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Post by seddonstandviewer on May 11, 2012 20:01:30 GMT
Ex trialist Teal Bunbury plays for Kansas, as does ex Reading winger Bobby Convey.
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Post by stokeramblers on May 11, 2012 20:02:23 GMT
LiveStrong Sporting Park. Image courtesy PopulousExcited to host Stoke here at the BPL's lucky charm: Kansas City! The last two EPL sides we've hosted have qualified for European competition in the following season (Man you last year, Newcastle United this year). For those that aren't familiar with MLS in recent years, the league breaks two ways: teams stuck in the 1990s who think that the only way to attract fans is by signing pensioners to ridiculous contracts (see: New York, LA Beckhams) and teams that are developing good young teams and playing good football that sustainably draws in legions of fans. Kansas City is firmly in the latter category, particularly after the opening of the community pride and joy that is LiveStrong Sporting Park in 2011. There are no delusions though: MLS is a sizable cut below BPL in terms of the quality of football played. I don't care, I just love my team. SportingKC has started the season with an excellent run of form, winning their first seven games with an aggressive, possession-oriented style that has been both celebrated and panned by rival fans as being "like the MLS version of Stoke." The one player you may be familiar with is Teal Bunbury, a Canadian-born American player who was a trialist at Stoke in December 2010, scoring a goal in a reserve match against Wigan. He's fallen a bit out of favor locally in recent months as is now more of a reservist for us as well. MLS--which runs from March to November--will be in mid-season at this time. For Sporting KC this Wednesday night match will be sandwiched between a weekend match at home and a 1,500 mile road trip to New England. Like your side, Sporting will probably be a mix of reserve players and starters. Hopefully it won't be hotter than blazes this time (last year on August 1st it was 41ºC!) but there will be a good crowd, great seats (and standing terraces!), taps flowing, friendly people, and top notch facilities that will get your men in shape for the season. Hope you can swing a trip. Although Kansas City doesn't have a beach or a mountain range, it made Frommer's Top Destinations in the World for 2012. Either way, we'll welcome your boys to the Blue Hell. I love Americans, they're so fucking friendly all the time. You wonder why all these Afghans/Iraqis/Iranians kick off so much, they're lovely ;D
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Post by Northy on May 11, 2012 20:03:23 GMT
Our local U14's played their U14's here in March when they were touring during spring break, a decent bunch, we had a good chat with a few parents, one had a broad scouse accent but lived out there for 15 years The dads couldn't take the real ale in the cricket club after, they liked it but the strength was new to them
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Post by Mason_Stokie on May 11, 2012 20:06:26 GMT
You can get a flight to Chicago for about 650 quid. Anywhere in Ohio it's 800+.
It's the school holidays that pump up the price (US and UK). My folks are coming over in late August and the price of flights is 500 quid.
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Post by canadianmoose on May 11, 2012 20:54:38 GMT
Columbus is indeed a shithole. Too bad there is no friendly against Toronto FC! For those seriously considering it, you will get better deals flying into Cincinatti and then driving the 100 miles. Cincinnati is the most expensive airport in the US. I'd be surprised if you get any good deals to fly in there. There's also Indianapolis a couple of hours away who use southwest. Other alternatives that I've used are Dayton OH and, funnily enough, Columbus! I guess times have changed then. I used to go to Milacron for business on a regular basis and KCVG was usually the cheapest option. Just checked for me from SYR or YYZ I can get into CVG for over $100 cheaper than Columbus Might do this........
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Post by Mason_Stokie on May 11, 2012 21:12:14 GMT
Cincinnati is the most expensive airport in the US. I'd be surprised if you get any good deals to fly in there. There's also Indianapolis a couple of hours away who use southwest. Other alternatives that I've used are Dayton OH and, funnily enough, Columbus! I guess times have changed then. I used to go to Milacron for business on a regular basis and KCVG was usually the cheapest option. Just checked for me from SYR or YYZ I can get into CVG for over $100 cheaper than Columbus Might do this........ Well your checking dates for the stoke game. Flights are obviously going to be busier, and more expensive going to columbus at that time Here's the link about the most expensive. It's been the most expensive (on average) for the last few years.. kentoncounty.fox19.com/news/business/85640-cincinnatis-airport-number-one-highest-fares
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Post by MarkWolstanton on May 11, 2012 21:14:42 GMT
Sadly trans atlantic flights get jacked up by 40% at the end of June every year. It will be an expensive trip for UK Stokies. Lets hope that Orlando fixture pops up as it will be the cheapest option. Columbus is indeed a shit hole Kansas is fine and try and see a baseball game while you are there. Be great to see a few of you in the USA. Fear not. The Orlando fixture is a done deal. What did you think was going to pay for Lil' Ants contract this time? Seriously it is on the agenda and will be announced soon no doubt. No Austrian hills this year and the traditional opener against Newcastle Town has gone west (literally) too. S
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Post by seddonstandviewer on May 11, 2012 21:30:14 GMT
Sadly trans atlantic flights get jacked up by 40% at the end of June every year. It will be an expensive trip for UK Stokies. Lets hope that Orlando fixture pops up as it will be the cheapest option. Columbus is indeed a shit hole Kansas is fine and try and see a baseball game while you are there. Be great to see a few of you in the USA. Fear not. The Orlando fixture is a done deal. What did you think was going to pay for Lil' Ants contract this time? Seriously it is on the agenda and will be announced soon no doubt. No Austrian hills this year and the traditional opener against Newcastle Town has gone west (literally) too. S So no game against Castle Town? mmm, I'm a traditionalist myself...
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Post by stokeramblers on May 11, 2012 21:53:51 GMT
Sadly trans atlantic flights get jacked up by 40% at the end of June every year. It will be an expensive trip for UK Stokies. Lets hope that Orlando fixture pops up as it will be the cheapest option. Columbus is indeed a shit hole Kansas is fine and try and see a baseball game while you are there. Be great to see a few of you in the USA. Fear not. The Orlando fixture is a done deal. What did you think was going to pay for Lil' Ants contract this time? Seriously it is on the agenda and will be announced soon no doubt. No Austrian hills this year and the traditional opener against Newcastle Town has gone west (literally) too. S It's ok if I imply it and use a then ;D Being a smart arse aren't I!
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Post by jezzascfc on May 11, 2012 22:00:46 GMT
Bugger, I was in Orlando last summer as my son went to Orlando City's summer camp (and showed up the local kids 'n' all!!). Moving jobs/islands this August so no can do this time round. Enjoy lads - from my limited non-NYC/LA/SanFran/Orlando knowledge, I'd deffo visit Kansas ahead of Columbus of the two dates confirmed so far.
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Post by FullerMagic on May 11, 2012 22:11:25 GMT
Interesting interview with Ant Pulis on the Orlando website... www.facebook.com/orlandocitysoccer?sk=app_202280079867754WHAT DECISIONS LED YOU TO SIGN WITH ORLANDO CITY?
I don't think the clubs I played with over the past few years really suited my style of play. I met with Gary Mellor, who knows Phil (Rawlins) and Adrian (Heath) very well, and chatted with him about moving to the states and playing. I looked more and more into it, seeing how Lewis Neal thrived in Orlando. That helped that someone from England came here and went to sign with the MLS.
Being 27, I thought it would be good to have a change of scenery and lifestyle. Everything I heard about Adrian Heath was positive, how he was a good coach and employed a successful system in Orlando. It all felt like it was a good fit.
Yes, yes...that'll be it, Ant.....
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Post by seddonstandviewer on May 11, 2012 22:14:07 GMT
Interesting interview with Ant Pulis on the Orlando website... www.facebook.com/orlandocitysoccer?sk=app_202280079867754WHAT DECISIONS LED YOU TO SIGN WITH ORLANDO CITY?
I don't think the clubs I played with over the past few years really suited my style of play. I met with Gary Mellor, who knows Phil (Rawlins) and Adrian (Heath) very well, and chatted with him about moving to the states and playing. I looked more and more into it, seeing how Lewis Neal thrived in Orlando. That helped that someone from England came here and went to sign with the MLS.
Being 27, I thought it would be good to have a change of scenery and lifestyle. Everything I heard about Adrian Heath was positive, how he was a good coach and employed a successful system in Orlando. It all felt like it was a good fit.
Yes, yes...that'll be it, Ant..... Now thats funny! ;D
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Post by MarkWolstanton on May 11, 2012 22:38:03 GMT
Fear not. The Orlando fixture is a done deal. What did you think was going to pay for Lil' Ants contract this time? Seriously it is on the agenda and will be announced soon no doubt. No Austrian hills this year and the traditional opener against Newcastle Town has gone west (literally) too. S It's ok if I imply it and use a then ;D Being a smart arse aren't I! It was a joke. I dont think its Andrew Daviesgate 2 but then Im being a smart arse. Its no doubt everything to do with Phil.
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Post by Lesalanos on May 11, 2012 22:52:56 GMT
Living in Savannah, and having a two week shutdown when stoke tour looks like our family vacation may be in the mid west
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Post by Stoke-on-Toronto on May 12, 2012 7:38:33 GMT
Kansas City... Better city to go to.. Harder team to beat.
Columbus... Shithole... Easier team to beat.
PLEASE GO TO ORLANDO!
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Post by FullerMagic on May 12, 2012 8:16:20 GMT
Sentinel confirms that a game against Orlando is possible too - and that the Austrian trip is off. Pulis, though, "still hopes to arrange a week-long training camp elsewhere in Europe"
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Post by Caerwrangonpotter on May 12, 2012 9:03:42 GMT
If Tone needs a few European games, take in Belgium or Holland lad!!!
As for Columbus....was it or was it not their fans who had some Pre Season fisticuffs with Wet Sham a season or two back in the States?
Pwoper Naughty!
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Post by Deleted on May 12, 2012 14:06:49 GMT
Valencia, 2 camping trips and Orlando for 3 weeks in October has scuppered any chance of a USA tour for me Wonder if bet365 will screen the games for me
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Post by stokiejoeofalsager on May 12, 2012 20:16:19 GMT
If Tone needs a few European games, take in Belgium or Holland lad!!! As for Columbus....was it or was it not their fans who had some Pre Season fisticuffs with Wet Sham a season or two back in the States? Pwoper Naughty! they sure did... ish
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Post by ohiostoker on May 12, 2012 22:07:42 GMT
I was sitting just below where all of that was going on that day. The West Sham instigators were Americans from Philadelphia who had watched too much hooligan porn. That halftime incident continued onto the concourse and some people were doused with pepper spray. A banner "ICF 30 years undefeated" was unfurled by some idiots as halftime came to a close.
It continued after the match too. There were little skirmishes all around the stadium and just about all of Columbus' finest descended on the stadium. Even had the chopper in the air. One arrest after all of that drama, I believe.
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Post by joeyscfc on May 12, 2012 23:18:36 GMT
This tour will be interesting for SCFC, worked for Orlando whilst they had Newcastle & Bolton over last year and although they moaned non-stop about the unreal heat, the feedback was really positive and we (Orlando) went to a lot of effort to make it a great stay for them both. Importantly too, spoke to some of the backroom staff at Newcastle after they had been to Kansas and they absolutely hated it there, apparently the heat made any kind of training near enough impossible and it was a ghostland in terms of things to do, the players were bored stiff and had nowhere to go!! Perfect for keeping them out of trouble I guess
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Post by SteveWyman on May 14, 2012 18:52:55 GMT
This is awesome! Sporting KC is my nearest MLS team, and the only stadium I have attended a pro game in the US. I'll definitely be there to see a Stoke game in person for the first time in 3 years.
I went to Sporting KC vs LA Galaxy last year. They generate a pretty good atmosphere for a small stadium.
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Post by choppercherry on May 14, 2012 19:23:44 GMT
Stokeuk 3weeks in October! You must be minted, I can only afford 2weeks! Be there myself in Oct proudly wearing my Stoke tops!
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Post by Deleted on May 14, 2012 20:24:41 GMT
Stokeuk 3weeks in October! You must be minted, I can only afford 2weeks! Be there myself in Oct proudly wearing my Stoke tops! That's why we're camping the rest Been quite a few times but never for so long. Got a good deal with virgin flights, hotel with travel republic and then car with virgin again Just need sort out tickets then spend the rest of the time on the gulf coast! You been before?
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Post by vivaguillermo on May 15, 2012 15:12:40 GMT
Greetings from Columbus. A bit about what you’ll need to know about your trip to Columbus. Columbus- Pretty good sized city. We’re no NY or Chicago but we’re no cow-town. There is plenty to do in the city and the surrounding areas. We’ve got a top-notch zoo and great malls as well as plenty of other attractions. I see others on this forum suggesting you should fly into Cincinnati or Cleveland or Chicago, but I think you’re far better off flying straight into Columbus. Columbus Crew- We were one of the first teams in MLS when the league started in 1996. Won the MLS Cup (our playoff system) in 2008. Won the Supporters Shield (given to the team with the best regular season record) in 2004, 2008, and 2009. Our most notable players over our history that you lot may have heard of are Brad Friedel (American international goalkeeper and Ohio native, currently with Tottenham), Brian McBride (American international forward, formerly of Preston North End, Everton, and Fulham), Guillermo Barros Schelotto (retired Argentine and Boca Juniors LEGEND who lead us to the cup in ’08), Robbie Rogers (American international winger, currently with Leeds), Stern John (Trinidad forward with stints at several English clubs) Jeff Cunningham (American forward and all-time MLS leading scorer), Simon Elliot (New Zealand international who spend 3 years at Fulham), current technical director and TV commentator Duncan Oughton (New Zealand international), and current manager Robert Warzycha (Polish international midfielder who, while with Everton, was one of the few foreigners starting in the EPL on the first weekend of league action). There aren’t many names on the current roster that you may have heard of outside of Chris Birchall (from Port Vale; just signed with us last week). Our current squad is hard-working but unspectacular. However, we play in a league that stresses making the playoffs and getting hot late in the season, so early form really doesn’t matter unless you are trying to win the Supporters Shield. Columbus Crew Stadium- Opened in 1999, it was the first soccer-specific stadium in the United States. While it isn’t nearly as glamorous as some of the newer stadiums (you guys’ll love what Kansas City has built), it’ll always be known as the forerunner of American soccer stadiums. Seats about 20k and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. The stadium has been the host of the last 3 USA vs. Mexico World Cup qualifiers, each of which we won 2-0. We’ll also be hosting Jamaica for a World Cup Qualifier on September 11th. The pitch has always been top-notch save for some goalmouth spots. Around the Stadium- The area around the stadium isn’t the best. It isn’t far from downtown though if you drive in or take a cab. There are a few bars within walking distance, the best of which will probably be 4th Street Patio (http://fourthstreetpatio.com/), where many (friendly) Crew fans will be pre-game. The stadium is located near The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the United States. There are plenty of restaurants and places to eat around there. There are always Crew fans tailgating in the parking lot as well and I’m sure you lot will be more than welcome to join them in some pre-game food and drinks. Crew fans- Last year against Newcastle on a Tuesday night we only drew 11k. Expect the stadium to be about half-empty for this one solely because it is on a Tuesday night, though hopefully the weather will cooperate and, with proper advertising, we’ll get a good enough crowd. Our supporters section is located in the northeast corner of the stadium and is known as the “Nordecke.” It houses multiple supporters groups and combines European, Latino, and American fan culture. The fight a few years ago with West Ham- I’ve seen it brought up here multiple times. It was really nothing. A few drunkasses saw a few too many hooligan films and thought they’d be stupid. Even as “fights” were going on after the game outside the stadium a few West Ham supporters (who flew over from across the pond) invited me and a few friends for a few drinks to talk about sports and football in America and how stupid some West Ham “fans” were being. It was all very friendly and fun. Some people think “oh, Americans see us come over and try to kiss our asses” and this isn’t entirely the case, but we’re not going to start a fight with fans of a club we haven’t played before in a friendly on a Tuesday night. If any Stoke fans from England or wherever you come from decide to support their club at our stadium, we will welcome your support (as it certainly helps our club as well). On our fans’ reaction to this friendly- Some were saying “ugh, it’s just Stoke.” I’m the exact opposite. A city like Columbus was never going to get a big-name friendly against United or Arsenal or Milan. I’m relieved we were able to get a Premier League side with several quality players to come and play us in a friendly. I love watching Stoke play (especially at home) and I think that a North American tour is necessary to increase exposure if you really want to be a club that is able to survive in the Premier League. Overall, I’m pleased that we’ll be able to play Stoke this summer. While I expect that you’ll come out on top, I’m excited that we’ll have a Premier League team play here in Columbus. We’ll most likely play a mix of starters and reserves from the start and then make a number of substitutions to give our starters adequate rest (while I’d love to see what we can do against a Premier League side, you’re in preseason and it wouldn’t be a true representation of your skill and I’d trade a win at the weekend any day over a win in a friendly). I hope you enjoy your stay in Columbus! P.S. – Last season against Newcastle, Newcastle supporters were able to listen to the game online. They absolutely fell in love with Neil Sika, our radio commentator. So for those who can’t make it to the match, you might find it entertaining to give it a listen. www.facebook.com/pages/Neil-Sika-The-legend-who-commentated-on-Newcastle-vs-The-Crew/225045827530742
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Post by fca47 on May 15, 2012 16:18:34 GMT
Thanks for the info mate. I think people get a bit paranoid about supposed rucks. But if you don't go looking for trouble you normally don't find it. All the european games have been very friendly and gone off without trouble.
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paulr
Lads'n'Dads
Posts: 83
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Post by paulr on May 15, 2012 20:12:45 GMT
Thanks for the info vivaguillermo. I'll be traveling to the games in Columbus, Kansas City [and hopefully Orlando] with my wife.
We normally attend pre-season in Austria and have followed the Potters to Split, Thun, Kiev, Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Valencia this season.
I've visited 14 states, but never been to Ohio or Kansas. We are looking forward to seeing what Columbus and Ohio has for us to see.
We'll be booking seats for the game as soon as they go on sale.
Paul
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2012 20:15:57 GMT
Thanks for the info vivaguillermo. I'll be traveling to the games in Columbus, Kansas City [and hopefully Orlando] with my wife. We normally attend pre-season in Austria and have followed the Potters to Split, Thun, Kiev, Tel Aviv, Istanbul and Valencia this season. I've visited 14 states, but never been to Ohio or Kansas. We are looking forward to seeing what Columbus and Ohio has for us to see. We'll be booking seats for the game as soon as they go on sale. Paul Have the hippos's got a seat on the plane as well mate ;D
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Post by choppercherry on May 15, 2012 20:25:19 GMT
Stokeuk, yeah mate this will be my 5th time! Was there in Oct 2 years ago. Proudly wearing my Stoke top!
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paulr
Lads'n'Dads
Posts: 83
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Post by paulr on May 15, 2012 21:06:59 GMT
Of course they have!
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