Why is soccer so lame?

[techstate]

Ok, I just went to the Cal Poly soccer game against Poly's biggest rivals, the UCSB gauchos (sorry Davis you come second). I went out and bought a 30 rack and skipped studying on a Wednesday night to go to arguably the biggest soccer rivalry in college. Over 9,800 people came out to the game, which was awesome and a lot of fun, but ended up a total buzz kill when the game ended up a 0-0 tie. Why can you tie in soccer? I know its league play but...damn just so lame.
Buck the gauchos!

and thank god there is not ties in football.

[bonarae]

Don't they have extra time in college soccer? I know soccer in other countries has extra (or injury) time for each half.

A game of football can be boring if no one scores at all or scores some unanswered points, that's why the college game doesn't have ties (in the NFL, if a score is still tied at the end of OT even if they do score in OT, it is recorded a tie game.)

[appmaj]

Ok, I just went to the Cal Poly soccer game against Poly's biggest rivals, the UCSB gauchos (sorry Davis you come second). I went out and bought a 30 rack and skipped studying on a Wednesday night to go to arguably the biggest soccer rivalry in college. Over 9,800 people came out to the game, which was awesome and a lot of fun, but ended up a total buzz kill when the game ended up a 0-0 tie. Why can you tie in soccer? I know its league play but...damn just so lame.
Buck the gauchos!

and thank god there is not ties in football.

Well at least it was over in 90 minutes, unlike a 4-5 hour baseball game.

[darell1976]

Ok, I just went to the Cal Poly soccer game against Poly's biggest rivals, the UCSB gauchos (sorry Davis you come second). I went out and bought a 30 rack and skipped studying on a Wednesday night to go to arguably the biggest soccer rivalry in college. Over 9,800 people came out to the game, which was awesome and a lot of fun, but ended up a total buzz kill when the game ended up a 0-0 tie. Why can you tie in soccer? I know its league play but...damn just so lame.
Buck the gauchos!

and thank god there is not ties in football.

College hockey is that way too a 5 minute OT then its a tie if no one scores. Ties suck we need a no tie law in sports.

[AppAlum2003]

Because they have things called "friendlies." There should be such a thing as sportsmanship, but nothing "friendly" about it.

[89Hen]

The easiest fix for soccer is eliminate offsides.

But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

[AppAlum2003]

The easiest fix for soccer is eliminate offsides.

But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

And stop ripping off your damn shirt whenever you score a goal! Congrats! You scored a goal - now go line up and play the game some more.

College/NFL football gets penalized for dancing (fully clothed) after a score.

[NHwildEcat]

College hockey is that way too a 5 minute OT then its a tie if no one scores. Ties suck we need a no tie law in sports.

But how long shoule a game last would be the real question? Teams are not going to like to playing OT after OT until someone scores. And look at what the NHL did...they turned to the shootout...which isn't even hockey, it's cheap and pointless.

I know I am in the minority but I will take a draw/tie any day over some cheap skills contest to determine the winner.

[NHwildEcat]

The easiest fix for soccer is eliminate offsides.

But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

Yeah that is annoying. I guess the Europeans (the soft liberals they are known to be) feel that it is just a part of the game.

I think it's whining like a little baby.

[andy7171]

Why does soccer suck? Communism.

[GannonFan]

The easiest fix for soccer is eliminate offsides.

But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

I agree - I actually like soccer, but it's ridiculous, especially in games between two countries, how significant the referee can decide the game, and then yes, the diving is just simply out of control.

I like the idea of eliminating the offsides - open the game up, none of this New Jersey Devils neutral zone trap kind of crap that ruined hockey for so many years. xthumbsupx

[Seahawks Fan]

Lack of scoring. Eliminate the offsides and open up the game offensively.

[89Hen]

I know I am in the minority but I will take a draw/tie any day over some cheap skills contest to determine the winner.
I'd be more for a different point system. I think the shootout is exciting, but you shouldn't get the same points for winning a game 5-0 and in a shootout.

[griz8791]

. . . But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

xhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayxxhurrayx +1

Soccer was the only organized sport I ever played and even I have to admit to finding no excitement in 90 minutes of chaos in midfield with no one being able to hang onto the ball long enough to get into shooting position.

Speaking of diving, at a local NAIA game here in Great Falls earlier in the season I saw a guy on the home team deliberately back into the defender, reach behind himself to grab onto the defender, try to throw the defender to the ground, and finally, when the defender refused to fall, the home-team guy ostentatiously fell down himself. In the 18-yard box, of course.

The ref carded the offensive player for diving. First diving card I've ever seen anyplace other than TV. It filled me with savage glee.

[89Hen]

The ref carded the offensive player for diving. First diving card I've ever seen anyplace other than TV. It filled me with savage glee.
I'd love to see a LOT more of that.

[FCS_pwns_FBS]

Soccer shootouts are the most thrilling tiebreakers of any sport. Georgia high school teams play shootouts in regular season games (as I'm sure most other states do) so why don't college teams do it?

[89Hen]

Soccer shootouts are the most thrilling tiebreakers of any sport.
Playoff hockey

[appmaj]

A draw is not something that seems to be a problem with the game anywhere but in the USA.
Don't get me wrong a 0-0 tie can be very boring. But for me I find just about any baseball game to be way more boring.

[appmaj]

But to answer your question of what makes soccer so lame... lack of sportsmanship. The clock stalling, diving and complaining to refs are the worst. xnonono2x

I agree! I can't imagine a sports here where you allowed to get in the face of the ref like they do in Europe.

[bluehenbillk]

It's an easy question to answer as far as Americans:

1 - There is little scoring. Soccer fans may argue that hockey or baseball don't have a lot, but let's face it, the average in soccer is way lower & you can goto a baseball game one day & it can be 2-0 and the next day it'll be 11-8.

2- The lack of contact. We like sports with contact - football especially. Hockey has it, hoops has it, NASCAR has it, baseball occassionally will, but people look at baseball as a skill game too - hard to name something harder to do than hit a major league pitch. You can't hit in soccer & when they do have the little contact there is, which isn't allowed anyway, guys flail on the ground like a Duke basketball student tryout.

[89Hen]

1 - There is little scoring. Soccer fans may argue that hockey or baseball don't have a lot, but let's face it, the average in soccer is way lower & you can goto a baseball game one day & it can be 2-0 and the next day it'll be 11-8.
How about this... soccer is the only sport where a prevent defense can actually work. :D

[OL FU]

But how long shoule a game last would be the real question? Teams are not going to like to playing OT after OT until someone scores. And look at what the NHL did...they turned to the shootout...which isn't even hockey, it's cheap and pointless.

I know I am in the minority but I will take a draw/tie any day over some cheap skills contest to determine the winner.

Flip a coinxnodx

[Franks Tanks]

Lack of scoring. Eliminate the offsides and open up the game offensively.


Yup-- soccer players are great athletes but you need to score some freakin goals

[MoreheadEagle]

I've watched football games that were 14-0 after 4 hours. Scoring is subjective since in football a TD is worth 6.

Personally the only thing I'd change about soccer is carding players who flop. And as someone who played soccer and still does there is a lot of contact that the camera doesn't catch. I played both soccer and basketball in HS and had way more injuries during soccer (concussion, broken bones, bum knee). Also anyone who says it takes too long but watches football is a hypocrite. I was watching the Bengals vs Bears a few weeks ago and switched over to watch the Crew. The MLS game started midway through the third quarter of the NFL game and the MLS game was in halftime by the time the NFL game was in the middle of the 4th.

[89Hen]

I've watched football games that were 14-0 after 4 hours. Scoring is subjective since in football a TD is worth 6.

anyone who says it takes too long but watches football is a hypocrite. I was watching the Bengals vs Bears a few weeks ago and switched over to watch the Crew.
xconfusedx You using the worst NFL games to compare to 95% of soccer games. That right there should tell you something.

[Dukie95]

Yeah, lack of scoring is a huge problem for me....too much competition with other sports that have more scoring. I'm not going to waste 90 minutes watching a game that could end in 0-0 or 0-1...god forbit I grab a beverage and miss the ONLY bit of excitement the game has to offer.

I'm sure the soccer purists will tell me there's strategy involved, but for me it all appears too random to be engaging...I have a hard time seeing plays develop.

So, offsides has to go.
Goals need to be bigger.

If it still sucks, take away the goalies completely. :)

I was in London a few years ago and a soccer match was on in a pub in which one team scored 8 goals (I think it was Liverpool against some Turkish team). I was totally into it. Need more of that.

[Dukie95]

I've watched football games that were 14-0 after 4 hours. Scoring is subjective since in football a TD is worth 6



But, football and baseball have a natural pace about them - Downs, yards, punts...hits, running bases, outs. All that helps move the game along and each one of those events can stand on their own as significant.

Soccer is very simple and unless you know what you're looking for, it's just kick around until someone gets lucky and gets one in.

[griz8791]

I won't try to argue that the game is real exciting now. On the other hand, I think doing away with the offside rule will actually make it worse. I think that would empty out the middle third of the field and pack all of those players into either end of the field. Then it turns into 90 minutes of long ball.

[th0m]

I've been forced to watch soccer for 23 years now and I still not get it, so don't feel bad.

The only games I can watch are the World Cup / Euro Cup because then I actually know the players (somewhat) and I can root for something with a passion. And then we usually disappoint :\

[DG Cowboy]

And stop ripping off your damn shirt whenever you score a goal! Congrats! You scored a goal - now go line up and play the game some more.

College/NFL football gets penalized for dancing (fully clothed) after a score.

Well, if you played 90 minutes of action and only one goal was scored, and you scored it, you'd go ape too!! :D

For a Sunday nap, I look for TV golf or soccer. Out like a lamp.

[techstate]

For the record there were two 15 minute over time periods.
Don't get me wrong it was a lot of fun because so many people came out. However, no scores is so lame. Our German foreign exchange student said it was because US soccer is defensive based. He couldn't believe both teams had 4 back pretty much the whole time.

To fix soccer they need to card more for flopping and get rid of the off sides rule only inside the box(If the ball is in the box or it is a corner there is no off sides). If that doesn't work they should take away people, just like hockey OT should be 9 on 9 or 8 on 8.

Or you could put the goals in the air where if you kick it through its 3 points. change the ball so you can throw it too. Give each team 4 plays to move the ball 10 yards and play on a 120 yard field. If you get the ball in the final 10 yards on the field (end zone) you get 6 points with the option to get another point if you kick the ball through the goal or 2 points if you are able to get into the end zone again from 3 yards out. Will call it football and ties are not an option.xthumbsupx

[NHwildEcat]

For the record there were two 15 minute over time periods.
Don't get me wrong it was a lot of fun because so many people came out. However, no scores is so lame. Our German foreign exchange student said it was because US soccer is defensive based. He couldn't believe both teams had 4 back pretty much the whole time.

To fix soccer they need to card more for flopping and get rid of the off sides rule only inside the box(If the ball is in the box or it is a corner there is no off sides). If that doesn't work they should take away people, just like hockey OT should be 9 on 9 or 8 on 8.

Or you could put the goals in the air where if you kick it through its 3 points. change the ball so you can throw it too. Give each team 4 plays to move the ball 10 yards and play on a 120 yard field. If you get the ball in the final 10 yards on the field (end zone) you get 6 points with the option to get another point if you kick the ball through the goal or 2 points if you are able to get into the end zone again from 3 yards out. Will call it football and ties are not an option.xthumbsupx

Except in the NFL.

[NHwildEcat]

Well, if you played 90 minutes of action and only one goal was scored, and you scored it, you'd go ape too!! :D

For a Sunday nap, I look for TV golf or soccer. Out like a lamp.

Golf is so relaxing to watch...perfect way to wind down the weekend!

[mcveyrl]

I won't try to argue that the game is real exciting now. On the other hand, I think doing away with the offside rule will actually make it worse. I think that would empty out the middle third of the field and pack all of those players into either end of the field. Then it turns into 90 minutes of long ball.

Yea, it's possible that dropping offsides would make it more boring. I do think that eliminating offsides in the box would improve it. Nothing's more frustrating than a ricochet off a shot coming to a player that was too far forward during the shot. That's retarded.

[89Hen]

Yea, it's possible that dropping offsides would make it more boring. I do think that eliminating offsides in the box would improve it. Nothing's more frustrating than a ricochet off a shot coming to a player that was too far forward during the shot. That's retarded.
How about you get rid of the midfield stripe and have two lines, similar to blue lines in hockey, let's call them offlines. The only way you can be offsides is if you're in behind the defense and the ball is passed from outside of the offline. Once the ball is inside the offline, you can be anywhere you want.

I drew a basic diagram....

[MoreheadEagle]

Any elimination of offsides would lead to cherrypicking. Trust me, I've watched plenty of good football teams and "good" games that are 7-0, 14-0 or so forth so I don't like the excuse that there is not enough scoring. Hell, I've watched plenty of "good" baseball games that are 1-0.

Ties? Just as a person can watch a 1-0 baseball game and say "that was a good game" I can watch a 0-0 soccer match and say it was a good match if it had a lot of shots. Frankly I look at a goal in soccer like a homerun in baseball in terms of excitement. If you understand the game and what's going on then it's easier to get into it.

The thing with soccer is basically this. People like me in their late 20's early 30's who grew up playing the sport, understand it, and enjoy it. People who control the media are generally in their 50's and 60's and still see it as "communist kickball" but the market is changing and in 20-30 years when my generation is the gatekeeper generation then I think you'll see even more of it. There are plenty of games on TV and whole networks dedicated to the sport. MLS is growing and more universities are offering men's soccer as a scholarship sport.

I really honestly have given up trying to convert people who aren't fans. All I can say is try to watch it, go to a college or MLS match if that's an option and if you don't like it then at least you gave it a chance. Personally I love soccer as much as football, basketball, and baseball. Each has something to offer.

[TheDancinMonarch]

The thing with soccer is basically this. People like me in their late 20's early 30's who grew up playing the sport, understand it, and enjoy it. People who control the media are generally in their 50's and 60's and still see it as "communist kickball"...

Funny you should say that. I call it the "sport of international socialism" because there are so many ties and 1-0 games. That makes it a sport without definitive outcomes. And that lack of an outcome (win or lose) is acceptable.

[mcveyrl]

How about you get rid of the midfield stripe and have two lines, similar to blue lines in hockey, let's call them offlines. The only way you can be offsides is if you're in behind the defense and the ball is passed from outside of the offline. Once the ball is inside the offline, you can be anywhere you want.

I drew a basic diagram....

Hmmmm...interesting...

It would be nice to see how that worked.

[griz8791]

How about you get rid of the midfield stripe and have two lines, similar to blue lines in hockey, let's call them offlines. The only way you can be offsides is if you're in behind the defense and the ball is passed from outside of the offline. Once the ball is inside the offline, you can be anywhere you want.

I drew a basic diagram....

That looks a like a workable compromise. Nobody gets to spend the whole game camped out in the goal mouth but on the other hand, once you have worked the ball through the midfield you reap the reward and can flood your players into the 18-yard box. But what happens when you lose possession of the ball and the defense clears it out past the new "offline?" Does that then leave all the offensive players who are still in the box offside? Do they then have to run back to the ball side of the offline? Obviously there'd be some details to work out . . .


. . . Trust me, I've watched plenty of good football teams and "good" games that are 7-0, 14-0 or so forth so I don't like the excuse that there is not enough scoring. Hell, I've watched plenty of "good" baseball games that are 1-0.

Ties? Just as a person can watch a 1-0 baseball game and say "that was a good game" I can watch a 0-0 soccer match and say it was a good match if it had a lot of shots.

Yes, baseball is a glass house for anyone who wants to bitch about soccer. Watching a really good pitcher fan batter after batter is about as exciting as watching paint dry, IMO. I can stand the minor league games we have around here because the pitchers mostly suck, but not the big leagues.

[aust42]

Soccer is fun to play but very boring to watch. It's too easy to defend, ergo very low scores.

[Dukie95]

I really honestly have given up trying to convert people who aren't fans. All I can say is try to watch it, go to a college or MLS match if that's an option and if you don't like it then at least you gave it a chance. Personally I love soccer as much as football, basketball, and baseball. Each has something to offer.

Actually, I've been to lots of DC United games. Years ago, I used to have 1/2 season tickets in the Screaming Eagles section with friends. I always had a blast in person...can't watch it on TV.

[UNHWildCats]

Ok, I just went to the Cal Poly soccer game against Poly's biggest rivals, the UCSB gauchos (sorry Davis you come second). I went out and bought a 30 rack and skipped studying on a Wednesday night to go to arguably the biggest soccer rivalry in college. Over 9,800 people came out to the game, which was awesome and a lot of fun, but ended up a total buzz kill when the game ended up a 0-0 tie. Why can you tie in soccer? I know its league play but...damn just so lame.
Buck the gauchos!

and thank god there is not ties in football.

Wasn't so long ago that there were.

[Tribefan]

Removing offsides would turn soccer into a lame cherry picking contest.

[techstate]

I don't think soccer is that boring to watch. This game was pretty good because we dominated the first half and the second half was pretty even where both teams had very close opportunities. I wasn't complaining about the whole sport I was just pissed about a 0-0 tie (which does happen a lot). I'm looking forward to the world cup next summer and was going crazy watching the games this year.

I still hold that no off sides only in the box, would improve scoring chances tremendously.

What about adding a pitch clock in baseball to speed things along. Just watching the games on TV I find my self so mad that nothing is happening the majority of the time. A 20 or 25 second shot clock wouldn't effect the pitchers that much but would keep things moving. Also it would make stealing a lot easier to time.

[NHwildEcat]

I don't think soccer is that boring to watch. This game was pretty good because we dominated the first half and the second half was pretty even where both teams had very close opportunities. I wasn't complaining about the whole sport I was just pissed about a 0-0 tie (which does happen a lot). I'm looking forward to the world cup next summer and was going crazy watching the games this year.

I still hold that no off sides only in the box, would improve scoring chances tremendously.

What about adding a pitch clock in baseball to speed things along. Just watching the games on TV I find my self so mad that nothing is happening the majority of the time. A 20 or 25 second shot clock wouldn't effect the pitchers that much but would keep things moving. Also it would make stealing a lot easier to time.

While they don't have an actual clock, the umpires are suppose to keep the pitchers moving at a rather quick pace. I think baseballs biggest problem is the need for instant replay more then a pitch clock...but I do agree those guys need to speed it up.

[NHwildEcat]

Any elimination of offsides would lead to cherrypicking. Trust me, I've watched plenty of good football teams and "good" games that are 7-0, 14-0 or so forth so I don't like the excuse that there is not enough scoring. Hell, I've watched plenty of "good" baseball games that are 1-0.

Ties? Just as a person can watch a 1-0 baseball game and say "that was a good game" I can watch a 0-0 soccer match and say it was a good match if it had a lot of shots. Frankly I look at a goal in soccer like a homerun in baseball in terms of excitement. If you understand the game and what's going on then it's easier to get into it.

The thing with soccer is basically this. People like me in their late 20's early 30's who grew up playing the sport, understand it, and enjoy it. People who control the media are generally in their 50's and 60's and still see it as "communist kickball" but the market is changing and in 20-30 years when my generation is the gatekeeper generation then I think you'll see even more of it. There are plenty of games on TV and whole networks dedicated to the sport. MLS is growing and more universities are offering men's soccer as a scholarship sport.

I really honestly have given up trying to convert people who aren't fans. All I can say is try to watch it, go to a college or MLS match if that's an option and if you don't like it then at least you gave it a chance. Personally I love soccer as much as football, basketball, and baseball. Each has something to offer.

I agree. I enjoy soccer as much as any other sport. If I had a choice between soccer and one of the other sports, I would most likely watch the other sport unless its Team USA. But I know that last night I was watching the MLS playoff game between Real Salt Lake and Columbus and I was pulling hard for Salt Lake (now the Revs have a shot at hosting the Eastern Conference Title game) and that was an exciting high scoring game. 3-2.

[Tribefan]

Any elimination of offsides would lead to cherrypicking. Trust me, I've watched plenty of good football teams and "good" games that are 7-0, 14-0 or so forth so I don't like the excuse that there is not enough scoring. Hell, I've watched plenty of "good" baseball games that are 1-0.

Ties? Just as a person can watch a 1-0 baseball game and say "that was a good game" I can watch a 0-0 soccer match and say it was a good match if it had a lot of shots. Frankly I look at a goal in soccer like a homerun in baseball in terms of excitement. If you understand the game and what's going on then it's easier to get into it.

The thing with soccer is basically this. People like me in their late 20's early 30's who grew up playing the sport, understand it, and enjoy it. People who control the media are generally in their 50's and 60's and still see it as "communist kickball" but the market is changing and in 20-30 years when my generation is the gatekeeper generation then I think you'll see even more of it. There are plenty of games on TV and whole networks dedicated to the sport. MLS is growing and more universities are offering men's soccer as a scholarship sport.

I really honestly have given up trying to convert people who aren't fans. All I can say is try to watch it, go to a college or MLS match if that's an option and if you don't like it then at least you gave it a chance. Personally I love soccer as much as football, basketball, and baseball. Each has something to offer.

Brilliant post. But it gets amusing when the neckcar fans weigh in and try to "fix" a sport that is perfectly fine.

[bluehenbillk]

How about this... soccer is the only sport where a prevent defense can actually work. :D


OK I'll bite, I've seen maybe enough soccer in the past 5 years to fill up one half of one game, but in the tourney where the USA beat Spain this year, & we played Brazil in the finals, weren't we up 2-0 & lost 3-2? So much for a prevent defense huh?

[89Hen]

The thing with soccer is basically this. People like me in their late 20's early 30's who grew up playing the sport, understand it, and enjoy it. People who control the media are generally in their 50's and 60's and still see it as "communist kickball" but the market is changing and in 20-30 years when my generation is the gatekeeper generation then I think you'll see even more of it
I disagree. Kids soccer around here is no bigger today than it was in the 70's. There may be a few more playing, but the level of play is maybe even worse.

People who grow up seriously playing the sport maybe can appreciate a 0-0 game. I played it. I coach youth now. I think a 0-0 tie is the most ridiculous outcome of any sport I've ever seen. xpeacex

[89Hen]

OK I'll bite, I've seen maybe enough soccer in the past 5 years to fill up one half of one game, but in the tourney where the USA beat Spain this year, & we played Brazil in the finals, weren't we up 2-0 & lost 3-2? So much for a prevent defense huh?
Superior talent won that game, plain and simple.

[bluehenbillk]

You can look at soccer three ways: 1- More youths play soccer than any other sport. 2- More youths quit playing soccer than any other sport. 3- Soccer? Who cares.

[89Hen]

But what happens when you lose possession of the ball and the defense clears it out past the new "offline?" Does that then leave all the offensive players who are still in the box offside? Do they then have to run back to the ball side of the offline? Obviously there'd be some details to work out . . .
They could stay in an offsides position, but the ball would have to be worked back inside the offline before you could pass it to somebody behind the D.

This was kind of an off the cuff idea. Keep in mind that I play ice hockey, so a type of blue line offsides was the first thing I though of. It would really change the game and I'm sure a lot of people would not like such a radical change. But if you think about it, just about every other sport have had changes to their rules and most have been for the better.

In hockey, previously players would not be able to clear themselves of an offsides. Now if the puck is sent in with a player offsides, as long as he comes outside the blue line and no other team member enters the zone, the offsides is waived off. They can now enter the zone. If you went back 25 years, that was probably unimaginable for the purist, but it was a great change. Same thing with the two line offsides pass. I don't see why soccer couldn't change.

For this soccer change, in addition to making it more interesting inside the offline, think about a defense trying to prevent a player from gaining the offline so he can make an onside pass. I think this would make defense more exciting too. xeyebrowx

[89Hen]

Wasn't so long ago that there were.
First OT game I ever saw was against UNH in the Tub. xnodx

[89Hen]

While they don't have an actual clock, the umpires are suppose to keep the pitchers moving at a rather quick pace.
xlolx They sure didn't do that to the Yankees in the WS. It was awful how many times the catcher came out to the mound all series.

[89Hen]

Brilliant post. But it gets amusing when the neckcar fans weigh in and try to "fix" a sport that is perfectly fine.
xconfusedx If you have something to say to me or anyone else here, say it. xnonox

[GannonFan]

You can look at soccer three ways: 1- More youths play soccer than any other sport. 2- More youths quit playing soccer than any other sport. 3- Soccer? Who cares.

A little misleading on the idea there. More youths play soccer because it's the first sport they can play - you're not seeing gobs of 4-5 year olds playing baseball, football, or basketball. Kids that young just can't play those sports and make it look anything like what those sports are supposed to be. So, what to do in the meantime? Hey, soccer! All the kids have to do it run and kick a ball (or at least just run to where the ball is). Simple! And with small-sided games in vogue (3 on 3 with no goalies) it's super simple. Of course, by the time they get older (6-7) they can actually make baseball/football/basketball look like what those sports should look like so the inevitable dropoff in soccer happens. Just the case of having more options as you get older.

[Eaglesrus]

I disagree. Kids soccer around here is no bigger today than it was in the 70's. There may be a few more playing, but the level of play is maybe even worse.

People who grow up seriously playing the sport maybe can appreciate a 0-0 game. I played it. I coach youth now. I think a 0-0 tie is the most ridiculous outcome of any sport I've ever seen. xpeacex

my son can agree with that, but that's even more understandable since he's a goalkeeper. Tuesday night he snapped the ulna in his right arm on the forehead of an opposing player during an intramural game at GA Tech, by the way.

[Seahawks Fan]

BTW, while we are on the subject, Monmouth has been ranked in the top 25 Div I soccer all season. The latest rankings, as of 11/03 have them in 9th place. xthumbsupx


Rank School
1 Akron (23) 575
2 North Carolina 550
3 UC Santa Barbara 504
4 Wake Forest 495
5 Louisville 481
6 Maryland 447
7 Virginia 400
8 Connecticut 368
9 Monmouth 358
10 UCLA 357 7

[Dukie95]

Who says soccer's not rough?

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4628040&categoryid=2378529

Number 15 needed about 5 red cards in that one...

[james_lawfirm]

Yea, it's possible that dropping offsides would make it more boring. I do think that eliminating offsides in the box would improve it. Nothing's more frustrating than a ricochet off a shot coming to a player that was too far forward during the shot. That's retarded.

McV:
If the ball ricocheted off the goal post, a player cannot be offsides by definition (b/c the ball would be in front of him). Offsides should only be called off a pass.

I guess you probably meant ricocheted off another player. Anyway, you check for offsides at the moment the passing player kicks the ball.

That is all. Carry on.

P.S. Not sure what to think of a soccer thread on AGS, other than trying to steer us back to football (the FCS variety).

[james_lawfirm]

and thank god there is not ties in football.

Not sure this is correct. I think there remains a way to tie an FCS football game. Not sure how.

[Dane96]

There cannot be ties in college football at the FCS or FBS level anymore; you have I believe 3 shots at scoring each...then the rules are switched to force scoring, and two pt conversions are required to be taken after a TD.

I believe this extends to all NCAA divisions.

[griz8791]

Who says soccer's not rough?

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4628040&categoryid=2378529

Number 15 needed about 5 red cards in that one...

Good find. Can't imagine why her coach left her in the game. Can't imagine how the refs missed all that. The punch in the back alone should have been a red card.

[MoreheadEagle]

I've actually thought about this this weekend after my Crew lost on a penalty kick. The ONLY rule I would change in soccer is any foul in the penalty box committed by a defensive player (not the goalkeeper) will immediately lead to a penalty kick. Basically let the defenders defend but as soon as someone pushes the offensive player down it's a PK. A lot of times the officials will let blatant fouls go without calling it. It would be similar to a free throw in basketball.

You increase scoring and crack down on fouling in the box.

[OhioHen]

I've actually thought about this this weekend after my Crew lost on a penalty kick. The ONLY rule I would change in soccer is any foul in the penalty box committed by a defensive player (not the goalkeeper) will immediately lead to a penalty kick. Basically let the defenders defend but as soon as someone pushes the offensive player down it's a PK. A lot of times the officials will let blatant fouls go without calling it. It would be similar to a free throw in basketball.

You increase scoring and crack down on fouling in the box.

Supplement this with ANY dive is an AUTOMATIC red card to even things up. Otherwise you'd see even more flopping (some of those "blatant" fouls you refer to are just the offensive player going down to try to get a call). The referees that let those go COULD issue a yellow card to the offensive player just as easily as they could call a foul on the defender.

[89Hen]

It would be similar to a free throw in basketball.

You increase scoring and crack down on fouling in the box.
Not sure about that. A FT in basketball is what, 1% of the scoring of one side. A PK in soccer is probably successful 90+%(?) of the time and could easily represent 100% of the scoring. Cheap goals do not equal a good increase in scoring.

Now, if you want to move the penalty dot back twice as far... NOW you've got something. xthumbsupx

[89Hen]

Think of it this way... I doubt I could score a Penalty Shot on an NHL goalie (I actually do play ice hockey), or at least with any kind of consistency. I'd bet you I could score 50% on an MLS keeper.

[ysubigred]

Think of it this way... I doubt I could score a Penalty Shot on an NHL goalie (I actually do play ice hockey), or at least with any kind of consistency. I'd bet you I could score 50% on an MLS keeper.


Friggen net is huge xeekx xlolx

[appmaj]

Think of it this way... I doubt I could score a Penalty Shot on an NHL goalie (I actually do play ice hockey), or at least with any kind of consistency. I'd bet you I could score 50% on an MLS keeper.

xrolleyesx

[89Hen]

xrolleyesx
Which part are you doubting... a keeper can cover all four corners, or my ability to put in in the corner. I actually can play soccer.

[appmaj]

Which part are you doubting... a keeper can cover all four corners, or my ability to put in in the corner. I actually can play soccer.

Could you get enough power on the kick to beat an MLS keeper?

You are 100% right on the conversion rate for PK's in professional soccer. The keeper has nothing to lose in those situations. The pressure is on the kicker. If they screw up, or "allow" the keeper to save it, it falls on the kicker.

[89Hen]

Could you get enough power on the kick to beat an MLS keeper?
I believe so. I can net a ball from midfield on the fly. :)

[ASUG8]

It's like checkers, but without the excitement.

[bluehenbillk]

I actually can play soccer.


And that makes you what? Nothing really to brag about. You gonna whip that line out at a bar? xwhistlex

[89Hen]

And that makes you what? Nothing really to brag about. You gonna whip that line out at a bar? xwhistlex
Nope.

[South Carolina Duke]

A draw is not something that seems to be a problem with the game anywhere but in the USA.
Don't get me wrong a 0-0 tie can be very boring. But for me I find just about any baseball game to be way more boring.

Not picking on anyone but, both games, soccer and baseball are a "thinking persons game"

Anything can happen at any time.

[OhioHen]

http://www.dailyhaha.com/_pics/hand_egg.jpg

[89Hen]

Not picking on anyone but, both games, soccer and baseball are a "thinking persons game"

Anything can happen at any time.
Most definitely. Mrs Himmelfarb could bring brownies OR cookies up to the telecast booth. :D

[bluehenbillk]

Not picking on anyone but, both games, soccer and baseball are a "thinking persons game"

Anything can happen at any time.


Really, how many (non-youth) soccer games are 10 goals or more scored in? Soccer is the expected which is no-to-low scoring. Every once in a while that's fine, like a pitcher's duel, but when it happens almost every game, it's just lame.

[GannonFan]

http://www.dailyhaha.com/_pics/hand_egg.jpg

It's dumb posters (the poster itself, not the person posting) that make soccer look silly. Really, we're trying to mock American football because you can also use your hands? Really? Where in America is that even remotely effective?? xoopsx

[JohnStOnge]

Any game in which you can't use your hands has problems right off the bat.

[flea]

Never got the whole soccer v football debate. Both sports have merit. Some of the best, most exciting soccer games I've seen have been 0-0 draws

[Skjellyfetti]

I'd bet you I could score 50% on an MLS keeper.

I missed this gem. xlolx

I'm pretty sure I would lead the major leagues in home runs... I mean, I TEAR IT UP when I'm at the batting cages.

[LacesOut]

I missed this gem. xlolx

I'm pretty sure I would lead the major leagues in home runs... I mean, I TEAR IT UP when I'm at the batting cages.

LMAO.

Well, to be fair, you might not actually lead the majors in home runs, but I'd bet you could hit a few HR's.......off major league pitching! haha

[89Hen]

I missed this gem. xlolx

I'm pretty sure I would lead the major leagues in home runs... I mean, I TEAR IT UP when I'm at the batting cages.
xrolleyesx xcoolx Yeah, very similar. AFAIK the ball and net I've kicked with are exactly like the ones in MLS. Me saying I could go 50% would put me dead last in the MLS by 30%. Try again? xcoffeex

[Skjellyfetti]

xrolleyesx xcoolx Yeah, very similar. AFAIK the ball and net I've kicked with are exactly like the ones in MLS. Me saying I could go 50% would put me dead last in the MLS by 30%. Try again? xcoffeex

Sarcasm, old man. :p

[seantaylor]

Because it is dominated by Latinos