***USMNT Thread***

Discussion in 'Soccer Board' started by SugarShaun, Nov 11, 2015.

  1. Wu

    Wu Nope.
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    Literally no one cares.
     
  2. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    Then you shouldn't have tagged me into the thread fucko.
     
  3. Wu

    Wu Nope.
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    Tagging you doesn't give you permission to humblebrag eh.
     
  4. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    I'll do what I want when I want.
     
  5. Handcuffed

    Handcuffed A Succulent Chinese Meal
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    am i allowed to be excited about Orozco and Evans going home? Any chance it was a, "Thanks, good effort, good luck with your clubs for the rest of your career" parting?
     
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  6. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    We can hope, we can hope
     
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  7. The Banks

    The Banks TMB's Alaskan
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    I checked his FB to confirm as he's a known fibber
     
  8. Fran Tarkenton

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    playing Canada is a lose-lose
     
  9. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    Any time you can bring your nat team together it's a win. these are basically the B squads so it gives them some run. Of course you could have found stronger comp; is this weekend part of the FIFA calendar?
     
  10. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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    Stu officially retired today

    Life is great… isn’t it? Sometimes, life works in just the right way. As I sat down to write my retirement letter, the final chapter of my 11-year career, my wife went into labor with our first child. (Heading to hospital, hold on for a second).

    OK, I’m back. Labor can take a while, but it’s the perfect affirmation that I have made the right decision to hang up my boots. I couldn’t be more ready -- ready for the next chapter of my life, ready to wave goodbye to the pitch (the playing part, at least), but most of all, ready to embark on the most exciting journey yet, fatherhood.

    AS A FATHER, I WILL FACE MANY OF THE SAME FEARS, CHALLENGES, AND INEVITABLE REWARDS I FACED IN MY PROFESSIONAL CAREER. HOWEVER, THIS TIME I WILL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL AND AN AMAZING WIFE TO SHARE EVERY MOMENT.
    But before we talk about the future, let’s discuss the current issue: retirement. It’s time to stop fighting my body. I’ve known for a while, but I’ve struggled to admit it to myself and to others. The countless sleepless nights, the aches and pains, and the constant mental battles were all signs pointing to a new path. But every time I was about to utter the three big words “I am retired”, all the memories of walking into roaring stadiums, scoring last-minute goals, and being part of amazing teams dragged me back! The same never-say-die attitude that drove me to fight like hell my entire career wouldn’t let me say the “R word”. I met every setback - and there were many - with a positive attitude. I responded to every disappointment with an “OK. What’s next?” Now, again, I must answer that question. What is next is being proud of my accomplishments, giving thanks to those who have supported me, and smiling at whatever the future holds, the first of which is a baby girl. (Quick update: We are now at the hospital and I should be a dad in the next few hours. My wife wants me to finish this letter quickly.)

    So, let’s get started.

    Item 1: Be proud. Certain memories are always at the front of my mind; representing the USA in the Olympics and a World Cup, two MLS Cup Championships with the Houston Dynamo, the last minute goal against Haiti, and how could I ever forget the pure elation of scoring the stoppage time winner for Bolton against Blackburn. Those are just a few of the moments I’ll be proud to bore my daughter with one day. However, those events didn’t shape me into the person I am today, and the father I am about to be. Those experiences came in the locker room with friends I was lucky enough to call my teammates and coaches.

    [​IMG]
    Stu Holden and former MNT teammate Jay DeMerit prepare to board the flight to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

    Item 2: Be thankful. Thank you, thank you, thank you to every single person who pushed me every day to be a better player and a better man, for giving me that extra motivation to keep fighting when I needed it, but most importantly, for the memories and ever lasting friendships. To the fans, thank you. Your support has never gone unnoticed and you've had a bigger impact on my life than you’ll ever know. All of the messages, tweets, songs, and passion for the beautiful game have left me humbled and forever grateful. To Bolton Wanderers and the Houston Dynamo, you welcomed me to the family and for that I am forever thankful. Now it's my turn to be a fan. To my loving family: Mom, Euan, Rachel and late father, Brian, I’ll be thanking you until my last day on this earth. I played for you, and none of this would have been possible without your love, support and commitment through all the years. I love you with all of my heart. To my wife, Karalyn, the best is yet to come. You are my rock, my livelihood, and I will never be able to completely thank you for the sacrifices you’ve made to help me pursue my career. You will be an amazing mother to our child. I love you so much and you inspire me every day to be a better human. You are the reason I can accomplish …

    Item 3: Smile at the future. Let’s do this!

    Speaking of the future, I’m not exactly sure what it holds, but that is OK by me. I have a passion and love for the game of soccer that will never be replaced. (Just got punched in the arm by Karalyn as she gets a strong contraction, which is another reminder that a possible replacement is coming.) But the reality is, soccer cannot truly be substituted because it was the first true love of my life. From a very young age, I poured my heart and soul into being the best I could be, and I kept the dream alive as long as I could. The game has rewarded me with a beautiful life and opportunities I never thought possible. The most recent opportunities will keep me in the game as a broadcaster, a coach, and maybe even as an owner one day. Who knows? Not me. What I do know is that I am 100% at peace with my decision to retire from playing, and I am 200% excited for the future. True closure has been hard to come by, but man it feels good.

    • [​IMG]
      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
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      Stuart Holden
    • [​IMG]
      James Marcelin, Stuart Holden
    Next
    It’s been one hell of a ride -- a ride that a wee lad from Aberdeen (that’s in Scotland for those who flunked geography) dreamt of, worked hard for, and made come true. One thing is for sure: you haven’t seen the end of me… but I might take a short break as the contractions are kicking my wife’s butt right now. That means it is time for Stuart Holden, the retired athlete and third-person self-referencer, to step up and deliver a life-winning assist! Child birth has just put all of my injuries into perspective. I now know that my wife is the real champ (and my Mom too)! Cheers to the release.

    Yours always,

    Stu

    P.S. - As of 2:35 PM February 1st, 2016, I am officially a father to a beautiful baby girl, Kennady Rose Holden. Mom and Daughter are in great health and Dad is proud. Bring on parenthood.

    [​IMG]
     
  11. IAHusk

    IAHusk E Pluribus Anus
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    His wife is a dime.

    [​IMG]
     
  12. El_Pato

    El_Pato Nunca Caminaras Solo
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    I love Stu
     
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  13. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    :smuggyurban:
     
  14. Wu

    Wu Nope.
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    Yeah impossible to dislike Stubing.

    I honestly considered him retired for a while but I guess he wanted to make sure he got tv and other ventures going first.
     
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  15. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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  16. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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    Trapp and Nagbe don't start either of these 2 games (with Mix getting the start over them), Jones starts both, and Besler is the only defender playing his natural position tonight.
     
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  17. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    USMNT XI vs. Canada. Jordan Morris starts! Bingham; Birnbaum, Jones, Besler, Acosta; Zardes, Bradley, Diskerud, Nguyen; Morris, Altidore
     
  18. goheels10

    goheels10 Well-Known Member
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    uh... is birnbaum at RB?
     
  19. The Goat

    The Goat Well-Known Member
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    Uggh... Lalas is such a clown.
     
  20. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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    Not at all but Jurgen's playing him there tonight.
     
  21. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    That would seem to be the case
     
  22. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    Here's hoping De Guzman suffers a long term injury.
     
  23. DirtBall

    DirtBall Who Cares?
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    What does jurgen do before he makes these lineups
     
  24. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Struggling to stay awake. I had seen it listed as 10:15. Come the fuck on.

    No way I last the entire match, especially with City/Leicester at 7:45
     
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  25. Sub-Zero

    Sub-Zero ALL THE TOSTITOS!!!
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    Pretty sure he just has one of those lotto ball machines in his office.
     
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  26. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Ugly so far
     
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  27. Corky Bucek

    Corky Bucek Placeholder for a Custom Title
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    Nice ball from Zardes and :laugh: at Jozy's shot hitting the post twice.
     
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  28. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
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    We don't look so good
     
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  29. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Haven't seen a replay but I'm not sure that wasn't a foul
     
  30. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
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  31. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Handball first so it's even
     
  32. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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    Was a handball, then a clear foul by Jones
     
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  33. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    That could have been a hand ball and a foul in the box.
     
  34. IAHusk

    IAHusk E Pluribus Anus
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    Zardes' first touch is just awful.
     
  35. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    I would rather give Finlay another shot (no homer) or Nagbe than have Zardes at RM
     
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  36. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
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    Almost as bad as his second
     
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  37. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Have we talked about Bobby Wood taking on 2 guys?

    I know Wu tagged me on Twitter with the clip.

    Mah goodness
     
  38. Sub-Zero

    Sub-Zero ALL THE TOSTITOS!!!
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    Mix looks so...so bad.
     
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  39. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
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    Stupid foul by altidore. Clearly went for the keeper.
     
  40. snowfx2

    snowfx2 Well-Known Member
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    Bad GK'ing but Bobby skinned those defenders

     
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  41. DirtBall

    DirtBall Who Cares?
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    Nice rise by birnbaum. Zardes' touch is awful tonight. Jones is just doing whatever back there. Like seeing Bradley in a more defensive position. Mix and Nguyen in at the same time is showing me what I expected. Would rather see Finlay and Nagbe out wide with one of the prev mentioned in the middle.
     
  42. enjj

    enjj Well-Known Member
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    Sloppy.
     
  43. Gunners

    Gunners Nicking a living
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    Jones is playing like Flamini.
     
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  44. Open Carry

    Open Carry TMB Rib Master
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  45. SugarShaun

    SugarShaun A man of many hobbies
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    Nagbe Bradley Trapp Finlay
     
  46. DirtBall

    DirtBall Who Cares?
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    Imo
     
  47. Gunners

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    Shit attempt there Morris
     
  48. Sub-Zero

    Sub-Zero ALL THE TOSTITOS!!!
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    That was almost cool.

    But no way I'm staying awake past halftime of this.
     
  49. DirtBall

    DirtBall Who Cares?
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    2nd great pass by Jozy tonight.
     
  50. Open Carry

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    Damn. Decent attempt.