in an exhibition. Are they ****ing stupid ? Why risk getting one of our guys hurt ? We are in the major leagues, I don't see why we should have to play anything less. Maybe they're still testing the Seattle market. [note from moderator: swearing is not allowed in this forum, and "cleverly" using v's instead of u's doesn't change that]
No, just you. There are many reasons to play the game (develop fan base, player evaluation, etc.). By the way, you can get injuried in practice (see DeResario). Do you want them to practice less? Injuries are part of professional sports...
First of all, I'm not stoopid. You echoed my point about getting hurt, it can happen anytime. Why increase those chances ? Player evaluation ? How can you do that if you are playing a lower ranked team ? Evaluations are made when players are under pressure. Do you think the Quakes will play that game with the same intensity as they would against a real team in the pros ? I don't think so. I can't see ONE good reason to play these guys.
Sorry, I was just defending Quake management. Normally, they would play bench players who need the action. If you have seen a game between MLS and A-League, you would know that they are competitive. The A-League players want to prove themselves. Check out this thread: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=43677 It appears this may be part of the deal with acquiring Ching...
Speaking of Ching, has he done anything in his first few minutes with the 'Quakes? Here's an extra reason in support of this match: Ian Russell gets a free trip home to visit his family. That's a big bonus given the salary that US pro players get paid!
Plus Ian gets to play... I posted in the Sounders forum....I hope nobody's going out to Seahawk Stadium to see Landon do anything different from last year (when their mascot stoned him on PKs). He's got a USMNT match two nights before, and an MLS match three days later, so I'm guessing "no Landon."
That obligation still doesn't sit well with me. Our squad is injury ridden, that's the only reason why I decided to post. I remember when Chris Armas got hurt before WC 2002. I thought, Jesus Christ, this poor slob has been practicing and playing for years and now when he gets the call up and he has to pass because he stepped wrong. I guess our bench is deep enough to where it shouldn't be a problem.
I don't think that the USL-MLS afflication exists any longer. I think the previous poster is correct, it was part of the Ching deal.
The USL/MLS relationship no longer exists. We do not have a system to loan out/call-up players between MLS teams and A-League teams. Chas, chill out. There are a lot of good reasons for having a friendly. Bench players will get into the mix, and will be putting forth their best effort in order to earn more minutes or a starting role. Rookies such as Saunders will get experience, and will be better prepared for competitvie games. The Sounders will put out a good effort because those players will want to get noticed and a MLS contract. Three current Quakes players came from Seattle. Russell, Waibel and Ching. Russell has proven himself. Waibel and Ching need a little more time to determine if they were good acquisitions, but Ching is looking good. The Sounders had the best league record last year; they set a record. We'll be playing on the road. The Quakes have had a hard time winning on the road (considering the 2002 season), and so this will be an opportunity to address that issue. Who should we play a friendly against? Manchester United? Real Madrid? Bayern Munich? Inter Milan? Guadalajarra? Boca Junior? Are they going to come out and play us? How familiar are you with the A-League? Of course there is a drastic difference in quality between the top of the league and the bottom, but the quality of the top is quite high. Seattle is at the top. There are a growing number of ex-MLS players in the league, of better quality each year. It'll be good for the Quakes to play against Seattle.
Look guys, all I'm saying is that we are spread very thin. Our supporters are doing a great job for the most part and standing behind a team that has changed at least 5 starters. What good would it be to know how good a 2nd stringer is if our starters are still getting to know each other ? Defender, you mentioned some top flight clubs that we all know will never play here. Do you think it's because they have no money ? No, it's because if one of there guys gets hurt it'll be for nothing. The only international teams coming here to play will be here only for a tournament. Bottom line is that the Quakes have to work their asses off and need alot of luck. We don't need anything else. Good luck to all - LETS GO QUAKES !
Chas, the team has been training together for how long now? Two solid months they've had for the pre-season. Granted, not everyone has been with the team for that entire period, we did not completely rebuild. Of the 11 starters last Saturday, 5 were new players to the club. 4 of those are seasoned vets with (off the top of my head) at least 3 years worth of pro experience. The friendly is in 5 weeks! The first teamers will be familiar with each other way before that! If not, this is an opportunity for them to get even more familiar with each other without any league points on the line! --- Last time I checked, those top flight clubs also have reserve teams and extensive youth development teams/programs. They don't need to scrimmage other teams. MLS and the A-League do not have reserve teams, so they need to scrimmage each other. There are also a good number of benefits off the field from friendlies like these. It fosters good working relationships and builds the soccer community.
It was my understanding that in exchange for Ching, San Jose had to play in Seahawks Stadium and Donovan has to play. Tickets thing.
Yup. You'll notice it's guaranteed win night. I guess Schmetzer must've scouted your goalkeeping. Are you guys going to try and sign Sammy Sounder from us as well as Ching and Russell and Waibel? "You can't hide from me, L-Do! Your awesome abzzz are no match for my flippers of death! I laugh at you, you Leverkusen reject!"