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Linda's avatar

Shared your excellent Leeds story w my nephew and his son. I look forward to pretty much everything you’re writing these days and LOVED your podcast interview with HAYO. Thanks for the equal focus on all things women soccer!

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Grant Wahl's avatar

Thank you! Loved catching up with O’Reilly, my old work partner at Fox. She’s good people—and a loyal subscriber to the site!

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Bob Lowe's avatar

So 5 cities competing for three MLS. spots. Other than Vegas (meh), I’d have to think SD is a favorite with new Snapdragon Stadium. Also pulling for Detroit and Sacto due to their outstanding tenures in the lower leagues.

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Yossi's avatar

Your United analysis is spot on.

The first two goals were on De Gea.

The third goal was on Lisandro who's too short for CB and was manhandled by Ben Mee. The fourth, arguably, as well. If Maguire is the physical CB and Lisandro is the fast one - there was a Lisandro-sized (that's 4'5"? haha) hole in the middle on the break.

Varane (WC winner, Real Madrid bunker starter) should start each and every game. Lisandro as a holding MF is not a bad idea. Fred is more of an 8 than a 6 (Casemiro or Fabinho play 6 for Brazil, so Fred gets the freedom to flourish there), McTominay is just not good enough.

Rabiot is not a 6 either, nor is De Jong. It's shocking that Yves Bissouma was available for 30m pounds and United didn't outbid Spurs for him.

It's about to get uglier next week. At 0-0-3, and with no All or Nothing crew to film the amazing turnaround, I'm afraid that this Man United team is going to struggle for a while.

Ronaldo must go, for a small fee, for free, holding a suitcase full of cash - anything goes. He's a distraction, his disposition is a drag, he doesn't produce - the sooner the better.

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Yossi's avatar

You chose the wrong 10AM :) (but it's understandable considering the Leeds story, and the US-focus) Regardless, COYG!

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Grant Wahl's avatar

Impressive from Arsenal so far! Have you watched any of the All or Nothing series?

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Yossi's avatar

I'm after episode two - I'm watching it on a bike with a HR monitor on, and I go +10 or +20 with the same speed and effort during highlights and lowlights. It's proves that soccer is bad for your heart, but it's also a good reason to have a heart in the first place.

It made me like the club more. It made me appreciate Arteta's and Edu's decision making process. I love Henry's commentary. Weirdly, it made me sorta even like Josh Kroenke (the power of TV).

And, yeah, Arsenal looks great - Jesus, Martinelli and Saka click upfront. Partey gives Xhaka that ability to go forward and avoid stupid cards (when he doesn't dive, that is). Saliba is fantastic (even his OG was about great defending - getting there first and making the right choice). City is still a level above, but we've narrowed that gap.

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Robert C's avatar

While I’m not a fan of this World Cup, Ill be going and plan to go to 8 games at least. Kinda crazy that I can almost visit every stadium during the group stage. Should be definitely an experience. Fully prepared to consume many Shirley Temples.

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Grant Wahl's avatar

The ease of getting around should be nice.

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Yossi's avatar

I considered wallowing in Qatar for a couple of weeks during the group stage, but the corruption of the selection decision, the mistreatment of foreign workforce, the discrimination against non-hetero/non-cis and illegality of unmarried relationships, and alcohol ban?

Even if Thanksgiving makes it an easier hop, I'll (semi-regretfully) pass...

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