New York Red Bulls (2012) vs. D.C. United (1998)

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Steve took his stand this morning in what should be a heated debate (once Tim Cahill settles into the New York Red Bulls’ lineup). Which is the most talented team in MLS history? If New York plays to their talent level, they may eventually throw their hat into the best team of all-time debate.

(MORE: New York and Seattle upping the ante on designated players)

It’s an important distinction: Talented versus best. When LA Galaxy were being touted as the best team of all-time after last November’s title, nobody was nominating them for most talented. As Steve pointed out, they had their full allotment of designated players, but their depth was dependent on role players woven together by Bruce Arena That doesn’t necessarily make them any less of a team. It just changes the conversation.

The subject of talented teams was on my mind when I visited Montreal Impact practice late last week. With the Tim Cahill move just announced, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to talk to Jesse Marsch, who played for D.C. United from 1996 to 1997 before moving on to MLS Cup-winning Chicago in 1998. He got a first-hand view of two of the league’s great teams. Did New York’s collection of talent bring back any memories?

Like the coach that he’s become, Marsch brought it back to the field. The challenge was bringing all the talent together, he said (while not taking a stand on New York’s talent). The exchange reminded me that the most talented debate can be a tricky one. For many, talent can’t be separated from results. If you win, you’re talented. If you don’t, you’re not.

I can’t help, however, comparing this New York team to the squad filed in my mind under “Most Talented, MLS (all-time)”: The D.C. United teams that won three of the first four league titles.

Below, I’ve compared the teams position-for-position. D.C. acquits itself quite well, though as we see at the end, Steve is probably on to something.

Thinking of the devil’s advocate, I’ve used D.C.’s 1998 team – the one team in the four year span that didn’t win MLS Cup. The players are roughly the same as D.C.’s title-winning teams.

Goalkeepers

D.C. United: Scott Garlick
New York Red Bulls: Ryan Meara

Garlick was a journeyman goalkeeper who broke in to MLS in 1997. He would go on to play for Tampa Bay, Colorado, Dallas, and Salt Lake before retiring in 2007. Though he won an MLS Cup in his first season (making eight saves in the final), his career followed an unfortunate pattern of being (a) acquired, (b) installed as the starter, (c) beaten out for the starting job, and (d) traded.

Advantage: Incomplete (Meara’s still too new to pass judgment on)

Defense

D.C. United: Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos, Tony Sanneh, Carlos Llamosa, Carey Talley
New York Red Bulls: Wilman Conde, Heath Pearce, Markus Holgersson, Jan Gunnar Solli, Roy Miller

Eddie Pope continues to be one of the more underrated players the United States has ever produced. He’s joined by three other U.S. internationals along with another player (Talley) who’d play 13 years in the league.

New York has two very good players accompanied by some complementary pieces.

Advantage: D.C. United

Midfield

D.C. United: Marco Etcheverry, John Harkes, Ben Olsen, Richie Williams
New York Red Bulls: Rafa Marquez, Tim Cahill, Sebastien Le Toux, Teemu Tainio, Dax McCarty, Joel Lindpere

If people don’t remember how good Pope was, they sure don’t remember much about Etcheverry. Perhaps that’s because Bolivia’s no longer a factor on the international scene (I don’t know) but while in the States, the guy was the best player on teams that won three MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields, and a CONCACAF title. He was named all MLS in each of the league’s first four seasons, won an MVP, and was named to the league’s all-decade team in 2005 … and I still can’t decide if this resumé understates his talent (Bolivia hasn’t threatened to make a World Cup since he retired).

But even with Etcheverry’s talent, New York is just too deep. Two Premier League players, one Barcelona star, and a former MVP candidate? It’s the type of collection the league hasn’t seen since it’s early days of stacked rosters.

Advantage: New York

Forwards

D.C. United: Roy Lassiter, Jamie Moreno, Roy Wegerle
New York Red Bulls: Thierry Henry, Kenny Cooper

Roy Lassiter and Jamie Moreno’s MLS accomplishments speak for themselves. One holds the single-season record for goals. The other is second on the all-time list. Neither, however, had the talent of Thierry Henry, one of a handful of world class players Major League Soccer’s been able to recruit. In midfield, New York had the depth to overwhelm Etcheverry. In attack, Henry is partner makes their comparison to D.C. United an uneven one.

Advantage: New York

I admit: Part of the reason I did this was to offer a counter point. “Most talented ever,” I asked myself when I saw Steve’s headline. Surely Bruce Arena’s teams were being under-appreciated.

Perhaps I’m nostalgic for those first years of MLS when my collegiate naivete thought the league would explode. Perhaps, from near 4,000 miles away, I always built United up to be a juggernaut. Perhaps, back when there was still a fleck of momentum from the 1994 World Cup, I wanted things to be bigger than they were. I want those early D.C., Los Angeles and Chicago teams to match my nostalgia.

After looking at it player for player, I can’t help but side with Steve. Despite greater transparency making today’s roster, spending limits more difficult to transcend, New York has assembled a squad that is (at least) as talented as the league’s legends.

Now, as Jesse Marsch said, it’s about bringing the team together on the field.

Got a more talented team in mind than the late-90s United squads? Hey, that’s what the comments are for.

Three key questions for USMNT in March

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The United States men’s national team returns to competitive action with an interim coach at the wheel and a spot in the CONCACAF Nations League finals still uncertain.

The Yanks clobbered Grenada at home in their first CNL group match but could only manage a 1-1 draw with El Salvador thanks in no small part to a sloppy pitch and a red card. The USMNT was also down several first-choice players including Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]

The U.S. will be favored to advance and will hope to be in the catbird seat following Friday’s match with Grenada at Kirani James Athletic Stadium in St. George’s.

Grenada lost 3-1 to El Salvador away but drew Los Cuscatlecos at home and need to beat the visiting U.S. to qualify for Gold Cup.

But the USMNT’s aforementioned 1-1 draw with El Salvador looms large: Even if the Yanks were to falter in Grenada, they’ll be the Group D winner by beating Los Cuscatlecos on March 27 in Orlando.

Three key questions for USMNT in March

1. Center forwards still needed, but is there anyone ready for the task? The Nos. 1, 2, and 3 non-Reyna-related question for Gregg Berhalter when the World Cup ended was why he chose his center forwards, how he used them, and why they didn’t score goals. Haji Wright was the only CF to score at the World Cup and that was the first center forward goal in six USMNT matches. Jesus Ferreira scored four the previous game, but that was against Grenada and the FC Dallas star has three more goals in his 15 other caps. And Timothy Weah, a danger up top when called upon but often a wide man, is injured and will miss the international break.

So where will interim coach Anthony Hudson turn against Grenada and El Salvador?

World Cup cut Ricardo Pepi is back and so is Daryl Dike.

Meet the candidates and their forms:

  • Pepi, 20, is on loan at Dutch side Groningen from Augsburg. He started off hot with Groningen and has nine goals, though he’s scoreless in his last three matches.
  • Dike, 22, is fit and firing for West Bromwich Albion, where he’s scored four times in his last five Championship appearances, all starts.

This is one of those “prove it” camps, with Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna among those helping to cue up chances for their center forwards. If you’re not gonna get the job done against Grenada and El Salvador, you’re missing the boat.

2. Who steps into the Tyler Adams role? Tyler Adams has unflinchingly been Leeds’ most consistent and steady player in a year of tumult, and he’s proven the same time and again in a USMNT shirt.

But he’s not here!

So there will be no “MMA” midfield of Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah, and Adams. The first two pieces are here from Leeds and Valencia, but it’ll be a third piece to complete the trio. Luca de la Torre of Celta Vigo and Alan Sonora of Juarez have been called into camp and Johnny Cardoso is the most defense-minded of the bunch if the team is to go “like-for-like.” Cardoso, 21, is starting for Internacional in Brazil, who trails only Gremio on the Gaucho table.

3. What’s the state of mind? Look, the “youth soccer” and “extremely childish” incident has made for plenty of discussion online, but the U.S. group seemed plenty bonded after Giovanni Reyna’s World Cup camp incidents had happened but were yet to be exposed by Gregg Berhalter at a “private” speech.

So, in theory, Reyna will arrive back into a USMNT camp in need of consistent effort and good attitude but as a member of the fold. The problem may be that the fold thought it left the World Cup with Berhalter either returning as head coach or with a search being conducted for a new coach.

It turns out, it’s only mostly the latter; Berhalter remains a candidate for the U.S. job and has been in Europe to see his “former” players. His assistant, Anthony Hudson, remains in charge of the first team on an interim basis and who can really know how much input Berhalter may currently have on the group.

All of that said, the USMNT is better than both of its opponents, regardless of venues, and should look superior to them even without Adams and Weah. Should is still pretty conditional, so let’s see what statement comes out of these two games in the favorites role, because it’s going to be quite a while before the Yanks are a clear underdog again.

Italy vs England: How to watch live, stream link, team news

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England will begin their EURO 2024 quest the same way they finished their heartbreaking EURO 2020 campaign: facing Italy, now two-time champions of Europe, on Thursday.

[ LIVE: EURO 2024 qualifying scores – Italy vs England ]

The two European giants faced off in the 2020 final (in the summer of 2021) at Wembley Stadium in London, and it was the Italians who triumphed in the penalty shootout after playing to a 1-1 draw after regular time and extra time.

Italy and England are joined in Group C by Ukraine, North Macedonia and Malta. The sides that finish 1st and 2nd in the group will qualify for next summer’s tournament in Germany.

[ MORE: USMNT upcoming schedule – Nations League, friendlies, Gold Cup ]

Here is everything you need for Italy vs England. 


How to watch Italy vs England live, stream link and start time

Kick off: 3:45pm ET, Thursday (March 23)
Stadium: Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli
TV: FS1


Italy squad

Goalkeepers – Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain), Alex Meret (Napoli), Claudio Carnesecchi (Cremonese), Wladimiro Falcone (Lecce)

Defenders – Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Inter Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Inter Milan), Emerson Palmieri (West Ham), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Leonardo Spinazzola (Roma), Alessio Romagnoli (Lazio), Rafael Toloi (Atalanta), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino)

Midfielders – Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain), Jorginho (Arsenal), Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Matteo Pessina (Monza), Sandro Tonali (AC Milan), Davide Frattesi (Sassuolo)

Forwards – Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo), Gianluca Scamacca (West Ham), Vincenzo Grifo (Freiburg), Wilfried Gnonto (Leeds), Simone Pafundi (Udinese), Mateo Retegui (Tigre)

England squad

Goalkeepers – Jordan Pickford (Everton), Fraser Forster (Tottenham), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders – Kyle Walker (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Reece James (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)

Midfielders – Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Declan Rice (West Ham), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)

Forwards – Harry Kane (Tottenham), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), James Maddison (Leicester), Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Follow @AndyEdMLS

The Anfield Wrap on Liverpool ahead of U.S. tour: ‘They are in a new phase’

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Liverpool are still in the hunt for a top four finish but Jurgen Klopp is now in charge of a big rebuilding process as the Reds are in ‘a new phase’ as they transition from the German’s first seven years in charge.

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That is the view of Neil Atkinson from The Anfield Wrap (TAW) and it will be intriguing to see how Klopp reshapes his playing philosophy, adds to his squad and how it all slots together over the next few years.

TAW are bringing their show to North America with their ‘TAW Live’ tour taking place from Wednesday, Mar. 22 to Monday, Mar. 27, with shows in Toronto, Detroit, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington D.C.

TAW host Neil Atkinson joined Brad Thomas and Drew Dinsick on NBC Sports’ Soccer Pub to discuss what he thinks of topsy-turvy Liverpool this season and what their identity could become in the future.

Klopp has ‘never had to do this’ before

“I think this is the key question for the next phase of Jurgen Klopp,” Atkinson said. “He has never had to do this before. He’s done seven years at Mainz, seven years at Dortmund and he’s now done seven years at Liverpool. Jurgen has signed his new deal and is staying until 2026 and now what he’s got to do is transition this football team in a way he hasn’t had to do in the past.

“I think that is an interesting challenge. Sides get used to the way you play and players themselves can become a little bit stale and there is also you yourself and how you see the game and how you’re going to interact with the game as a manager. I don’t think he’s had to do this in any of his other jobs. He’s done unbelievable jobs everywhere he has been, including Liverpool, but this is a new phase.”

Transition has arrived for the Reds. But what will it look like?

“The key question for Liverpool is Liverpool are clearly in transition, that is clear and apparent. That happens to a lot of sides and some sides manage to change and stay at the top, Liverpool haven’t managed to succeed in that. Last season they were beginning that process and last season you saw a bit of transition from Liverpool but not as much as you’ve seen now and they haven’t managed to stay at the top and the Champions League this campaign.

“What is it moving to? Is it simply different players? Or is he looking to change his approach a little bit? Is he looking to add creativity to the side? What does that come at the expense of? I think that is a key question. On the whole I feel like talk of Liverpool’s overall demise is vastly overstated. I think it is a side that will right itself. There have been injury issues this year, I don’t think a number of the players and coaching staff have had their best season by any stretch of the imagination, but I think they will come back strong.”

Top four finish essential this season

“I’m of the view that as long as they can find a way to a top four finish then I feel they will summer strongly and they will be able to come out of the other side and we will really be able to see what the next phase of Jurgen Klopp’s blueprint is. I am absolutely certain he has a blueprint and has a way he wants this team to play and knows which players he wants to keep and move on. I think we will see that again in the summer and Liverpool come again. But it is important for Liverpool to come top four.”

New deadline looms for Manchester United bids

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A new deadline is looming for potential new owners of Manchester United, as our partners in the UK at Sky Sports say the deadline for second offers is Wednesday, March 22.

They add that up to eight bids are expected, while INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has told The Wall Street Journal he won’t pay a ‘stupid price’ for the Red Devils.

The Glazer family continue to explore either the full or partial sale of the Premier League giants.

It has been widely reported by ESPN and Sky Sports that two bids, one from Ratcliffe and another led by Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, are the frontrunners as the Glazers look at all of their available options.

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Over the last few months the American family have been seeking potential investors in Manchester United and they have not been short of suitors.

Presentations have been taking place between potential new owners and investors and the Man United hierarchy over the last few weeks.

The latest updates

Two bids have now taken center stage as they arrived before the first, well-documented, deadline.

One is from INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who failed to buy Chelsea last year but was always said to prefer a bid for his boyhood club Manchester United.

“How do you decide the price of a painting? How do you decide the price of a house? It’s not related to how much it cost to build or how much it cost to paint. What you don’t want to do is pay stupid prices for things because then you regret it subsequently,” Ratcliffe told The Wall Street Journal.

Another bid is led by Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, who is seeking full control of the club and is the chairman of Qatar Islamic Bank as his father was the former prime minister of Qatar.

The Glazer family bought United in 2005 for $1.4 billion and it is believed they are now asking over $7.3 billion for a full sale of the club.

Statement from INEOS

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS confirmed they have ‘submitted a bid for majority ownership of Manchester United’ and went into more detail on their plans.

“We would see our role as the long-term custodians of Manchester United on behalf of the fans and the wider community. We are ambitious and highly competitive and would want to invest in Manchester United to make them the number one club in the world once again.

“We also recognise that football governance in this country is at a crossroads. We would want to help lead this next chapter, deepening the culture of English football by making the club a beacon for a modern, progressive, fan-centred approach to ownership. We want a Manchester United anchored in its proud history and roots in the northwest of England, putting the Manchester back into Manchester United and clearly focusing on winning the Champions League.”

Statement from Qatari bid

The Qatari bid, led by Sheikh Jassim, promised that their offer is ‘completely debt free’ and they want United to become ‘the greatest football club in the world’ during their stewardship of the club.

“The bid will be completely debt free via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation, which will look to invest in the football teams, the training center, the stadium and wider infrastructure, the fan experience and the communities the club supports.

“The vision of the bid is for Manchester United Football Club to be renowned for footballing excellence, and regarded as the greatest football club in the world.”