The Soccer Thread (Version 12) — Revenge of the Backup GK

The greatest duel in the history of football hair.

 

I mean, yes, there's a huge talent discrepancy between the PL and MLS, but one side in each case is in midseason form, the other is experimenting with lineups and trying to get into football shape. So not all that stunning?

 

The Everton one is a little funny.

 

True, 4-0 is a little ridiculous.

 

I'd love to get a look at the alternate timeline where the MLS 35-yard shootout caught on and wasn't just dismissed as some goofy American gimmick.

 

I always hated headers. Especially when I played midfield and had to head incoming goal kicks.

 

I remember some US soccer writer (maybe Grant Wahl?) getting into it with Barry Glendenning from The Guardian/Football Weekly a few years back about banning headers at the youth level. A lot of Brits are of the “the game’s gone, mate” reaction without even thinking about the science.

 

Taking away headers will mean more high boots, which might be just as potentially injurious if not more.

 

The England-Sweden semifinal has been all chances, minimal defense so far.