OhioVilla

There is still plenty of room to grow the game globally too. I think it's why they are coming to the States these past two pre seasons. Especially Ohio, because of the local connection to Cleveland, with a former Browns owner in Randy Lerner, and Brad Friedel being the keeper during the rise of the game over here. I would say Ohio, and Maryland seem to be the two places I ever see Villa stuff.

Also, if Villa keep investing in young South American players, that's a gold mine that can absolutely turn you into a success in the Americas. It's not just the States, where the most popular team is actually Liga MX teams (Club America is, by far, the most popular team here) but South Americans go crazy for their stars. (See: Emi).

Feels like with so many natural connections here, that Villa has a lot of opportunities to grow their international business in the States. It's the one area where I feel like Randy missed a major opportunity back when the Premier League popularity was exploding here. Villa should have been in Spurs spot. But given Randy's obvious lack of business sense, he instead sunk us while other teams rightly attacked the US market big time.

Bogle out of contract? Yes please, bring him on over.

Give Unai a block of clay like this and you'll get a masterpiece. 

He was **** brilliant today. Best player on a pitch with some serious good players. 

PSG has said  multiple times that Emery is the face of their team now since Mbappe is likely gone. No way he leaves.

Just had to be that prick Mount, too.

3 hours ago, Zatman said:

Didnt the ref give a yellow and the VAR overruled to a red card?

I don't believe he did. I guess I could rewatch the whole debacle, but I'm pretty sure it went from foul to straight Red.

3 hours ago, Tom13 said:

All I could think of at first then was Crewe Alexandra - given Westwood started there.

Sorry, Columbus Crew. You know, us Americans and how we name teams. The MLS in particular is awful with this. The few teams remaining from the beginning have out of place names when compared to a team like Charlotte FC or St Louis City SC (so wordy)

As a Crew fan, it stings slightly a bit less that it was to Deano.

But that match referee was AWFUL. Red card for something that might be a booking, then our captain gets stamped by Arfield and it's not even a booking. A very slight nudge for a penalty? Awful.

Midweek seems to sap the legs for Premier League, especially with injuries/suspensions.

Red anywhere in the world. McGinn is a moron and selfish for that tackle.

Look tired, slow, 2nd best to 50/50s. Bailey looks way off today.

Might need a change or 2 at the half.

On 04/03/2024 at 14:22, HKP90 said:

Do they only play 1 game per month or something?

The best teams, like my Columbus Crew, will go to Houston and then play at home in the same week, roughly an 1100 mile trip. This is on the regular.

There is a lot of reasons why European players struggle to adjust to the MLS. Not the least of which, the travel is BRUTAL, especially when it comes to Champions League (never calling it Champions Cup) and now Leagues Cup.

2 minutes ago, JAMAICAN-VILLAN said:

The amount of deadwood taking up a large chunk of those wages is the most frustrating part.

That should change soon though.

Just off the top of my head, Digne and Coutinho should be among the tops. Is there another deadwood player I'm forgetting? (Not saying Digne is deadwood, but for a backup, his wages are unsustainable.)

His technical ability combined with his strength and size is extremely rare. Especially for a player that is more of a second striker/10. Sky is the limit, imo.

There was a moment on the broadcast during the 1st half that he looked to be trying to stretch his hamstring before a corner. Could be nothing, who knows.

2 hours ago, TheAuthority said:

I hate Ohio

Harsh. But fair.

At least Columbus is nice.

Did...did Knosa just nutmeg a defender?!

What a bunch of crybabies.

JJ has been miserable today, along with Moreno and Cash.

Miss Luiz. McGinn needs to be in a more attacking role.

23 minutes ago, DJBOB said:

He's got his work cut out for him. Charlotte's lineup is one of the more dire ones as they come in the MLS.

Ownership is also extremely hands on and wants quick results. Don't like it for Dean, personally.

MLS is going to lean heavily into the attack here, I'm hoping Dean has the chops to do it. Some pretty good up and comers (Nancy) and legendary managers (Tata) in the league.

His passing made us significantly more dangerous in the final third. I think he needs more minutes.

Dire. Truly dire.

Dendonker with another howler performance.

Ship him off.