because a sponsor put that out there. He believes it.

http://www.espn.com/soccer/blog/the-toe-poke/65/post/3529702/landon-donovan-takes-heat-from-us-internationals-for-mexico-supporting-ads?src=com

[PizzaEatingYeti]

CONCACAF refs are the scum of the World's refs!
If someone doubted this, it is proofed again by this asshat reffing the Sweden - South Korea game.
Not considering fouls a shitloads of fouls so far...

[Fort York Redcoat]

Seattles Svensson prolly not getting the same attention as Ibra would.

[molenshtain]

Armando Cooper is starting in a world cup game as we speak.

This is nuts.

[OgtheDim]

Cooper with the ball off his face & with a wild shot wide & high.

aaaa...good times...good times

[molenshtain]

All things considered I thought he's been pretty damn impressive. There's those small giveaways he does when he holds on to the ball too long, but apart from that he's looked confident and industrious.

[OgtheDim]

Cooper is like Urena - better for county then club.

Got his obligatory yellow now.

[molenshtain]

Cooper clearly understand the importance of getting your tactical yellow after conceding a goal and have to start chasing the game. That's the high IQ game I know and love from Cooper.

[molenshtain]

Is that really Blas Perez?

[OgtheDim]

Torres going to have after burner fumes up his nose after this counter.

https://twitter.com/JogaBonito_USA/status/1008750723058880512

[Oldtimer]

Cooper with the ball off his face & with a wild shot wide & high.

aaaa...good times...good times

LOL, performing as expected.:facepalm:

[Defoe]

These England players (other then Kane) are missing opportunities left right and center. I know for a fact, BWP would be putting those in the back of the net with power and confidence

[Blindside16]

Oh god... Mark Geiger will ref the Portugal Morocco match on Wednesday. Get ready for the first Red of the tournament

[Yohan]

Oh god... Mark Geiger will ref the Portugal Morocco match on Wednesday. Get ready for the first Red of the tournament

You were wrong lol. Colombia red card and Japan goes up 1-0 on pk.

Geiger at WC14 was one of better refs of the tourney

[Oldtimer]

Cooper clearly understand the importance of getting your tactical yellow after conceding a goal and have to start chasing the game. That's the high IQ game I know and love from Cooper.

:smilielol5: You know, I don't miss him in the slightest playing in Red.

[Fort York Redcoat]

5 MLSers on Panama didn't really show well. Belgium were pretty explosive, though.

[pfk]

With Japan's 2-1 win over Colombia, it's the first time an Asian team has defeated a South American team in the World Cup. The first time in 18 matches.

[Oldtimer]

Video on MLS refs helping with VAR:
http://youtu.be/uYqxYxiVy24

[Auzzy]

Video on MLS refs helping with VAR:
http://youtu.be/uYqxYxiVy24

Wow more refs from MLS at the WC than from any other league?! Not sure if that's a good idea. Bundesliga also has VAR-experience for example, and more quality officials IMO.

[OgtheDim]

MLS was the guinea pig who helped FIFA the most & started using VAR first. Perks of being nice to the boss.

That & Joe Fletcher is just smooth


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLcoXVue1Qg

[OgtheDim]

Had no clue that the current Iran coach - who was Fergie's right hand man for years - coached in MLS years ago & was heir apparent to the USMNT coaching gig.

https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/78121/carlos-queiroz-on-the-usas-great-potential-mls-c.html

[Donald Duck]

http://www.sportbible.com/football/weird-morocco-player-claims-referee-asked-pepe-for-cristiano-ronaldos-shirt-20180620

:picard:

[molenshtain]

FIFA has already come out and said that story is bullshit, for whatever their word is worth at this point.

[ag futbol]

Yes, I dislike Geiger but sounds very sour grapes.

[ensco]

Nice to see Australia and Japan giving a good account of themselves. J-League and A-League success is good for MLS. Shows everyone that good football players are getting developed in the new leagues.

[Blindside16]

Yes, I dislike Geiger but sounds very sour grapes.

I watched the game and it is indeed sour grapes. I think Geiger is an asshole, but he called a very fair game. Morocco was furious with a non penalty call late in the first half but if you re-watch it both players had handfuls of jersey and shorts. Rather than point fingers at a conspiracy Morocco should put more time in on the pitch practicing their finishing. They would have won had they hit the net.

[ensco]

Seems like Rachel Bonnetta has become kind of a WC twitter sensation in the US

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-06-21/fox-brings-world-cup-into-social-media-age-with-twitter-webcasts

[Voodooman]

Good for her. She's been killing it since she left TFC.

[Yohan]

I watched the game and it is indeed sour grapes. I think Geiger is an asshole, but he called a very fair game. Morocco was furious with a non penalty call late in the first half but if you re-watch it both players had handfuls of jersey and shorts. Rather than point fingers at a conspiracy Morocco should put more time in on the pitch practicing their finishing. They would have won had they hit the net.

I wish we got more World Cup Geiger than MLS Geiger during league play. Kinda boggles how good Geiger during World Cup but so WTF during league play.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/06/21/mls-based-referee-jair-marrufo-assigned-belgium-tunisia-world-cup-match

Jair Marrufo is the ref for Belgium Tunisia match tmrw.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Costa Rica are out but still have a game left before 5 MLSers get back to their clubs. First CONCACAF nation to be eliminated.

[ensco]

Watching Mexico, even though most of this team play in Europe or MLS... you appreciate what TFC did this year.

This is a serious, serious footballing country.

[ensco]

An ex TFC player had the most beautiful goal in their club's WC history ....
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z2DKysY7e_c

.... Until today
https://mobile.twitter.com/LordBalvin/status/1010612920470966272/photo/1

[Richard]

This is world cup has been crazy good so far!

[paul-collins]

Watching Mexico, even though most of this team play in Europe or MLS... you appreciate what TFC did this year.

This is a serious, serious footballing country.
4 of their squad were either Tigres or Club America. Don't think there are any Chivas players on the squad, but some have been recent callus per wiki.

[Oldtimer]

4 of their squad were either Tigres or Club America. Don't think there are any Chivas players on the squad, but some have been recent callus per wiki.

Carlos Vela plays in MLS for LAFC.

[ensco]

I think they have 5 or 6 players that Chivas sold to Europe.

[OgtheDim]

Panama back at it....and MLS misses a good chance to get the ball on net. Godoy from SJE with a nice run into the box but skies his shot way off.

Now Cooper with the needless trip for a yellow & this will be his last World Cup game.

[flatpicker]

Ouch... 40min mark of this game... Panama is really taking a beating at this tournament.
Would Canada have fared much better?

[flatpicker]

I cheer for England, but damn, I'm really feeling bad for Panama.

[Richard]

Ouch... 40min mark of this game... Panama is really taking a beating at this tournament.
Would Canada have fared much better?

Canada is light years behind, we wouldn't fair better.

[ensco]

^Looking at it in living colour... that team has no business being at World Cup. That has to make every USMNT supporter cringe. How did that team beat out the US?

Panama pay 20:1 if they beat Belgium. That's nuts. It would be a way bigger upset than that.

Panama are an embarassment to our federation.

[SoccMan2]

Panama has done so much better than Canada the past few CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers for World Cups, making the final six , the Hex , the last few times , Canada’s last final 6 in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying was back in 1990’s so just think about that and you start to realize how far behind Canada is in World soccer.

[stevep]

Watching Mexico, even though most of this team play in Europe or MLS... you appreciate what TFC did this year.

This is a serious, serious footballing country.

These guys beat the Germans and
TFC beat Tigres and Club America handily at BMO

this shows you how good TFC is when everybody is healthy and on the pitch

[Richard]

I hope either Japan or Senegal go far.

[ensco]

Waiting for Uribe to show us something.

He was a non factor against us in CCL (the guys who want to dump Moor have forgotten who got that done), did nothing vs Japan, and only got in today via injury.

[SoccMan2]

Any fans of Poland on here , I’m just wondering how do Colombian fans dominate the stadium at this Poland Columbia like 80 percent Colombia fans to like 20 percent Poland fans in Russia a country that borders Poland , how is it that a country like Colombia which is thousands of kilometres away like Colombia has so much more fans in that stadium?

[flatpicker]

Any fans of Poland on here , I’m just wondering how do Colombian fans dominate the stadium at this Poland Columbia like 80 percent Colombia fans to like 20 percent Poland fans in Russia a country that borders Poland , how is it that a country like Colombia which is thousands of kilometres away like Colombia has so much more fans in that stadium?

Colombians have a natural ability to click the refresh button much faster on Ticketmaster.
:rolleyes:

[Richard]

Alright lets talk about what happened today.

Is this the best World Cup ever?

That German team is going to need some psychiatric help after today.

Note to mods: Can we sticky this for the duration of the World Cup? Would be nice to have an ongoing discussion even though its not TFC specific on the front page.

[Fort York Redcoat]

Panama has done so much better than Canada the past few CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers for World Cups, making the final six , the Hex , the last few times , Canada’s last final 6 in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying was back in 1990’s so just think about that and you start to realize how far behind Canada is in World soccer.

And yet 2026. Can't wait.

[Blindside16]

Alright lets talk about what happened today.

Is this the best World Cup ever?

That German team is going to need some psychiatric help after today.

Note to mods: Can we sticky this for the duration of the World Cup? Would be nice to have an ongoing discussion even though its not TFC specific on the front page.

I'm not sure what surprised me more. The fact that Germany could not score on Korea for 100' or the fact that Sweden completely dominated Mexico from start to finish. Vela was the only player on that Mexico team that showed any threat towards the Swedish goal. The crowd noise there was incredible as well. The contrast in quality between the 2 games was night and day.

I do not envy anyone associated with that German team right now. The anger and backlash that federation is about to face will be unprecedented. The reigning world champs only manage 1 goal from the run of play and only 2 goals in 3 games??? I can see Low falling on his sword and stepping down.

[OgtheDim]

FWIW

Vela, of LAFC, has been the most consistent player on El Tri.

They probably don't go any farther as they are up against Brazil but their first two games were fun to watch - that counter attack versus Germany was CONCACAF at its finest (this region really has become the land of counter attacking)

[ensco]

It's not getting easier for us

A Nightmare for Mexico’s Soccer Opponents: More Chuckys On the Way
https://nyti.ms/2N4ser1?smid=nytcore-ios-share

[flatpicker]

It's not getting easier for us

A Nightmare for Mexico’s Soccer Opponents: More Chuckys On the Way
https://nyti.ms/2N4ser1?smid=nytcore-ios-share

I'm sure Canada's preparation will put Mexico's system to shame
*cough*cough*

[OgtheDim]

The better El Tri gets, the better Liga MX gets, the more the USA will put in to compete. Especially as Liga MX & El Tri are already the two biggest soccer properties in the USA.


I'm OK with Liga MX being the EPL $ wise of CONCACAF as long as MLS is a more competitive Bundesliga.

The CPL will, after 30 years, be the Ligeue1.

[Gringo Starr]

Alphonso Davies will be 26 and in his prime:canada:

[Richard]

This World Cup has been amazing apart from watching Spain, what a horrible game, its like watching paint dry,

[ensco]

I was thinking about Guadalajara watching that.

It is a huge advantage to shoot penalties in front of a large, rabid, disruptive home crowd.

[wopchop]

I was thinking about Guadalajara watching that.

It is a huge advantage to shoot penalties in front of a large, rabid, disruptive home crowd.
The margin between victory and defeat is just so slim. They trumped out a stat that Iago Aspas has a 94% PK conversion. One perfectly placed leg ... man.

[stevep]

This World Cup has been amazing apart from watching Spain, what a horrible game, its like watching paint dry,

add to that Russia had to be the most undeserving victors of a game in the history of the sport.
penalty goal to tie the game, and zero shots on goal
really bad advertisement for the game of soccer this game was

[Oldtimer]

This thread is for MLS related WC talk. We have a world football section of the board for general WC discussion.

[Richard]

This thread is for MLS related WC talk. We have a world football section of the board for general WC discussion.

Which no one ever visits.

I think we can get an exception once every 4 years for those here that want some WC discussion.

[Yohan]

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/01/pro-referee-mark-geiger-selected-colombia-england-round-16-clash

Geiger gets his 3rd WC match, England vs Colombia. Seems he's regarded high by FIFA. Pending on how well he does, a quarter final or semi final game is not out of his reach. (Plus possible VAR assignment)

[OgtheDim]

So...1 MLS player type dude left - Swedish guy who plays for Seattle.

MLS officiating crew up for the game this afternoon. I get the strong feeling that if they do well there, that Geiger et al will be on for a semi.

[ag futbol]

It’s about time the world had to suffer through senior Geiger’s officiating and not just MLS

[Richard]

It’s about time the world had to suffer through senior Geiger’s officiating and not just MLS

Maybe its the other way around and officiating at a higher skill level makes him a better referee.

[MKR]

that game was a gong show. Not sure how much i can blame the ref as it appeared that Colombia's intentions were not the most sportmanlike.

[ag futbol]

I don’t think he altered the end result (that penalty was 100% legit). But as usual he misses so many calls players get frustrated and the game gets away from him.

Colombia looks like the SPL’s finest out there hacking everyone to death. At least nobody’s vertibre was cracked this time. Neymar hasn’t stopped rolling on the ground since that happened.

[ensco]

By the way, I am amused that I was ragging on Uribe for showing nothing in either America’s CCL games v TFC, or in the WC... and then he unleashes that unreal blast that nearly went in and caused the corner that created the goal.

It was one of the greatest shots I have ever seen, even though it didn’t go in. Had it gone in, it would have been the goal of the century.

https://twitter.com/grimanditweets/status/1014267539050893319?s=21

Off course Uribe will likely be remembered more for the subsequent PK miss than anything else...

[OgtheDim]

Funny thing about Geigar & that game.

US Soccer twitter was having a meltdown over him - going on and on about him & MLS officiating.

The rest of the world barely noticed his existence.


He might not get another game but I think he gets a semi out of this still.

[James17930]

Funny thing about Geigar & that game.

US Soccer twitter was having a meltdown over him - going on and on about him & MLS officiating.

The rest of the world barely noticed his existence.


He might not get another game but I think he gets a semi out of this still.

Well, the BBC write-up of the game did say this:

Referee Geiger lost the plot

American referee Mike Geiger's failure to clamp down on early misdemeanours led to him losing control of a game that Colombia seemed determined to turn into a battle.
Instead of imposing his authority on proceedings with firm decision-making, he instead indulged in lengthy discussion with players from both sides on numerous occasions.
It lead to Colombia, in particular, pushing him to the edge - although England were not total innocents, with both Henderson and Harry Maguire leaving themselves open to accusations of being over-theatrical and many others sailing close to the wind.
This would have been a tough night for any referee, with players clearly failing to respect his decisions, and making no attempt to make the official's life easier, but it is to be hoped officials with a greater sense of authority are handed the huge games that remain here in Russia.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44610244

[OgtheDim]

Last night - nothing about the ref from Europe. Did the job in a tough situation.

This morning - all in on him in Europe but now the opposite in North America.

Weird.

Still think he gets another game but I'm also thinking they might make him the head VAR for the final - he's the most expereinced VAR there.

[ag futbol]

^ Experiece is one thing, performance is another. Maybe he’s better looking at it in the booth than on the field?

[TFC Tifoso]

Last night - nothing about the ref from Europe. Did the job in a tough situation.

This morning - all in on him in Europe but now the opposite in North America.

Weird.

Still think he gets another game but I'm also thinking they might make him the head VAR for the final - he's the most expereinced VAR there.

Lots of Italian crews have been manning the VAR as well this tourney.....Serie A used VAR to a fair amount of success this year......

[Davenport]

Funny thing about Geigar & that game.

US Soccer twitter was having a meltdown over him - going on and on about him & MLS officiating.

The rest of the world barely noticed his existence.


He might not get another game but I think he gets a semi out of this still.


I'd be very surprised if he gets another game, ever, in the World Cup. He got bullied by Columbia and was completely out of his depth, a little boy lost, and the rest of the world did notice.

[Yohan]

I'd be very surprised if he gets another game, ever, in the World Cup. He got bullied by Columbia and was completely out of his depth, a little boy lost, and the rest of the world did notice.
Except he (and Marrufo for that matter), haven't been sent home by FIFA yet. Other refs who will no longer be used have been sent home. Another VAR assignment is probably more likely, but he's not out of running for semi final centre ref assignment.

[Davenport]

Except he (and Marrufo for that matter), haven't been sent home by FIFA yet. Other refs who will no longer be used have been sent home. Another VAR assignment is probably more likely, but he's not out of running for semi final centre ref assignment.

Maybe he'll be doing VAR....that's all he's good for.


Brilliant pun not intended.

[OgtheDim]

Seems both him & Marrufo if they are to be in another game are going to be in as Refs or 4ths.

https://twitter.com/JeffreyCarlisle/status/1014661482238205952

[OgtheDim]

So Oliver Platt wrote this about Mavinga & a few of the French playes- https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc/chris-mavinga-kylian-mbappe/

The video of the goal discussed is here


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEtAMR8eZF4&feature=player_embedded

[paul-collins]

Just watched the first half of the Belgium-Brazil game, and *man* does Lokaku make me miss Jozy this season.

[OgtheDim]

Just watched the first half of the Belgium-Brazil game, and *man* does Lokaku make me miss Jozy this season.


This.

The style similarities are striking.

[paul-collins]

This.

The style similarities are striking.

And what he does to create space for Hazard and de Bruyne...

[OgtheDim]

Geiger gets Head VAR for the Bronze game

[Oldtimer]

Geiger gets Head VAR for the Bronze game

Seems suitable. MLS refs are quite experienced with VAR.

[sidvan]

Geiger gets Head VAR for the Bronze game

Joe Fletcher :canada: gets VAR2 for the same game.

[ensco]

So rather than keep hijacking someone else's thread (sorry Og) thought I would put this here.

TFC have had eight guys (in 13 seasons) who have played in a World Cup game for the USMNT: Bradley, Altidore, Convey, Findley, Gonzalez, Gomez, Edu, Buddle.

I believe we at the top of the MLS list for this, when adjusted for number of seasons played. This is kind of interesting and mind boggling, given that we have incentives to have Canadians, and we have had a lot of them.

I am not doing this for every team, but by way of comparison:

LAG have had 14 USMNT guys that saw the field in a WC final, over 24 seasons: Donovan, Buddle, Findley and Gonzalez, plus Alexi Lalas, Coby Jones, Jermaine Jones, Eddie Lewis, Gregg Berhalter, Paul Caligiuri, Frankie Hejduk, Clint Mathis, Pablo Mastroeni, Tony Sanneh.

In 24 seasons, NYRB have also had 14: Bradley, Altidore, plus Lalas, Mathis, Tony Meola, Jeff Agoos, Ricardo Clark, Bobby Convey, Brad Davis, Thomas Dooley, Eddie Pope, Tab Ramos, Claudio Reyna, and Peter Vermes.

In 24 seasons, DCU have had only 7. Sanneh, Convey, plus John Harkes, Eddie Johnson, Ben Olsen, Earnie Stewart, and Josh Wolff.

Houston Dynamo have had a number of prominent USMNT names in their 14 seasons, but they are behind us with 6 total: Clark, Davis plus DeMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron, Stuart Holden and Chris Wondoloski.

Sounders have only four in 11 years: Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Kasey Keller, and DeAndre Yedlin

I don't think it is even worth doing the math for any other team.

Like I said, this is kind of unreal. Name me another MNT where the club team with the most players that have played in the World Cup isn't in that country! (I momentarily thought about trying to figure this out for Brazil but then i realized that would take a super computer! But I am pretty sure that no single non Brazilian team could be close to a Flamengo...)

[Lil'John]

Ensco - THANK YOU. This was a great discussion on the other thread. Really made my (at home) day! I think you should analyze the other teams too...!!!



So rather than keep hijacking someone else's thread (sorry Og) thought I would put this here.

TFC have had eight guys (in 13 seasons) who have played in a World Cup game for the USMNT: Bradley, Altidore, Convey, Findley, Gonzalez, Gomez, Edu, Buddle.

I believe we at the top of the MLS list for this, when adjusted for number of seasons played. This is kind of interesting and mind boggling, given that we have incentives to have Canadians, and we have had a lot of them.

I am not doing this for every team, but by way of comparison:

LAG have had 14 USMNT guys that saw the field in a WC final, over 24 seasons: Donovan, Buddle, Findley and Gonzalez, plus Alexi Lalas, Coby Jones, Jermaine Jones, Eddie Lewis, Gregg Berhalter, Paul Caligiuri, Frankie Hejduk, Clint Mathis, Pablo Mastroeni, Tony Sanneh.

In 24 seasons, NYRB have also had 14: Bradley, Altidore, plus Lalas, Mathis, Tony Meola, Jeff Agoos, Ricardo Clark, Bobby Convey, Brad Davis, Thomas Dooley, Eddie Pope, Tab Ramos, Claudio Reyna, and Peter Vermes.

In 24 seasons, DCU have had only 7. Sanneh, Convey, plus John Harkes, Eddie Johnson, Ben Olsen, Earnie Stewart, and Josh Wolff.

Houston Dynamo have had a number of prominent USMNT names in their 14 seasons, but they are behind us with 6 total: Clark, Davis plus DeMarcus Beasley, Geoff Cameron, Stuart Holden and Chris Wondoloski.

Sounders have only four in 11 years: Clint Dempsey, Eddie Johnson, Kasey Keller, and DeAndre Yedlin

I don't think it is even worth doing the math for any other team.

Like I said, this is kind of unreal. Name me another MNT where the club team with the most players that have played in the World Cup isn't in that country! (I momentarily thought about trying to figure this out for Brazil but then i realized that would take a super computer! But I am pretty sure that no single non Brazilian team could be close to a Flamengo...)

[JonO]

Like I said, this is kind of unreal. Name me another MNT where the club team with the most players that have played in the World Cup isn't in that country! (I momentarily thought about trying to figure this out for Brazil but then i realized that would take a super computer! But I am pretty sure that no single non Brazilian team could be close to a Flamengo...)
I think it just boils down to a rare combination of a crappy national team (don't hate me - I still love them, but they have had 0 World Cup appearances since MLS started) and a relatively decent, middle-of-the-road league. I honestly can't think of a decent comparator.

Edit: Actually, maybe one of the teams in China would work (because of the pay, not the league quality)