CM4: Where will you start? [Archive] - Front Office Football Central

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 03:03 PM

With the anticipation buliding for CM, I ask this question:

Where will you start on your quest for CM4 glory?

My answer is depending on how much national team play has improved, I very well may start with the US National team. I think it would be alot of fun if you could play a match a month and have traning camps and play in cups such as the Gold Cup. But we will see.

If not, I will start with an MLS team, probably either the Chicago Fire or DC United. I am lookin forward to partaking in the Superdraft.

Fidatelo

03-07-2003, 03:05 PM

English Conference

McSweeny

03-07-2003, 03:09 PM

English First Division

Nottingham Forest baby, taking them to glory. If all goes well, they should be play-off bound this year. Third in the table with 12 games to go

SplitPersonality1

03-07-2003, 03:11 PM

English Conference - probably Hereford or Dag and Red

BreizhManu

03-07-2003, 03:19 PM

Since I've got the Beta, I've already tried France a lot, so I'll probably start in a new championship

Mexico maybe

perhaps MLS, with the draft system, could be interesting.

Airhog

03-07-2003, 03:20 PM

I plan on taking a national team. Marc has said that the national teams were much improved, allowing you to schedule friendlies and such.

Radii

03-07-2003, 03:20 PM

I've always done English 3rd Division. My understanding is that the rules over in England have changed and it's a little easier to get out of the Conference now, right? So perhaps I will give it a shot starting in Conference.

Or Perhaps I will take over my beloved Bristol Rovers again wherever they are at and go from there(pretty sure theyre still in 3rd div tho).

Tekneek

03-07-2003, 03:36 PM

English Conference - Stevenage. I have always started with them in the Conference (well, since CM3). Looks like they may be relegated this year, so they won't be around to choose in future versions.

klayman

03-07-2003, 03:41 PM

Originally posted by SplitPersonality1
English Conference - probably Hereford or Dag and Red

The Bulls are my team...you stick with Dag :)

Originally posted by Radii
My understanding is that the rules over in England have changed and it's a little easier to get out of the Conference now, right? So perhaps I will give it a shot starting in Conference.

Yes, the rules have changed this year. Used to be only the Conference Champion was promoted. Now it is the Conference Champion and a playoff between the 2nd to 5th place teams. Of course, this also means it's easier to be relegated from the 3rd Division as well.

RoastDuck

03-07-2003, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by McSweeny

Nottingham Forest baby, taking them to glory. If all goes well, they should be play-off bound this year. Third in the table with 12 games to go

And with the debt of 3rd-World country to boot Paul Hart has done a fantastic job - potentially the next manager of Leeds United (Where he helped set up the academy that produced Alan Smith and Harry Kewell etc).

samifan24

03-07-2003, 03:52 PM

English Third Division- York City :D

Bee

03-07-2003, 03:55 PM

English Conference - Barnet Bees

:D

Senator

03-07-2003, 04:06 PM

Plymouth

BigDPW

03-07-2003, 04:35 PM

I will start with one of the following:

Tottenham (English Premiere) - b/c my most memorable game was played with them but cut short due to a database error...

Rushden b/c I like trying to get the teams up to the Premier League...

Team USA - I agree that if national team play is more involved and flows better than it has in past games I will probably partake in that...

At some point I will play with an MLS Team as well but it probably will not be my initial game... Can't wait to play CM 4...

Any word on the release (official that is)???

illinifan999

03-07-2003, 04:39 PM

Find out what team has Landon Donovan, I think it is San Jose, and I will pick them.

ice4277

03-07-2003, 04:47 PM

I think I will start with Ipswich. I have never played as them and always wanted to but never got around to it. After that I may piddle around with a team in Belgium or Norway, two leagues I've never tried. Maybe this will be the year I also get around to trying the MLS.

Karim

03-07-2003, 04:50 PM

English Conference. I used to play with Telford United and managed to get them into the 2nd division in about 6 or 8 years. That was my most successful run.

I don't know if that team is still around though...

JHandley

03-07-2003, 05:26 PM

Italian Serie B - Bari...gotta take a shot at keeping them from Relegation.

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 06:37 PM

Yes, Donovan is with San Jose.

I will just give a little background info on San Jose. They just lost their best defender and their starting goalkeeper to Europe. They are left trying to rebuild the defense. They have a good D-Mid in Richard Mulrooney, or at least for MLS. They have some creative attackers in Donovan and Canadian international striker Dwayne DeRossio. They have some decent role players in the middle.

Again, the challenge will be rebuilding the defense and finding some stars in the midfield. They were hoping to get Frankie Hedjuk in an allotication but they didn't. In the draft they took a tall defender in Todd Dunviat in the first round who should be able to step in right away. They also took a young striker in Artoru Alvarez who should have a solid finishing rating. The also took some depth at mid, defense, and up top, but I wouldnt expect anything big. Overall they drafted average, but maybe could have done better.

The fan base is not good and the stadium needs an up lift, which means their facillites will probably be average.

So again you have a core of 2-3 players who are good and you can build around, so it should be a challenge.

Anyone else who wants to know about a MLS team let me know.

QuikSand

03-07-2003, 06:49 PM

Back to Lincoln for me, in English Third Division.

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 06:53 PM

I messed around with Lincoln and had great success. I had them all the way to the Preimership and 4 short years. They seem to have an organazation that wants to win and will put all the pieces in place to do so.

illinifan999

03-07-2003, 06:56 PM

Can you give a little about Chicago. They are the other team I was thinking about, I know they lost a few of their star players, but that is about it. Thanks GoldenEagle. :D

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 09:15 PM

The Chicago Fire is a very interesting team. They made some off-season moves that were very questionable, so I think they are an interesting team just because of that.

I will start out with keeping. Zach Thorton is one of MLS's better keepers. He is a monster in goal and at one time was thought to be the heir to the US National Team goalkeeping postiton when the Keller/Freidel era ended, until better choices emerged.

In the back the defense is anchored by Carlos Bocanegra, who is a member of the US National team. Bocanegra is one of MLS's best defenders, and had a training stint with Dutch power Feynoord. CJ Brown adds a veteran to the mix, and is usually overrated in CM. While you have two good defenders, you will want to add more to the mix or may suffer some breakdowns.

The midfield has starlet DaMarcus Beasley, who is probably the second most recognized player in MLS behind Donovan. He will probably request to move to a European club soon, however. Other than that, the midfield is loaded with you talent in Craig Capano, Justin Mapp, and Kelly Gray. All these players are expected to contribute to the national team in the future. You also have sturdy defensive mid in Chris Armas at your disposal.

At forward, rookie Nate Jaqua will be asked to score immediately. He is a great young talent who will be a great player. Rodgrio Faria was acquired from the Metrostars and is a decent player. You will probably want to go out and get a striker from elsewhere to help out. The Fire traded Josh Wolff, who I have seen great things from him in CM, to the Wizards.

The Fire didn't draft bad adding Jaqua and midfielder Ryan Fukamata, who is also a midfielder. They added some depth with some other kids, but none will immediately play.

So overall, it could be a decent challenge, but once some younger players mature you will probably being competing every year.

By the way, MLS is very weak in defenders and the US national team has suffered as a result. If I was a coach in MLS, I would use my forigen allotications on defenders. You may also can go out and get Steven Cherlenduo and Cory Gibbs who are based in Germany.

condors

03-07-2003, 09:22 PM

columbus crew as i live in philly and have taken road trips to see them and Brian McBride is my favorite player. They have a really nice stadium. If you ever want to check out the MLS and your on the east coast check it out, i want to go on a trip to see the la galaxay in their new stadium and Manchester United is playing Barcelona(in a friendly) in philadelphia my friends and i are going

condors

03-07-2003, 09:30 PM

goldeneagle-have you seen or heard about the recent friendlies for the US national team? Boconegra and that big kid from the mls(name currently escaping me) have done very well also convay playing left back has done well if we get a right back we could should be in good shape i got to see 2 games 1 chris armas was really missed as pablo had a bad game but in the other one played well. On a side note anyone heard anything about Reyna? I read his injury was very bad and i haven't seen or heard anything since.

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 09:55 PM

condors - I am so jealous. I'd love to see Man-Utd and Barcelona in Philly. Ill do a scouting report on Columbus later. Not because you asked you for it, but more along the lines that I am bored and have nothing else to do. :)

The defender your probably thinking of is Sahsa Victorne. He, like Convey, is a converted midfielder to defender. They will not play these positions in MLS, so their development will probably hinder.

Here is the most up to-date friendly list:

March 29th Japan at Seattle
April 2nd Mexico at Denver
April 29th Mexico at Houston
May 24th or 26th Wales at San Jose

There is also a rumored match with Brazil in April, a Bolivia match in May, and matches against Paraguay and Portugal in June.

In addition we also have the Confederations Cup and Gold Cup. We could see two completely different teams for those cups.

GoldenEagle

03-07-2003, 09:58 PM

Ah, forget to address Reyna. He will not play for the rest of the EPL season, which suggests that his recovery is not going well.

At this time, the Confederations Cup looks unlikely for Reyna.

ColtCrazy

03-07-2003, 10:07 PM

Same as always, my Eagles at Crystal Palace, English 1st Division.

GrantDawg

03-07-2003, 10:55 PM

Probably the US national team to start, followed by the lowest level in the US leagues you can play. Isn't it going to have the A league and lower?

GoldenEagle

03-08-2003, 12:32 AM

Last I heard was that A-League was confirmed and that they were trying to implent D3 pro league and PDL.

Katon

03-08-2003, 04:23 AM

I'm probably going to start by managing Chelsea in the Engish Premiership since they're the club I follow in real life. After that, I'm not quite sure. I might drop down to somewhere near the bottom of the English league structure, or I might head out of the country. I had an interesting game going in 01/02 using this year's data while managing Toulouse in the French third division, so I might wind up revisiting them.

Dargone

03-08-2003, 04:30 AM

I have a question for everyone, since I live in the states will I be able to order CM4 when it is released? Thanks:)

Honolulu_Blue

03-08-2003, 05:30 AM

Dargone. Yes. Yes, you will. Just go to the websites that offer it and order it. They ship to the states. Pre-order it now!

I will likely take a team in the English Second Division. First time I played I took Millwall, the next time Tranmere. I'll likely take another team this time. Like to shake things up, keep 'em fresh.

BreizhManu

03-08-2003, 06:43 AM

Originally posted by Katon
I had an interesting game going in 01/02 using this year's data while managing Toulouse in the French third division, so I might wind up revisiting them.

Now they're in French Second division (and will probably be champions by the end of the season)

3ric

03-08-2003, 06:43 AM

I probably play an easy game at first to get used to the game, with a club on the lower half of the Premier League or a top div. 1 club. After 3-4 seasons, I'll probably resign and take a job in div. 3. No preferences actually on the specific team, but I never pick teams I have managed before, in earlier versions.

andy m

03-08-2003, 07:27 AM

Originally posted by Bee
English Conference - Barnet Bees

:D

bee army! junior agogo will bag you hatfuls.

i have no idea where i will start, i keep changing my mind. probably in the bottom division of some league somewhere. i was really disappointed at the decision not to include leagues lower than the conference. :(

PraetorianX

03-08-2003, 09:34 AM

I don't know what my problem is, but I can't get into the SI website. I've not really checked up on the game, so I don't know what has happened recently. Is there some problem with the site? Just me? Moved?

3ric

03-08-2003, 09:45 AM

Try http://community.sigames.com/ (http://community.sigames.com) if you can't get onto www.sigames.com, that server is under pretty heavy strain at times.

The FAQ's and the SI News forum should be a good source for information about CM4 at least.

PraetorianX

03-08-2003, 09:50 AM

Heh, I had just found it before I came back here. The boards are the main thing I was coming for, anyway.

But thanks.

Still not releasing it in the US? :( Have to ship it over...:(

aquavit

03-08-2003, 10:22 AM

I'm going to start with DC United and the US national team. The drafting should be really, really cool. After I get fired I'll probably start up with an English conference team. Forest Green perhaps even though I have no clue where that is in England. :)

GoldenEagle

03-08-2003, 11:48 AM

I also just had a thought. CM4 is going to have much better multiplayer capabilites, so I am thinking about a possible FOFC league. Obvioulsy, I dont since I don't have the game in front of me I dont know what is invovled in it. But I think it might be worth a shot to look into.

I will be back with a Columbus and DC United report later. Heck, I might just do all the teams in MLS.

GoldenEagle

03-08-2003, 01:48 PM

Here we go with Columbus.

As forementioned Columbus has a great system and and good facillites in place. They have a youth academy which should benefit you down the road.

Keeper - The Crew have a couple of veterans in Josh Busch and Tom Presthus. Both of these players are capable of playing in the MLS level, but this may be a postion you want to approve on in the future.

Defedners - The Crew may have the deepest defense in MLS. They have young and exciting prospects Nelson Akwari and Chad McCarthy. Both will play on the USMNT in the future. In addition, they veterans Mike Clark, Internatoinal Daniel Torres, Eric Denton, and Brain Dunseth.

Midfield - The midfield has some players who can play, but it will be a postion to go out and try to find some young players. Kyle Martino is an exciting prospect but I am not sure he will be ready right away. Other than that, you have Diego Walsh and Duncan Ougton who can somewhat play.

Forwards - The Crew have a strong attacking offense, that again, might be the deepest in MLS. Brain West and Jeff Cunnighman have both played with the USMNT, and both bring great speed and pace to the table. They also have Brian McBride, who has been great in the EPL on loan. In addition they have young prospect Luchi Gonzalez.

The Crew took Walsh with their first pick in the draft. They took some other players who may help in the future, but overall did not draft well.

So the challenge with Columbus if finding some midfielders and maybe a goalkeeper. Expectations should be high, esp. if McBride returns.

cartman

03-08-2003, 01:59 PM

I'll start with Inter Milan. Now that Ronaldo is gone, a healthy Vieri is lighting things up. And I work two doors down from their headquarters here in Milan to boot!<grin>

It'll be interesting to see what happens with Lazio. Due to their EXTREMELY precarious financial position, they might not even exists after this season. None of their players have been paid this year.

Katon

03-08-2003, 03:00 PM

Originally posted by BreizhManu
Now they're in French Second division (and will probably be champions by the end of the season)

Really? Huh. They were in the French National division - the division below the second division - under the most recent patch, and I had thought that was using completely current data. If they are in the second division, that would make them a rather less attractive option.

SirFozzie

03-08-2003, 04:13 PM

My self?

Well, there's always Cambridge United, my adopted home team (third division England).. but since I picked up a couple books about il calcio, I think I will start with one of the following teams in Italy..

Hellas Verona (Brigate, Brigate Gialloblù!) (Read a Season With Verona by Tim Parks, excellent book!)

Castel Di Sangro

Neuqua

03-08-2003, 04:43 PM

English Third Division - Carlisle

Well, maybe. In CM 01/02 I had a long running career with those guys bringing them up all the way to the D1 playoffs so I may go ahead and see if I can repeat the magic.

Of course, I may just stick with the hometown Chicago Fire instead and work my reputation up until I'm Europe-ready.

BTW, Goldeneagle, I'd be more than interested if you ever chose to go forth with your multiplayer idea.

Neuqua

BreizhManu

03-08-2003, 05:23 PM

Originally posted by Katon
Really? Huh. They were in the French National division - the division below the second division - under the most recent patch, and I had thought that was using completely current data. If they are in the second division, that would make them a rather less attractive option.

yep, the patch updated all the leagues except the french one (because the structure of the leagues changed this season)

McSweeny

03-08-2003, 06:01 PM

Originally posted by SirFozzie
My self?

Well, there's always Cambridge United, my adopted home team (third division England).. but since I picked up a couple books about il calcio, I think I will start with one of the following teams in Italy..

Hellas Verona (Brigate, Brigate Gialloblù!) (Read a Season With Verona by Tim Parks, excellent book!)

Castel Di Sangro

You read that book about Castel Di Sangro? By McGuinness i think... excellent, excellent read. Such a good book. I'd suggest all you soccer fans pick it up. I'm for the title, but it's by (Paul?) McGuinness. I'm sure Fozzie can enlighten us all

ice4277

03-08-2003, 06:07 PM

'Miracle of Castel Di Sangro' is one of the best books I have ever read. Period. I would recommend it to anybody who is a fan of emotional, compelling literature. McGinnis writes it as an outsider to the Italian soccer world, so its very easy to pick up if you're not into soccer. It's not about the game itself as it is the effect of the game on small communities in Italy. Very engrossing.

condors

03-08-2003, 06:37 PM

It would be nice to have every mls team represented by fofc people have live drafts would be awsome imho

I really would take any team as there are bright spots for everyone.

SirFozzie

03-09-2003, 02:25 AM

Originally posted by McSweeny
You read that book about Castel Di Sangro? By McGuinness i think... excellent, excellent read. Such a good book. I'd suggest all you soccer fans pick it up. I'm for the title, but it's by (Paul?) McGuinness. I'm sure Fozzie can enlighten us all

Joe McGinniss. A very excellent book.

Quick synopsis..

Town with only 5,000 folks somehow, someway, manages to scrape up to the 2nd highest level of il calcio , that is, Italian Soccer, Serie B. Their victory in a playoof penalty shootout the year before put them into this league, and they were by FAR the smallest town to ever have a team this high in the standings. Most cities that Castel Di Sangro played in Serie B had populations, of 200,000 Plus. Even the new stadium that the owners of Castel Di Sangro had built could seat more people (9,000 according to my version of CM3), then lived in the town.

McGuinness who had gotten football fever from the 94 World Cup, decided to move to Italy for a year and chronicle this small town's search for La Salvezza or "salvation". The year is tough for the Castel Di Sangro team, with two players killed in an auto accident, and another arrested, for allegedly being in a $25 million dollar a year cocaine smuggling ring.

Through this, you get a glimpse in to the lives of players you wouldn't expect. Signor Gravina, the mysterious owner of the club, basically screams "Mafia". the Coach, Janconi, who calls himself the Bulldozer, who thinks football should be played the same way. McGinness does a wonderful bringing the bad and the good out in everyone. I've seen reviews say he gets too involved with the team, but I can understand how fans become fanatics.

The team comes down to the final games, trying to avoid relegation, and I won't spoil it for the folks yet to read it, but the last 10-15 pages.. the feeling I got after reading those pages was like having Mike Vanderjagt mistake my groin for the (American Football), and it gives a frightening glance in to the way Italian society works.

If you're a soccer fan, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Amazon has it here (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0767905997/qid=1047197643/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_1/002-3207825-7706418?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) for 10 bucks plus shipping, but I got it on a remainders table for five at my local B&N. Trust me, it won't disappoint

Blackadar

03-09-2003, 07:41 PM

I'm taking the worst team in England and seeing how much I can do with them. I think that's Kettering in the Conference division.

Unless they have no stadium, no money and a shitty owner. Then I'll find someone who sucks but at least has some $ to spend and an ower who doesn't have a quick trigger. Maybe Telford.

Easy Mac

03-09-2003, 07:44 PM

Probably with a random MLS team, and see if that part of the game is playable now. Maybe the A-League if its playable.

GoldenEagle

03-09-2003, 11:35 PM

I forgot to add that the Crew have added Frankie Hedjuk to their team, which should help out in the mid.

DC United up next!!

GoldenEagle

03-10-2003, 12:50 AM

Ok, here we go with DC United. A team that has the proudest tradition in MLS, but has struggled in recent years. So, without further delay, lets begin.

Keeper - Nick Rimando is one of MLS's better keepers and he has seen duty with the National Team. Nick would probably be the heir to the US keeper throne, but he has one small problem. His height. He is 5'10 and that hurts him at times. But he is a good keeper and will do just fine. You also have young Doug Warren at your disposal, who should also be good one day.

Defenders - The United traded Eddie Pope, the US's best defender, in the offseason due to cap reasons, and in so, left a defense depeleted. They do have Mike Petke who is overrated in CM, and also Brandon Prideux who is decent, but other than that you really limited. You have a couple of young fill-in guys, but you will want to improve on this.

Midfield - DC made one of the biggest offseason allotications in veteran Earnie Stewart, who had been playing in the Dutch league. Earnie is somewhere near the top of the US Capped list. He brings speed and pace to your team and of course leadership. Marco Etcheverry is another veteran, and when healthy can be a good player. Ben Olsen and Ryan Nelson are also good players, and when you add to that young superstar Bobby Convey, things look good.

Forwards - Well, you have rookie, and the first overall draft pick, Alecko Eskandrain to lead things up top. He is a brilliant prospect. You also have Eliseo Quintanilla who is a great young prospect as well. Santino Quaranta, another great prospect could very well be the face of American soccer in the future, and has the world at his feet. When you mix in another prospect in Devin Barclay and veteran Ali Curtis, things also look promising up top.

The United drafted well in taking Eskandrain and young defender David Stokes, who could be the best defender in the draft. They also took Brain Carroll, a solid young mid, and added some depth in other positions.

So with DC, you must be patient on waitng on young start to emerge. If you can, big things will hapen assuming you keep all of them happy. It will be somewhat of a challenge.

DataKing

03-10-2003, 01:32 AM

I have no previous experience with CM, but I am certainly going to give CM4 a go. The recent World Cup, Hattrick, and Brian McBride's performance in the EPL have given me quite a thirst for all things soccer. :)

Since I have no experience with the game, I will probably start at the low end of things in the Unites States (A-League?). Hopefully, my reputation as a manager will improve along with my game experience, and I will move on to MLS or a Division 3 England team.

MrBug708

03-10-2003, 10:25 PM

I like Reading, Sunderland, and the Galaxy of course

condors

03-10-2003, 10:36 PM

DC United played really well toward the end of the season with Nick Rimando leading the way. They couldn't score enough though. If 2 of their young forwards come together and play well with each other then it could be time to make room in their trophy case again. I think letting pope go could hurt them but i really like their coach and if he allowed it to happen then i am sure he feels he has enough cover in the back. On a side note i expected to hear they traded for a forward all season long and big mama got traded twice (always among the top scorers).

Golden Eagle do you know who dustin swineheart is? In CM he is awsome he routinly leads the mls in scoring and gets called up to the national team i get him for like 100k then sell him for 6 million when he is past it. In cm he plays for some A-league team but i looked at a site with the A-league scoring leaders and didn't see him maybe he is with a new club...

GoldenEagle

03-10-2003, 11:51 PM

Condors - I have never heard of or used Dustin Swineheart. I will definantely check him out. I have never heard of him. Alot of the players in the A- League in CM 01/02. I know there is a player who is American/Mexican who is very good and I sold him to Newcastle for $7 million. I will check him out and see if he does exsist though.

LA Galaxy up next!!

korme

03-10-2003, 11:53 PM

I'ma try to get Freddy Adu :-D

GoldenEagle

03-11-2003, 12:48 AM

It would be so cool if you have the first pick in the first MLS draft and the name on the board is Freddy Adu.

MrBug708

03-11-2003, 08:54 AM

Up in June, out here in LA, Manchester U gets to face America of Mexico

GoldenEagle

03-19-2003, 12:15 AM

Alright, here we go with the defending MLS champs, the LA Galaxy.

Goalkeeper - Kevin Hartman is solid enough to get the job done. In addition, he is an excelltent penalty-kick saver, probably the best America has to offer. Joe Barton is listing as a back-up. You will want to pick-up a project at this position as Hartman is getting old, perhaps from the A-League or MLS draft.

Defenders - The defense is solid and has one of MLS's top defenders in Danny Califf, who has had a recent stint with the national team. Ezra Hendrickson is a good defender, and can provide cover in the mid. The Galaxy picked up South Korean international defender Hong Myung-Bo who will could be the best defender on the team. High draft pick Ricky Lewis and young defender Scott Thompson from UCLA will also figure into the mix now or down the road. Put it all together and its one of MLS's top units.

Midfielders - The midfield is strong and is led US international Cobi Jones and New Zeland's Simon Elliot. Both players offer skill and speed. Tyrone Marshall is athletic as they come and a good midfeilder. Memo Gonzalez is young at 17, but is perhaps the most exciting prospect in MLS. Throw in veterans Peter Vagenas and Mauricio Cienfuegos and US international Sasha Victorine and the unit again look strong.

Forwards - Up top the Galaxy are talented with Carlos Ruiz, who was the leading scorer in MLS last season. They also have Chris Albright, who is not great but can certaintly find the net. The Galaxy have Gavin Glinton to provide cover, but more depth may be needed.

There is a reason this team won the cup last year, and that is because it is very talented. It shouldnt be much of challenge to win the cup again.

The Galaxy drafted insanely well for a team that won the cup last season. Ricky Lewis and Memo Gonzalez will be stars in the future. Scott Thompson will also be very good, and Arturo Torres, a young forward will contribute down the road.

BigDPW

03-19-2003, 06:07 PM

Golden Eagle-

I am interested in MLS and A-League but find it hard to find news on each league on the internet or in the papers here in the US... Where do you get most of your information about the leagues and how do you keep up with them (other than watching obviously)...

I would love to check out any links you may provide...

GoldenEagle

03-19-2003, 08:04 PM

Hey - its great to have another MLS fan aborad here. Most of my information comes from watching games and a message board at www.bigsoccer.com, they post links to news articles about MLS all the time. I also follow alot of the kids on the U17 level, etc. I have played against several of the kids who were taking in the last MLS draft. If you have any questions about MLS, players, etc. post here and Ill do my best to answer them.

GoldenEagle

03-19-2003, 11:38 PM

Now its time for my personal pick to win MLS this season, and the team I might start with, the Metrostars.

Goalkeeper - Tim Howard is a man-child, plain and simple. He is the best goalkeeper in MLS. He is the recent choice of Bruce Arena for the USMNT, and is now the apparent heir to the Keller/Friedel dynasty. Paul Graffer serves as back-up. He is decent and you might sell him to a team looking for a goalkeeper.

Defenders - Eddie Pope is the best defender in MLS and the best defender USA has. Chris Leitch is a good young player, and Craig Ziadie is a solid Jamican international. You will want to go out and get some cover in the back, as the rest of the players are young, inexperienced, and not very talented.

Midfield - The midfield is loaded with consitent players. Its not the best unit, but it is certainly not the worst. Richie Williams is a decent d-mid, and Steve Jolley, Mark Lisi, Jeff Mateo, and Jeff Moore are good players. Clint Mathis is a brilliant attacking midfielder, and can provide a great link between the midfield and forwards. Up and coming stars Ricardo Clark and Eddie Gavin will be superstars in the league.

Forwards - Mike Magee is an excellent prospect who could have signed with dutch power Ajax. Jamie Morneo is a veteran who was a great player but has slumped as of late. Other than that, your going to want to find some forwards.

The Metrostars drafting decent, taking Magee, Clark, and Gavin and slew of young defenders. They also took Kenny Arena, son of Bruce.

So while a challegne presents itself, its certaintly not the most challenging team in the league.

MrBug708

03-21-2003, 01:05 AM

Golden Eagle, good writ eup, but didn't the Galaxy get Raul Del Arce?

GoldenEagle

03-22-2003, 07:41 PM

I dont think so. Howver they did sign Alex Pineda Chacon who is a wahsed up midfielder who I dont think will effect the Galaxy much this season.

Woo hoo!! 500th post.

Havok

03-22-2003, 09:28 PM

bahhhh!!!

i've been coming to this message board for about 3 weeks now and in that time i've become a Hattrick addict and now i just pre-ordered CM4.

I blame all of you =)

GoldenEagle

03-22-2003, 09:50 PM

Hey, no problem :)

Calis

03-22-2003, 10:34 PM

Bah, you bastiges! I read this thread about 20 minutes ago, and right when I was done with page 1, I sprinted out the door, and headed to Barnes & Noble, just so I could buy that Castel Di Sangro book, I'm going to start on it right now, it better be good!

I've actually been looking for a good Footie book to read, not a real wide variety to choose from.

As to CM4, my first team will be Peterborough United, no good reason, just happened to be the team I picked in the '97/'98 version I think it was, and I've stuck with them ever since.

GoldenEagle

03-22-2003, 10:37 PM

Good to have you aboard Calis. Always good to have more soccer posters.

aquavit

03-23-2003, 06:31 AM

Originally posted by GoldenEagle
Defenders - The United traded Eddie Pope, the US's best defender, in the offseason due to cap reasons, and in so, left a defense depeleted. They do have Mike Petke who is overrated in CM, and also Brandon Prideux who is decent, but other than that you really limited. You have a couple of young fill-in guys, but you will want to improve on this.

Hey! I wouldn't call Ryan Nelsen (United's top scorer last year, sad but true) and Milton Reyes a couple of young fill-in's. They are both solid MLS players and Milton could be an all-star this year now that he is better adjusted to the league. Otherwise good analysis. I'm a big DC fan and while people are picking us to go far this year I think we won't have the chemisty. Too many new players. No forward who is proven in the league. I know Stoichkov and Stewart but the former won't play that much and while Stewart was a good player in the Dutch league it will take some time to get adjusted. The potential is there (isn't it always with DC) but it hasn't been realized yet.

BTW, GoldenEagle, did you ever play against your fellow Mississippian Justin Mapp? :)

aquavit

03-23-2003, 06:39 AM

Originally posted by BigDPW
Golden Eagle-

I am interested in MLS and A-League but find it hard to find news on each league on the internet or in the papers here in the US... Where do you get most of your information about the leagues and how do you keep up with them (other than watching obviously)...

I would love to check out any links you may provide...

Bigsoccer.com is the mecca for US soccer fans. If you want more news, rumors, speculation, bullshit than you know what to do with then go there. Other good links are www.mlsnet.com, www.a-league.com, www.ussocceruk.com, www.soccertimes.com, www.topdrawersoccer.com, www.soccer365.com, www.cybersoccernews.com.

Hope that helps.