Playoffs? Playoffs?

So the relative slow period of the last few weeks, when your only choices were MLS, various friendlies and the International Champions Cup (friendlies disguised as a competitive tournament), is over.  Olympic competition starts on Wednesday, Championship Division play opens on Friday and the EPL is a mere 10 days away.  MLS continues and, if I'm not careful, real time will catch up to virtual time in Football Manager.


Your Father's Union

BFS was able to obtain Jim Curtin's post game comments after the 1-2 loss at home to Real Salt Lake.  I know it says Jim Mora but it could have been Curtin.  On the heels of the 1-5 loss in Montreal, we are left to wonder if this is not indeed the same Union team we've been watching for the last six years.

I agree with Mora that the defense didn't necessarily lose the Salt Lake match.  Sure, they didn't close down the shooters quickly enough but the shots, especially the first, were well-taken.  For me, that match was lost in the midfield.   Alberg simply doesn't provide the possession and passing that Nogueira did.  Barnetta was also out for this match, serving a suspension for accumulated yellow cards.  Ilsinho has some of those skills but tends to work on the wings.  Things sort of held together for the first half with the Union getting its share of possession, if not shots on goal and left with a 1-0 lead thanks to a PK.  But in the second half, there was fitful possession, poor touches and give aways. Oh, and our favorite, long balls lofted to the middle.  Only in the closing minutes did they mount any threatening attacks.

They don't look like a playoff team right now.  I don't know what options Earnie Stewart has or when Maurice Edu is going to return.  If I read the MLS rules correctly, the transfer window closes on Wednesday.  This article suggests that Alejandro Bedoya might be on his way to Philly.  That would be cool, except that he's more of a winger than a box-to-box midfielder like Nogueira.

The Red Bulls put a 4-1 pasting on first place NYCFC but then had what I assume was a disappointing draw against Chicago.  They certainly have recovered from the poor start and winning the conference is still attainable; repeating as Supporters Shield winners maybe not so much.


Newcastle's Championship Season

Starts Friday at Craven Cottage against Fulham (2:45 BeIN Sports).  The TV schedule through September says I'll be able to watch the Magpies on 8/27, 9/10 and 9/24 (BFS derby featuring Newcastle and Aston Villa).  That's not terrible.


This page provides a thumbnail on each of the Championship sides from a bettors prospective.  Ze Roberto suggested that you would expect the recently relegated sides to have decent odds of winning promotion so maybe I shouldn't get too excited.  To his point, you can see Norwich and Aston Villa with the second and third best odds of winning the division.  On the other hand, there is a huge gap in the odds between Newcastle and every other side.  I remain optimistic.

A few more last minute acquisitions look possible.  Mo Diame would look good up top but apparently Hull City has sweetened their offer in hopes of keeping him.  According to Dennis, Ciaran Clark is a serviceable defender who could add some depth if Newcastle can sign him away from Aston Villa.


EPL Starts 8/13

The Guardian has started its team-by-team previews so check this site to see how your team is expected to fare.


Olympic Soccer

The men's side of this is really a U-23 tournament; only three players over 23 are allowed on each roster.   The USMNT did not qualify.  The women's tournament has no age restrictions and the USWNT is a prohibitive favorite.  It's the usual format.  Three groups of four play round robin with with the top two from each group advancing plus the two best third place sides.  Yes, the group stage eliminates just 4 of the 12 teams.  The US is matched with New Zealand, France and Colombia.   Group stage matches for the US are 8/3, 8/6 and 8/9.  Quarters are 8/12, semis 8/16 and final 8/19.  Compact little competition there.


Chester Defend Premier League Title

The Chester Blues opened their defense of the EPL title with a 3-0 win over Sunderland.  The oddsmakers have us finishing in the top half of the table.  But last year they had us being relegated and we won so what do they know?  We haven't really seen our full side together as many players were away for the Olympics.  I feel like we are a better team than last year but more so because we were really young last year and some of these players should improve plus we've added depth at most positions.  We did get Paul Pogba but I don't think the Football Manager version - at least my 2010 edition - of him matches the real life figure.  I told our board the goal was to challenge for the title, make a deep run in the FA Cup and get to the knockout stage of Champions League.


Suggested Viewing

Plenty to take in over the next week.  I'd start with USWMNT vs New Zealand on Wednesday at 6 pm on NBCSN.  As I said, I'll be watching Newcastle Friday afternoon at 2:45 on BeIN Sports.   Saturday we have the USWNT vs France (should be one of the better group stage matches) at 4 pm on NBCSN and the Union traveling to Washington to face DC United at 7 pm (check your local listings).  Sunday sees Red Bulls vs Galaxy in LA (9:30 on FS 1) and Tuesday features the USWNT in their final group stage game versus Colombia at 6 pm on NBCSN.

Think that'll hold you for the week?