The Beautiful Game Thread

[Brahvocado]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

I'm American, and I like very few of the American announcers. I just don't think a lot of them are cut out for it honestly.

The only American announcers I actually enjoy are (in no order): Kyle Martino, Taylor Twellman, Mark Rogondino, Eric Wynalda. McBride/Dunseth/Healy are all good but VERY hit or miss and their on-air personality seems to depend too much on who they are paired with.

Martino and Rogo are by far the best American announcers in my opinion. With Wynalda/Twellman in relatively close second.

[Brahvocado]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

I take that back

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOZ1SAKg2oM

We should just have that guy do every game.

[Matt10]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Lol - no thanks, don't need anymore Gus Johnsons - let alone in soccer

I have always liked Taylor Twellman and Kyle Martino. Eric Wynalda gives it to you straight as well. Of course they play their best roles as analysts versus lead commentator.

[Brahvocado]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

I actually like Rogo as lead commentator

[rsnomar05]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

I take that back

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOZ1SAKg2oM

We should just have that guy do every game.

"WAH WAH WEE WAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!" Man, that's some terrible announcing.

[Leon]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

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[Matt10]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Nissan Danger kick! Lol. Awesome.

Kind of reminds me of how the MLS/American Soccer used to be when I first moved here. I remember in 2000, it was the first time I had been to a soccer game in the States. Games were played at Arrowhead Stadium for the Wizards; and I was so thrown off by the different electronic noises the stadium PA would make. Like the random sound of crowd cheering, or drums snaring - or my favorite, Papa John's pizza minute (still happens).

I think what is interesting about US vs Euro commentary is that a lot of commentators approach soccer with the same approach they use in Football or Basketball.

They talk constantly about technique, and team strategy to the utmost detail - as if they are teaching the game to the public. I think with Euro commentators, the approach is just describing what happens on the field at the time - not educating me on how to defend properly; etc. It has started to get better recently - but you still get a lot of US commentators trying to teach the game; which proves there is still plenty of growth necessary - and that is not necessarily a bad thing.

[VTPack919]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

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This is freaking classic. Can't. Breathe.

[eyeamg0dly]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

im surprised they don't track more stats in soccer.

[Krebstar]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

im surprised they don't track more stats in soccer.

http://www.whoscored.com/

They do. They're just not as discussed in broadcasts as other sports.

[KG]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Our local guy, Dave Johnson is pretty good. He does DC United and the Washington Wizards radio play-by-play. I've heard him on some USA Friendlies too.

[Leon]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Although Blumenfeld is a longtime PSG fan, he finds it difficult to suppress his contempt for his club's transformation. "I share the view of many fans that what is going on right now feels like an insult to the sport," he said. "Glory should come from a process of team-building, which spans years, so when it finally arrives, you understand the effort that has gone into it. This PSG squad has no history other than the influx of money."

http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/3357?cc=4716

Just felt like sharing. That last sentence alone encapsulates the whole argument between fans who suddenly support a club 'cause of an influx of money and stars versus those with history.

Also, that shot as Podolski was just

[Bruins]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Gus Johnson and America’s Relationship Nightmare:
No One is Good Enough to be the Voice of American Soccer

http://www.nutmegradio.com/gus-johnson-and-americas-relationship-nightmare-no-one-is-good-enough-to-be-the-voice-of-american-soccer/

Great read. Pretty much sums up my thoughts.

[Bruins]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

Gus Johnson and America’s Relationship Nightmare:
No One is Good Enough to be the Voice of American Soccer

http://www.nutmegradio.com/gus-johnson-and-americas-relationship-nightmare-no-one-is-good-enough-to-be-the-voice-of-american-soccer/

Great read. Pretty much sums up my thoughts.

No responses, eh?

[Bellsprout]

Re: The Beautiful Game Thread

No responses, eh?

Because it's not an argument worth having since nobody's going to convince the other side of their point. But, since you asked...

The problem isn't that no American announcer is good enough, the problem is that no American announcer is as good as the really good English ones.

Why would I want to hear Gus Johnson when I could be listening to Martin Tyler, who's one of the best in the entire world at his craft regardless of the sport? What possible reason is there for that?

Gus was... fine. Surprisingly mundane for large stretches, but he was pretty darn good at conveying the excitement of close chances. But he's not Martin Tyler. And by using Gus Johnson, you're denying me the chance to hear Martin Tyler call a gigantic match. And that doesn't make me happy.