Disqus - Latest Comments for AtlantaPompey

Re: Why Premier League’s Game 39 is Good for America

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:33:19 -0000

Home and Away against every team in the Premiership is the integrity of the league. Under this proposal, somebody plays ManU three times and somebody plays Derby three times. What if one of those teams makes the UEFA Cup and the other doesn't and the difference is the points acquired/lost in that match? What if relegation is determined by those points? Strength of schedule is a big argument in American College Football. It doesn't exist in the EPL. It will now if this proposal goes through.

Also, asking two teams to fly to Sydney is a lot more difficult than flying to New York City. In an already crowded fixture list, adding one more match involving a long plane flight is stress these players don't need.

Putting an MLS game before an EPL game would only highlight the differences between the two leagues. Do we really want a direct comparison? I don't think so.

Don't get me wrong, if there is a good matchup in America, I'll probably go, especially if it's Pompey, but this fundamentally changes the competitive nature of the league.

Re: Upset Alert

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:55:59 -0000

Pompey-Everton is a huge match. With a win, Everton solidifies their chance at a Champions League spot. With a win, Pompey takes a huge step towards not only catching Everton, but putting themselves in a UEFA Cup spot.

Having been in the awkward position of cheering on Chelsea last weekend in the Carling Cup Final(damn blues!), I know that we need the points even more now. Only 5th & 6th are likely to be UEFA spots.

...unless we win the FA Cup.

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!!

(repeat)

(again)

(louder)

Re: Premier League and Major League Soccer Sign Exclusive Agreement

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 18:52:29 -0000

Dude, not cool. You got me. Hook, line, and sinker. Especially the part about Pompey!!!

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Why this Welshman will be Supporting Portsmouth in the FA Cup Final

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 20:15:32 -0000

I thought this was about Cardiff and the FA Cup Final?

Anyway...

Gaffer, it's real simple: PLAY UP POMPEY!!! POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Repeat ad nauseum, then repeat some more!!!

Re: Setanta Aims to Revolutionize FA Cup Coverage

AtlantaPompey — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:23:52 -0000

No locker room cameras. No in-game interviews with managers. No sideline reporters.

I would like to see different camera angles though. Watching matches live, I prefer to sit behind the goal because I can get a better view of the tactical formation and see where passes might or might not go.

And I must have HD. Watching MLS in HD makes me realize how poor the picture quality is for the Premier League. Every time I see the boards next to the pitch that say "SkySportsHD" I get disappointed.

Oh yeah, and...

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!
PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Big Win for Portsmouth

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:53:28 -0000

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

I can see us getting at least 12 points from the last 15 available. Away to Boro bothers me some.

Everton will get only 7 points from the last 15 which will put us in 5th. Losses to Chelski, Arsenal, draw at Birmingham, and possible wins against Aston Villa and Newcastle, although Newcastle is playing better lately. Everton's run-in is much tougher than Pompey.

We're essentially in the UEFA Cup already. The current rumors are that if Cardiff win the FA Cup, they will get a wild card with Pompey getting a spot due to their runner-up status or a possible 6th place finish.

Redknapp has publicly stated that he wants fifth place. The players will be motivated because 'Arry has said he'll play the best in form 11 players at Wembley on the 17th of May. Play well and you're in. Play poorly and you'll watch it from the bench without even dressing for the game. Stay injury free, accumulate 12 or more points and Pompey can play the FA Cup Final with relatively little pressure.

I'm working on my bank robbing skills. Any recommendations on a get away car? Off to Wembley...

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Where’s Rooney?

AtlantaPompey — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 09:54:35 -0000

Blindfolded, juggling a ball, solving a Rubik's Cube and singing...

Ave Maria is not from an opera. The tune is well over 500 years old and was sung in churches. This, to me, makes this more impressive than singing just some opera aria.

Of course, he does sound like he belongs in a boys choir...

Re: Manchester United Punches Ticket to Moscow

AtlantaPompey — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 20:49:05 -0000

We don't have to play at or near that level to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. We have to be the third best team in CONCACAF. We've demonstrated we can consistently do that.

Now your point is well taken if it's amended to say we can't compete in South Africa because we don't have players like that. I don't think we're really capable of getting out of the group stage yet, although you have to admit that American players are starting to go overseas and develop real skills. Our time is coming, hopefully in my lifetime.

A good match today. Some drama, but it was the usual tense semifinal drama. Can't wait for Chelsea-Liverpool.

Re: New 08/09 Portsmouth Away Shirt Revealed | EPL Talk

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:01:21 -0000

New crest, 110 years under it, collar. I generally like the design, but it has too much blue in it to be used away to teams like Blackburn, Chelsea, Everton. I hope the home kit isn't the exact opposite in color. The third kit will once again be black, which I think is unoriginal. They talk of a 4th kit for Europe, but we have to get there first.

The entire home kit will be blue as well. Almost 100 years of tradition wearing blue shirt/white pants/red socks will be gone. Definitely don't like that. It was distinctive. All blue is bland.

Now... who's name and number will I get on it...

Re: Poll: How Will You Experience the 2007/2008 FA Cup Final?

AtlantaPompey — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:12:04 -0000

Listening to multiple footie podcasts every week, I must say even I'm surprised at how much this game is being ignored. WSD goes on and on about the Champions League Final, the UEFA Cup Final, what's going on in Italy & Spain, where Mourinho ends up, summer transfer rumors...

but no mention of this game? I know that two unknown teams are in it. I know neither team has much support in the US. I know it's on PPV. But isn't this the FA Cup Final? It's supposed to be important.

Not that I'm bitter...

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Why The FA Cup Final Fever Is Missing This Week

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:11:15 -0000

I think I'll have the pub to myself Saturday morning. Never having seen another Pompey supporter in Atlanta, and guessing there aren't too many Cardiff supporters in Atlanta either, I'm thinking I won't have to get there early in order to get a good seat in front of the big screen tv.

On the other hand, that means more beer available for me to celebrate our lifting the FA Cup!!!

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: New 08/09 Portsmouth Home Shirt Revealed

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 16 May 2008 11:30:38 -0000

Pompey will be playing in a solid blue kit next year, over the objection of the majority of the supporters. The away kit looks nice. I wish the home kit had been the reverse of that one rather than with so much gold trim. The third kit will be black and the European kit, should we qualify, will be gold.

I won't be buying the new home kit, but if they qualify for Europe, I will get the gold kit with the UEFA cup patch on it.

Re: Harry Redknapp’s FA Cup

AtlantaPompey — Sun, 18 May 2008 17:30:37 -0000

Yes, we are a defensive team, much like what Rangers did to get to the UEFA Cup final, but with a little more scoring ability than Rangers, or maybe we were just luckier, like having an own goal in injury time against Plymouth.

The FA Cup was reduced to also ran status this year because no big teams were in it. I'm sure the PPV numbers were way down. We've played some great football along the way, but not in any of the FA Cup matches. Oh well. We still lifted the trophy.

Man, I've got a hangover...

Re: England vs USA: Why Americans Hate English Football Supporters

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:16:03 -0000

England won't show us more respect until we accomplish something worthy of respect. Winning at Wembley would be a good start. Advancing deep into the World Cup would be even better. We've done that once, but we needed a lot of help to advance out of the group stage.

MLS teams won't get the respect we crave until they start winning the international tournaments they are in. Send an MLS team to the Club World Cup, have them do well, and after a few times, the rest of the world will start showing some respect to MLS. Until that happens, all the whining in the world won't make a difference.

You want respect? Win.

I think some of that starts tonight.

England 1-2 USA

Re: US Soccer Federation Open to Hosting FA Community Shield, And Maybe the 39th Game | EPL Talk

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 28 May 2008 09:21:24 -0000

Ah, international politics...

England goes to T&T to play a game for the sole purpose of lining Jack Warner's pockets. Do you think they want his support for 2018?

Now Gulati announces that we will apply for WC2018, but we'd be open to supporting the 39th game. Bargaining Chip played.

Russia wants the Euros in 2016 or the 2018 WC. In exchange, they've said they would support the 39th game, and support England in their bid for whichever one Russia doesn't want. Russia will be a world power in club football in the next ten years given the amount of money they have and how well their economy is doing. Can you say FairTax?

Given that both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be awarded in March of 2011, the deals will be flying. One of those will be in Europe and one somewhere else. Should be interesting...

Re: England vs USA: Why Americans Hate English Football Supporters

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 28 May 2008 14:35:54 -0000

True, England has won only one trophy, and that was 42 years ago on home soil with a disputed goal... but at least they have won something. The Gold Cup doesn't count. When we consistently beat quality international competition and actually win a meaningful trophy, then the world will pay attention. I think even our country would pay more attention. Yes, they would be bandwagon jumpers, but that's okay.

Re: How Fox Soccer Channel Can Improve Its Summer Programming

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:41:08 -0000

Most of the FSC generated shows are little better than Public Access TV. I keep expecting Wayne's mom to interrupt the show and offer some cookies. (Wayne's World!!! Party Time!!! Excellent!!!)

I don't watch much GolTv as I have littel interest in domestic leagues outside of England. It's not that I'm snobbish about England, but that I just don't have the time to devote to learning about so many different leagues and countries.

I'll admit I haven't watched FSC at all this summer. I just haven't found a reason to watch it. If they had US Open Cup matches, I might be tempted, but only if the quality of the broadcast is higher than what I've come to expect from FSC.

It's only a matter of time before ESPN jumps in with both feet. I'll just be patient until then.

Re: Which Club Will Crack The Big Four This Season?

AtlantaPompey — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:08:29 -0000

If Spuds lose both Berbatov and Keane, they have no chance of finishing in the top 4. Those two combined for 40+ goals last season. Who replaces those goals?

Everton is the logical choice, but they haven't made much noise in the transfer window. Pompey, with some more depth, will be positioned to challenge for the top 4 as well. I don't see any of the other teams making legitimate top 4 runs this season.

Of course, I'm a little biased...

Re: Ashton and West Ham Show Flashes of What Can Be

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:36:13 -0000

Entertaining match, really enjoyed watching Blanco, especially the back-heel pass to Gomez for the first MLS goal.

What does it say about the league when one of the starters(Kenny Cooper) is interviewed right after he's subbed out about his possible move to...

Norway?

(Quick, name a team in Norway. Any team. Come on, can't you name one?)

If you had asked me before the match, I would have said that was a step down in quality of league. Apparently, I would have been wrong.

They also announced two more expansion teams in 2011. I'm not sure that's a good idea unless the ownership groups have really deep pockets. So what two cities get them? Montreal already has a stadium, easily expandable to MLS standards, a built in crowd, and a good organization, much like Seattle.

I personally would love to see the league back in the South, and specifically come to Atlanta. Arthur Blank, Falcons owner and co-founder of Home Depot, has stated he wants and team and has already scouted land for a Soccer-Specific-Stadium. Deep pockets, 9th largest city in the country, large Hispanic population. Makes sense to me.

Two days until the first match against ManU. I renewed my subscription to PFCTv yesterday. I'm ready.

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Ashton and West Ham Show Flashes of What Can Be

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:36:05 -0000

Atlanta is a crappy sports town, I'll grant you that one. However, when the teams are well run, this city will support them, especially if the tickets are reasonable. With deep pockets and a soccer only stadium, I think it could do well here. Nobody follows the Silverbacks because they work really hard at maintaining the lowest possible profile in this town. Arthur Blank has never kept a low profile in his life. Think of him as Jerry Jones, Jr. or the proud owner of the George Steinbrenner starter kit. Regardless of what you think of those two, at least their teams traditionally do well.

Florida does have two or three places that could support a team, but haven't in the past. My wish for Atlanta is purely selfish, not based on any knowledge of our chances.

Re: Shock Scores In Friendlies, But Do The Results Really Matter?

AtlantaPompey — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 18:13:51 -0000

It matters only in that everbody would prefer to win rather than lose. If they played well, individual players got the playing time they need to be ready for the opening of the season, and no one got injured, then a loss is not that big a deal.

Re: Liverpool Does the Right Thing: German Clubs Do Not

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:14:48 -0000

The Olympic Football Tournament is the oldest international Football Tournament. It is designated U-23 by FIFA, which makes it the final age-restricted bracket before Senior Level. Winning is prestigious. Just ask Brazil, who have never won it, and who are threatening to fire Dunga if they don't.

England, never having participated in it, I'm sure doesn't really understand it. I'll give them a pass on that.

I will be watching as many matches as possible, thanks to MSNBC or whatever network shows the tournament exclusively over here.

Since SAF doesn't want to coach the UK team in 2012 in London, I nominate Harry Redknapp.

Re: 2008 Community Shield On Fox Soccer Channel In U.S.

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:37:15 -0000

ManU created more chances than we did. We're still figuring out how to get the ball to Crouchie and Defoe. Too many long balls in, which are too easy to defend, plus neither one is particularly good with his head. We more than held our own in midfield and David James was outstanding. Both teams having played the night before made the match pretty slow at times.

I'll be watching the Community Shield on whichever channel the pub chooses. I might bring my laptop and watch it on PFCtv at the same time.

My prediction: 1-1 Pompey wins on PKs.

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Premier League Teams Appearing Most Often On Setanta Sports

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:55:25 -0000

Only twice? Makes me wonder why I pay for that channel!!!

Re: Premier League Teams Appearing Most Often On Setanta Sports

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:56:35 -0000

I mean...

Only four times? Makes me wonder why I pay for that channel!!!

(If only I could read better...)

Re: Premier League Teams Appearing Most Often On Fox Soccer Channel

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 11:57:49 -0000

Once? The FA Cup holders? Once? Damn, that sucks!!!

Re: Why Fox Soccer Channel Viewers Need To Subscribe To Setanta Sports

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:00:24 -0000

Going to the bars is not cheap, but it sure tastes better. I subscribe to both, which I believe is worth it, but I would love to see more matches.

Does this list include Setanta Xtra?

Re: Premier League Teams Appearing Most Often On Setanta Sports

AtlantaPompey — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 15:35:26 -0000

Me? Why me? Not my fault... ;)

PFCtv is where I'm going to watch most matches apparently.

Re: How The Olympics Will Affect Premier League

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 11:09:54 -0000

I really think this will be an interesting tournament and I plan to watch as much of it as possible. I will be recording most of the matches rather than watching them at 3 AM though.

The impact on the Premier League is much less than the impact from the African Cup of Nations. Pompey, for example, lost 4 players to that tournament, including starters. Losing only one player who rarely dressed won't affect us much.

Re: Premiership Preview–7. Portsmouth

AtlantaPompey — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:55:34 -0000

Defoe and Crouch can be a great combination. The defense, while good, is getting a little old. They will need some relief at points this season with UEFA Cup games on Thursday and League games on Sunday. David James hopefully has a few more spectacular saves in him without too many 'Calamity James' moments. The midfield should be solid, even with the loss of Muntari. The addition of some depth in defense and midfield should provide us what we need to do well in the UEFA Cup and the League at the same time.

While we do have a tough start and some tough stretches, we still have to play everyone twice, just like everyone else. In the end, we'll be right back where we were last season. I could see us as high as 6th.

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Man United Wins Community Shield 3-1 On Penalties: Your Thoughts

AtlantaPompey — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:53:47 -0000

We were outplayed. If our strategy this year is to send in long crosses to Crouchie, who isn't that good with his head, or to Defoe, who is 5'7", then we're in for a long season. We didn't win many midfield battles, and weren't able to advance the ball on the ground against ManU. We can beat the lesser teams in the league, but we won't do that well in the UEFA Cup, nor can we aspire to finish higher than 8th if this is how our offense tries to move the ball up the field. I was disappointed, even though they were essentially doing this two weeks ago in Nigeria.

SWP: Were you watching? We need you in the midfield. Not just for depth, but to push some of the current players to do better than they are doing now.

In order to end Chelsea's home points streak, we'll have to do better than this.

Re: Man United Wins Community Shield 3-1 On Penalties: Your Thoughts

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:38:23 -0000

I agree Kartik. Long passes to Defoe and Crouch won't work against the better teams. Defoe or Crouch have to get the ball upfield themselves, or Niko needs to be involved in the game more.

Redknapp showed his big game inexperience when he kept substituting and ended up with several players on the pitch for penalty kicks that had no business taking them. When your kick is so far off that the goalie doesn't even flinch but simply throws his hands up in celebration, you shouldn't have taken the kick.

In all honesty, the defense was great at times, and not at others. ManU missed two easy goals because of defensive mistakes and David James made spectacular saves. Tevez was pulled down in the box which should have been a penalty.

It will be interesting to see how Redknapp handles this setback.

Re: Are Manchester City About To Go Into Meltdown?

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:23:51 -0000

ManCity is in trouble.

Blackburn is in open revolt against new manager Ince.

Everton's David Moyes says they need 3-4 more players to be competitive in the league.

All together now:

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: How Premier League Players Flaunt Wealth Is Absolutely Sickening

AtlantaPompey — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 13:52:47 -0000

I don't begrudge anyone the right to spend their money how they see fit, as long they are acting within social norms, or at least being private about it so I don't have to hear. If Stevie G wants to build a gym, fine with me. If he wants to give it away to charity, fine with me. If he wants to give it to me, really fine with me.

Everybody does things with their money that others might find wierd. I spend $100 a month on Directv's HD package plus the sports packages so I can watch the EPL. I know lots of people who think that strange. One person's normal is another's strange.

Re: Hope Springs Eternal For Big Four Gatecrashers | EPL Talk

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 09:02:42 -0000

That was painful!!!

We couldn't string two passes together. We had Kaboul in midfield, who probably doesn't know his teammates names yet, and obviously doesn't know how to pass to them. We had Diop once again showing he shouldn't be handling the ball that much. We had Kranjcar pull a disappearing act. Sol Campbell out of position for the first goal. Glen Johnson jump all of three inches which allowed the second goal. David James coming off his line way too early and too far for the second and fourth goal. Crouch and Defoe got either terrible or nonexistent service. Slow lazy passes, always second to the ball, dribbling with our head down, no communication warning of double teams, no adjustment to Chelsea essentially playing 5 in the midfield. It's enough to drive you to drink, and I did. A lot!!!

Oh, and I don't like the new away kit. It's the wrong color blue.

Somebody please tell me that Chelsea is the best team in the history of the game, they will make everyone look this bad, and that we will bounce back next week against... Oh *#@%^!!! ManU is coming to Fratton Park next Monday?

I need another beer!!!

Re: Another Reason To Hate NBC’s Olympic Soccer Coverage

AtlantaPompey — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:37:26 -0000

Watched it online without commercials or announcers. I've watched other matches on the Olympic Soccer channel with no commercials as well. I certainly don't want commercial interruption in my viewing, which is why I will not watch the matches on MSNBC or whatever they were on. I will watch the final online. It's free, the video quality is excellent, and I don't have to put up with stupid American announcers.

Re: Harry Redknapp Interested In Coaching 2012 UK Team

AtlantaPompey — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 18:27:22 -0000

Give 'em 'ell 'Arry!!! Of course, they'll probably lose in the quarters on penalty kicks...

Of course, we won't get out of the group stage...

Re: Premier League Wants To Be The NFL

AtlantaPompey — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:10:03 -0000

Why would anyone watch a match among the bottom few if relegation were not involved?

It will sound strange coming from me, but why was Pompey included? Smallest stadium in the league? Not Craven Cottage. Fratton Park. Revenue for Pompey is terrible, and Gaydamak has shown a willingness to splash some cash, but not enough to make the team competitive for a title?

How will ending relegation mean that everyone can compete for the title? Revenue sharing? Salary Cap? How about reapportioning players around the league like MLS did several times. (ManU is just too good, therefore, Ronaldo can't play for them anymore. He must go to Portsmouth.)

If this happens, my interest in the EPL lessens dramatically. (modeling after the NFL, not if Ronaldo moves to Pompey)

Re: Portsmouth vs Manchester United (Your Running Commentary)

AtlantaPompey — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:43:38 -0000

Allowing Muntari to leave, although it made economic sense, really hurt the team. Little and Large will only work if they get better service. I was impressed with Armand Traore's pace and willingness to attack. I was impressed with Kaboul as a left-back. Glen Johnson is making good runs from the right back position. However, central midfield is not working. Muntari would have done an excellent job of feeding the forwards. We'll see what adjustments will be made as we develop.

Overall, Pompey looked much better against ManU. Familiarity helped, and the embarassment of the Chelsea match provided some motivation. I am not as down on them after this match as I was last week.

Now that we've gotten those two fixtures out of the way, let's see what we can do against teams we need to be competitive with such as Everton this Saturday. If we think we can earn a UEFA Cup spot with our finish in the league, we have to beat Everton.

PLAY UP POMPEY!!!
POMPEY PLAY UP!!!

Re: Where Have All Of The Transfers Gone?

AtlantaPompey — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 10:54:43 -0000

SWP to ManCity for 9 million pounds. Why would anyone want to join that sinking ship? They are a fire sale waiting to happen.

Of course, it could be that I'm bitter that he didn't head to Pompey instead.

Re: How to Watch the Best Premier League Game of the Day

AtlantaPompey — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:37:05 -0000

What a fantastic idea. I do like the idea that jm added of a user score. If you've seen a match, log in and rate it yourself. More info can only help. I'm signing up immediately. I frequently record several matches in one weekend and want to see the most entertaining one, in addition to the Pompey match. Adding Champions League matches would be great too. I always record those and watch them that night.

Re: Manchester City Is The New Chelsea Of Premier League | EPL Talk

AtlantaPompey — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 08:16:35 -0000

How can you state that this is a win for the Premier League, but awful news for the other 15 clubs who won't be able to compete? Don't those two statements contradict each other? If 15 of the 20 teams in the league can't compete, how is the league benefitting? Sure, the Big Five love it, but that's only 5 of 90-something teams in the football league. If this is the way it's going, then the Big Five need to join a European Super League and let the rest of us worry about England.

Fifth is the new First might have just become Sixth is the new First.