Compelling Soccer

It's Friday and I didn't feel like my rant on Marathon's inability to comprehend competent play warranted enough in the weekend lead up. So, here's what's kicking around on my brain today.


-I downloaded FIFA 10's demo, which was finally released in the US yesterday. Got a few quick games in before work, but unfortunately, the demo restricts you to three minute halves. It takes me a bit of time to get scoring down in any FIFA game, so I wish I had more time to get used to the set up. I also got nailed by a glitch in one of my games. There was a shot from sidelines at a distance of probably 35-40 yards. The goalie went to whack it above the bar as if it was a high shot. But the shot hit the ground in front of him and rolled past into the net. That certainly didn't endear itself to me and I knew I was going to lose the game. I ended up falling 2-0, so at least it didn't affect the outcome of the game. It also was the only bad thing I've encountered so far.

It took me a few games before I even realized the right thumb stick was to flick the ball in a direction, something I could have used in my games when I was trying to beat a defender one on one. It will take some time for me to get that down, but I like the potential there.

Already, I'm not sure who I'll want to take out onto the field in manager mode when this one drops on October 20th. Tempted to roll with Liverpool but these games usually discourage you from doing that.

-Debating the merits of downloading Pro Evolution Soccer's demo. I've heard the only people who actually think it matches up to FIFA are PES fanboys, but maybe it deserves a shot. I mean what's the worst thing that can happen with a free demo, right? For those of you interested in seeing fanboy war, check out the Neo Gaf forum thread. It's quite funny.

-In real life, Liverpool's starters will be likely playing their 3rd game in one week's time Saturday against West Ham. One wouldn't expect Rafa to hand out much in the way of rest with the season off to such a mediocre start considering expectations. One also has to wonder about their form heading in. Should be an interesting mix of reserves for Tuesday's Carling Cup effort.

-Wiki is fast. I was going to look up procedure for the CONCACAF Champions league last night and they already had the Toluca win in their system. We're talking 20 minutes after the game is finished. That, ladies and gents, is some fast service.

-Debating whether or not to spend my Saturday afternoon with MLS. I plan to catch Liverpool at 12:30 and there's a Seattle Sounders v. Chivas USA game at 3. I feel guilty that so far my MLS experiment has consisted of DC (who I suspect isn't great) and Houston (who features a player I dislike). I feel like I could get into the Sounders; my buddy's from Seattle, I liked the city upon visit and their uniforms for some reason, don't bother me despite their odd color scheme. On the other hand, following my own rationale, I'd need a far better reason to like them than that.

-My roommate insists it would be awesome to have an MLS team here. I suspect he just wants it so that he can make up his own chants.

-When will Freddy Adu play again? I'm thinking of writing a post about why there's still plenty of hope there, but it'd be a heck of a lot easier to write if he were, you know, playing, somewhere. Anywhere. Even if it was in a local game at his local men's club.

-Talk about piling on. Emmanuel Adebayor got hit with another improper conduct charge for going the length of the field to celebrate his goal against his former team, Arsenal last weekend. This is in addition to the three games he got for stomping Robert Van Persie in the face. The three games he got was deserved. But this seems like extra to me. There are far worse things that can be done on the field, heck Adebayor already displayed that. If you wanted to give him five games for the stomp, do it. If it was three, leave it at that and don't add anything else for celebrations.