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Major League Soccer has announced the 2020 season will be suspended for 30 days as it continues to assess the impact of coronavirus. MLS commissioner Don Garber confirmed all 26 clubs were “united” to halt fixtures with immediate effect due to the outbreak, which has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The decision […]

The post Coronavirus: MLS season suspended for 30 days appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Coronavirus: MLS season suspended for 30 days appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – When Younes Namli scored the opening goal in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-1 win over Orlando City SC Saturday, he made history. Scoring after just two appearances, it marked the fastest a Rapids’ Designated Player has gotten on the scoresheet after their Colorado debut.

Colorado’s track record with Designated Players could be graded best as a “mixed bag” with names like Tim Howard, Kevin Doyle, Shkëlzen Gashi, Juan Ramirez and Gabriel Torres having graced the annals of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Transitioning to MLS and the altitude of Colorado was always going to be a challenge, but for Namli and the Rapids, it was important their newest big name signing find success and find it early.

“I think anytime you’re a new player on a team, there’s expectations and within the community there’s expectations even around the league,” Rapids coach Robin Fraser said. “I think if you score in your second game in the league and then score in that fashion, I think you take some of that pressure off and you just get to be you.”

Namli did just that, dribbling through Orlando defenders as if it were a cone drill at training before finding the silky finish. It was a play that showed the Danish-Moroccan midfielder’s best qualities – creativity, vision and drive.

He learned those qualities growing up while watching some of his favorite players in YouTube videos and Nike’s famed “Joga Bonito” ad campaign – videos which featured famed Brazilian Ronaldinho and his national team compatriots showing off their skills.

“He was an amazing player,” said Namli. “I mean, and the fact that he always played with a smile was just amazing to watch.”

Namli has brought similar attributes to Colorado, both on and off the pitch. Aside from his goalscoring and creativity, the attacker has brought a healthy mix of professionalism and lightheartedness to the locker room. Despite being the new guy, Namli hasn’t backed down from the banter of other locker room characters like Jack Price or Kellyn Acosta.

“Who is that? Obama?” he quipped to a suit-clad Acosta trying to disrupt a media scrum surrounding him.

“En Espagnol,” he ribs to the Spanish-speaking American goalkeeper William Yarbrough while he conducts his own interview.

“He’s got a really like fun personality,” Fraser said with a grin. “And when it comes to soccer, he wants to win. He’s a very determined player. And really, he very much fits into our locker room. He’s a guy who will do whatever the team asked him to do. He works extremely hard. He’s very, very serious when it comes to winning games.”

The son of Moroccan immigrants, Namli also learned the value of hard work.

“My parents provided everything for my siblings and I,” said Namli. “I am where I am today because of them.”

With Colorado in the midst of a build towards a return to the postseason following a three-year hiatus, Namli knows his role in the project and is fully on board with achieving its goal.

“The style of play and the club’s ambition was the most important thing in making my decision [to sign],” he explained. “There’s a challenge here to compete in MLS. It was a perfect fit for me.”

History will determine whether Namli is graded in better terms than his Designated Player predecessors. Nonetheless, he’s already well on the path toward carving out a legacy for himself and his team.

“I came to compete and we have a good a good group of guys, a good squad,” Namli said. “Hopefully we’ll be able to achieve something.”

The post Younes Namli looking to carve his own Colorado Rapids legacy appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Former United States men’s national team midfielder Benny Feilhaber announced his retirement Wednesday, capping a 15-year career that included stops in the German Bundesliga, English Premier League, Danish Superliga, and Major League Soccer.

Feilhaber, 35, represented four MLS clubs from 2011-19: the New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, Los Angeles FC and Colorado Rapids.

He’s coming off a disappointing season with SKC, who failed to reach the playoffs in 2019 and declined Feilhaber’s contract option at the end of the campaign.

That said, in a long post on his personal Twitter account announcing his retirement, recapping his career and thanking coaches and fans, Feilhaber singled out Kansas City as a place near and dear to his heart.

“Sporting KC and [coach] Peter Vermes brought to the club where I now call home,” wrote Feilhaber, who lives in Overland Park, Kansas. “I grew as a player and a person, became a husband and father, and ultimately had the best five years of my life, on and off the field.”

Feilhaber, who recorded 41 goals and 60 assists in 262 regular season appearances, had two separate stints with SKC (2013-17 and 2019) and helped the club win the 2013 MLS Cup and 2015 and 2017 U.S. Open Cups.

His career was well-established before he came to MLS. After two years at UCLA, Feilhaber joined Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga in 2005. He moved to England’s Derby County in 2007 and remained there until 2008 before transferring to Denmark’s AGF Aarhus, where he played from 2008-11.

Feilhaber was on the squad’s periphery at Hamburger and was utilized sparingly at Derby County as well, but former U.S. men’s national team coach Bob Bradley nevertheless started giving him consistent call-ups in 2006.

Arguably Feilhaber’s most seminal moment — for both club and country — was his game-winning goal against Mexico in the 2007 Concacaf Gold Cup final.

The extratime winner arrived off a corner kick, with a wide-open Feilhaber belting a perfectly-hit volley into the back of the net past a helpless Oswaldo Sanchez in front of 50,760 at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Feilhaber was on the field for many more of the U.S.’s noteworthy and notorious moments from the last decade.

He played in the “Miracle on Grass” game when the USMNT prevailed against world powerhouse Spain, 2-0, in the semifinals of the 2009 Confederations Cup.

He was on the field for Landon Donovan’s last-second winner against Algeria at the 2010 FIFA World Cup that sent the U.S. into the knockout round.

And he played in the U.S.’s 2-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago in October 2017, which left the Yanks out of the World Cup for the first time since 1986.

The New England Revolution acquired Feilhaber in 2011 via allocation. He struggled in Foxborough as the Revolution failed to reach the playoffs in both seasons he was with the club. New England subsequently traded Feilhaber to Kansas City for two SuperDraft picks and undisclosed amount of allocation money.

After four seasons, Kansas City traded him to Los Angeles FC in 2018 for $400,000, a move which reunited Feilhaber with Bradley.

He recorded three goals and six assists in the club’s inaugural season, but left the next winter and joined Colorado as a free agent.

Feilhaber lasted less than three months with the Rapids, who traded him back to Kansas City last May. He scored two goals in 17 appearances with SKC last season.

“I would be remiss to not add a massive thank you to all the fans I’ve had along the way,” Feilhaber added. “All the fans that loved me and all the fans that hated me, you guys played an integral part on the many emotions I’ve felt throughout this wonderful journey.

“The Cauldron, the South Stand and everyone in between…you guys cheered me on for six season in the Blue Hell and I appreciated every single minute of it. I hope to, one day soon, be leading the ‘I believe’ chant with you all.”

I love this game but running is hard. So I’m out!! pic.twitter.com/IQ03oUpFuY

— Benny Feilhaber (@b_feilhaber22) March 11, 2020

The post Benny Feilhaber announces retirement after storied 15-year career appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

If you like overreactions after Week 2 of the Major League Soccer season, then Minnesota United and Sporting Kansas City are the favorites to win MLS Cup.

While we will not go that far here, we are more than willing to hand out praise to the players on those clubs for how strong they have started. 

The Loons have reeled off two straight wins and they blitzed through the San Jose Earthquakes by scoring five goals Saturday. Sporting KC’s bounce-back season is full effect already with a pair of new acquisitions leading the charge. 

Given how well the players on both Western Conference squads have played, they have a large presence at the top of the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings. 

We have expanded the list to 20 after Week 2, which is where it will stay for the rest of the campaign. When a larger sample size is put together, we will take into account the last four appearances, with the most-recent weighing more in our decision-making. 

But for now, we are listing the players based off how they have performed in Weeks 1 and 2. 

20. Kyle Duncan, D, New York Red Bulls

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Kyle Duncan was one of a few players that starred in the New York Red Bulls’ season-opening win over FC Cincinnati. 

Duncan and the defensive unit helped Chris Armas’ side earn a point in its first road game at Real Salt Lake Saturday. 

The 22-year-old right back won three aerials, had one off-the-line clearance and made four tackles at Rio Tinto Stadium.

19. Eddie Segura, D, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 9

The final goal in the chaotic 3-3 draw between Los Angeles FC and Philadelphia was netted by Eddie Segura. 

The LAFC center back completed a 23-minute sequence in which four goals were scored, two by each side. 

IT'S 3-3!!!

Eddie Segura slams home for @LAFC, and we've still got another quarter of an hour to go. pic.twitter.com/BmSa4lFTVA

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 9, 2020

While it was not the best defensive performance from LAFC, there was also little the Black-and-Gold defenders could do to keep out the golazos netted by Sergio Santos and Jakob Glesnes. 

18. Thiago Santos, M, FC Dallas

Previous Ranking: 8

One of the key figures on a predominantly young FC Dallas squad could be a 30-year-old Brazilian defensive midfielder. 

Thiago Santos was the most active FC Dallas player on the ball in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with the Montreal Impact, as he made 108 touches. 

Defensively, he made three tackles, a clearance and an interception and disrupted parts of Montreal’s attacking development. 

If he continues to play well, it may open up more freedom for players like Tanner Tessmann and Paxton Pomykal to attack with a safety blanket behind them. 

17. Ifunanyachi Achara, F, Toronto FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

The most surprising star of the first two weeks is Ifunanyachi Achara. 

The 25th overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft scored the lone goal in Toronto FC’s 1-0 win over New York City FC. He also had a goal taken back by VAR. 

Have yourself a night, rook!@AcharaIfy10 | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/ZQ3mYpnfDf

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 7, 2020

The 22-year-old appears to be the gem found in the deeper part of the SuperDraft, which has not produced enough talent in previous years compared to past seasons because of the emergence of Homegrown players. 

16. Jack Price, M, Colorado Rapids

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

While you have been busy fawning over Minnesota and Sporting KC, the Colorado Rapids racked up a pair of wins to begin the season as well.

Jack Price has dished out a pair of assists in the opening stretch for Robin Fraser’s side that pulled off wins over Orlando City and D.C. United. 

There is a chance the Rapids continue their strong start since they face the Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo in the next two games.

15. Emerson Hyndman, M, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Emerson Hyndman has gone from cast-off loan player at Bournemouth to a contributing midfield piece for Atlanta United. 

goals in games for @emersonhyndman!

That's a 2-0 lead for the hosts. #ATLvCIN pic.twitter.com/K590CgfwEf

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 8, 2020

Part of that evolution has to do with the quality around, but the American midfielder deserves credit for winning a spot and scoring in each of the first two weeks. 

With Josef Martinez out for the season, the Five Stripes will need a handful of players to chip in with goals to fill the void left by the Venezuelan. 

14. Michael Barrios, M, FC Dallas

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

An argument can be made that Michael Barrios is one of the most overlooked midfielders in MLS. 

The 28-year-old Colombian has not been credited with a goal or assist yet, but he has been involved in many of FC Dallas’ attacking buildups. 

In Saturday’s draw with the Impact, he dished out six key passes, which came after he handed out a pair of key assists in the Week 1 win over Philadelphia. 

13. Ali Adnan, D, Vancouver Whitecaps

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Speaking of overlooked players, Ali Adnan may top that list at the moment. 

Few outside observes have paid attention to the Whitecaps under Marc Dos Santos because of their poor form, but the full back has been one of the few bright spots. 

Raposo Adnan Ricketts BACK OF THE NET!!!!!

LA 0-1 VAN | #VWFC pic.twitter.com/YwKjIZo2G4

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) March 8, 2020

On Saturday, the 26-year-old provided an assist on Tosaint Ricketts’ game-winner against the LA Galaxy, and he was part of a unit that allowed a single shot on goal to the Chicharito-led Galaxy attack. 

12. Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez, M, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez has been the opposite of overlooked since he arrived in Georgia. 

The pressure has been on Martinez to thrive because of the hefty price Atlanta United spent to acquire him. 

The 26-year-old handed out two assists in Atlanta’s 2-1 win over FC Cincinnati, which marked the first time he played without Josef Martinez. 

Of course, there will be much more difficult games ahead where the top striker will be missed, but Saturday was a good step in the right direction.

11. Andre Blake, GK, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Typically, we do not like to reward goalkeepers who conceded on three occasions, but Andre Blake is the exception to that. 

The Jamaican netminder made eight saves to preserve the Union’s 3-3 draw at Banc of California Stadium. 

Blake did all of this with a growing bruise on his forehand from a collision early in the first half. 

He made plenty of important denials, but the most crucial one came in the final minutes of the contest to make sure the Union left southern California with their first point. 

10. Ezequiel Barco, M, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Ezequiel Barco might end up as the biggest beneficiary to Martinez’s long-term injury. 

The opportunities to score will come in bunches for the Argentinian, who has found the back of the net in each of Atlanta’s league contests. 

But his scoring run might end in Week 3 against Sporting Kansas City, a match that comes three days after a trip to Estadio Azteca to play Club America in the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals. 

9. Zdenek Ondrasek, F, FC Dallas

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

The man nicknamed Kobra has been lethal in front of goal for FC Dallas in 2020.

Zdenek Ondrasek is one of a few players to score in each of the first two weeks, and he provided an assist on the other FC Dallas goal Saturday. 

BIG goal from Kobra!

Keep fighting boys!#DTID | #SomosFCD pic.twitter.com/BGXRXyGCFg

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) March 7, 2020

Since Aug. 17, 2019, the Czech striker has scored nine goals in 10 regular-season contests. 

8. Luis Amarilla, F, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Luis Amarilla still has a long way to go to reach the 25 goals he guaranteed when he was introduced as a Minnesota United player. 

¡Se vuelve a encontrar con el gol Luis Amarilla!#SJvMIN | 1-3 pic.twitter.com/7Yw6tN3oJk

— MLS Español (@MLSes) March 8, 2020

But the 24-year-old is off to a great start in attaining that total, as he scored once in each of Minnesota’s two wins. 

Amarilla, who also contributed an assist Saturday, is one of three Loons with multiple tallies. 

7. Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders

Previous Ranking: 1

Jordan Morris was the top performer from Week 1 by scoring two goals in the Seattle Sounders’ opener. 

He was not as successful in front of goal against the Columbus Crew Saturday, as he failed to put any of his three shots on target.

Despite the lack of goals in Week 2, Morris looks like one of the most promising forwards in MLS once again, which is a promising sign for the U.S. men’s national team.

6. Gadi Kinda, M, Sporting Kansas City

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes has excelled in the past at bringing in lesser-known players to thrive in his system.

#SportingKC are cruising!

Alan Pulido Gadi Kinda for 3-0 (catch that Pulido skill at the start too). #SKCvHOU pic.twitter.com/aDEZcyDJVI

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 8, 2020

Gadi Kinda fits into that category, as he has fit into the team’s system well in his first two games. 

The 25-year-old has two goals and an assist, including a tally and a handout in the 4-0 thumping of the Houston Dynamo Saturday. 

5. Jan Gregus, M, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jan Gregus was one of many Loons to boost his stat totals in Saturday’s blowout over the Earthquakes. 

The Slovakian midfielder contributed a goal and two assists in the five-goal outburst that kept them on top of the Western Conference. 

BOOM

Whatta strike from Jan Gregus! #MNUFC pic.twitter.com/vdil6nYNYy

— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) March 8, 2020

The 29-year-old added four key passes and made a trio of tackles on the defensive end of the pitch. 

4. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 8

Carlos Vela delivered another moment of brilliance Sunday in the shootout with the Union.

SHEESH!

Carlos Vela is starting off the new season on

(via @MLS) pic.twitter.com/rzcFB8OQ8c

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) March 9, 2020

The Mexican forward curled a free kick perfectly over Blake into the left roof of the net for the first of three game-tying goals. 

Although he was not as dynamic as some of the other players on this list, Vela continues to be consistent, which is what we reward the most here. 

3. Maxi Urruti, F, Montreal Impact

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Maxi Urruti is the unlikely Golden Boot leader through two weeks. 

The former FC Dallas man netted a pair of tallies for the Impact against his old team at Toyota Stadium Saturday. 

Urruti is already one goal away from matching his season total from 2019 and he has scored in three consecutive regular-season matches dating back to last year’s finale.

2. Alan Pulido, F, Sporting Kansas City

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Alan Pulido has delivered so far up top for Sporting KC.

The Mexican No. 9 racked up his first tally in front of the home crowd at Children’s Mercy Park in the rout over Houston. 

Welcome to The Blue Hell, @alanpulido. #SKCvHOU // 1-0 pic.twitter.com/O1i8GSnFVs

— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) March 8, 2020

The 29-year-old has scored in back-to-back games and has a chance to shine even further against Atlanta United in what will be one of Week 3’s most anticipated games. 

1. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

The reigning MLS Defender of the Year is currently in the mix for the Golden Boot as well. 

Ike Opara’s goal total may drift off in the next few weeks, but it was impressive to see what he did in the win over San Jose. 

You can't guard @ikeopara in the box. pic.twitter.com/TuPnhsNM9I

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 9, 2020

The center back banged in a pair of headers against San Jose in a dominant performance in which the Loons had a three-goal advantage going into half. 

The Loons have a chance to extend their terrific start in front of their home crowd on national television Sunday versus the New York Red Bulls. 

 

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 2: Loons, Sporting KC dominate the top appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

It’s taken just one week, but already there’s a shakeup at the top of the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings.

In fact the top five spots have changed after the first two games of the 2020 season. Minnesota United FC and Atlanta United both made three-spot leaps to the top two spots after winning their second games of the year.

Sporting Kansas City, which also improved to 2-0-0 after a comprehensive victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, moved four spots up to No. 3 followed by last week’s top two teams — Seattle Sounders and LAFC.

The Major League Soccer Power Rankings are created by averaging the rankings submitted by a committee of Pro Soccer USA’s editors and writers.

(3) Minnesota United FC (2-0-0, 6 points): Ike Opara struck for a brace, Luis Amarilla, Jan Gregus and Robin Lod added first-half goals as the Loons raced out to a 4-1 halftime lead and cruised to a 5-2 drubbing of host San Jose. (5) Atlanta United (2-0-0, 6 points): In their first game since Josef Martinez suffered a torn ACL, Atlanta United improved to 2-0-0 after defeating FC Cincinnati 2-1 on goals by Ezequiel Barco and Emerson Hyndman. (7) Sporting Kansas City (2-0-0, 6 points): Four different players scored, including the second goal of the year for both Alan Pulido and Gadi Kinda in a 4-0 rout of the Houston Dynamo. (1) Seattle Sounders FC (1-0-1, 4 points): A retaken Raul Ruidiaz penalty kick provided the late equalizer for the Sounders, who rallied to tie Columbus Crew SC 1-1 at CenturyLink Field. (2) Los Angeles Football Club (1-0-1, 4 points): Three times LAFC trailed on Sunday night and each time they rallied to equalize on goals by Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Eddie Segura in a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Philadelphia Union. (6) Columbus Crew SC (1-0-1, 4 points): Gyasi Zardes opened his 2020 account on a terrific back-post service by Luis Diaz and Eloy Room appeared to secure all three points in Seattle. But the goalkeeper was off the line for a Ruidiaz PK, which he scored on the retake. (10) Colorado Rapids (2-0-0, 6 points): Two games in and the Rapids are making last-minute wins a weekly occurrence. After a stoppage-time winner at D.C. United, Drew Moor scored the 90th-minute winner to beat Orlando City SC 2-1. (4) FC Dallas (1-0-1, 4 points): Down by two goals inside the final 10 minutes in Montreal, FC Dallas roared back to level on goals by Zdenek Ondrasek in the 83rd minute and Ricardo Pepi in the sixth minute of stoppage time. (11) Toronto FC (1-0-1, 4 points): Achara wasn’t supposed to be in the starting lineup. But when Tsubasa Endoh failed a late fitness test, there was the rookie from Nigeria, who scored the lone goal late in a 1-0 win over NYCFC. (13) Montreal Impact (1-0-1, 4 points): Maxi Urruti burned his former club with a brace in the span of nine minutes in the second half, but the Impact conceded twice inside the final seven minutes — and six more of stoppage time — to settle for a share of the points with FC Dallas. (9) New York Red Bulls (1-0-1, 4 points): Cristian Casseres’ first-half goal held up until second-half stoppage time when Damir Kreilach leveled and the Red Bulls were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at Real Salt Lake. (19) Philadelphia Union (0-1-1, 1 point): In a terrific display of attacking soccer, the Union went toe-to-toe with last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners. Sergio Santos, Jakob Glesnes and Brenden Aaronson scored for the visitors in the 3-3 draw at LAFC. (12) New York City FC (0-2-0, 0 points): It’s not time to panic, but a promising season for NYCFC has started with consecutive 1-0 defeats. A deep run in the CCL may quell some concerns, but three points in the home opener against FC Dallas is important. (23) D.C. United (1-1-0, 3 points): D.C. United shook off an early deficit to score twice in a three-minute span in the second half — on a Yamil Asad penalty kick and the eventual winner by Frederic Brillant to defeat Inter Miami CF 2-1. (15) Real Salt Lake (0-0-2, 2 points): Damir Kreilach struck in second-half stoppage time after having a shot cleared off the line in the first half to secure a 1-1 draw against the Red Bulls in the Rio Tinto Stadium 2020 opener. (17) New England Revolution (0-1-1, 1 point): Two games, two blown leads and a bunch of squandered chances for the Revolution, who show promise, but continue to be dogged by their lapses and lack of precision. (22) Portland Timbers (1-1-0, 3 points): The Timbers bounced back from a frustrating season-opening loss to Minnesota with a 1-0 win over Nashville SC on Diego Valeri’s second goal of the young season. (21) Chicago Fire FC (0-1-1, 1 point): The first point for the rebranded Fire came in a 1-1 draw at New England courtesy of a Jonathan Bornstein equalizer in the 70th minute. (8) LA Galaxy (0-1-1, 1 point): Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s first home game for the LA Galaxy was a dud, at least for the home team, which suffered a stunning 1-0 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. (25) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1-1-0, 3 points): Ali Adnan did all the work, but Tosaint Ricketts gets the glory with the lone goal in the 74th minute in a 1-0 win over the LA Galaxy. (20) Orlando City SC (0-1-1, 1 point): Chris Mueller scored the Lions’ first goal of the season, an 82nd-minute equalizer, but OCSC were denied a share of the points when Moor scored the late winner. (18) Inter Miami CF (0-2-0, 0 points): Rodolfo Pizarro scored the first goal in Inter Miami CF history, giving the expansion side a lead in the second minute. But D.C. United responded with a pair of second half goals as Inter’s search for a first win extends into Week 3. (14) San Jose Earthquakes (0-1-1, 1 point): Have the Quakes reverted back to their leaky defense ways? They have conceded seven goals in two matches and have just one point to show from back-to-back home games. (16) Houston Dynamo (0-1-1, 1 point): After an encouraging Week 1 draw against the LA Galaxy, the Dynamo took a step backward with a 4-0 defeat at Sporting KC. La Naranja look to bounce back at home vs. the Sounders this weekend. (24) Nashville SC (0-2-0, 0 points): Another hard-working effort, another tough result for Nashville SC, which were inches from a late Walker Zimmerman equalizer in a 1-0 defeat to Portland. (26) FC Cincinnati (0-2-0, 0 points): Another two-goal deficit sliced in half in the second half, but FC Cincinnati fell to 0-2-0 following a 2-1 loss to Atlanta United.

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Julian Cardillo, Ben Ferree, and Robert Jonas contributed to this report

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 2: Minnesota United move to top spot appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The new Major League Soccer has begun and Inter Miami are one of the two new franchises in the league. That has taken MLS up to the record-breaking 26 teams in the league and Inter Miami are already looking eager to make some big statements. They lost their two opening away matches, but are still […]

The post David Beckham wants to bring Man City star to his Inter Miami side appeared first on Soccer News.

The post David Beckham wants to bring Man City star to his Inter Miami side appeared first on Soccer News.

Amid the coronavirus threat, MLS has joined the NBA, MLB and NHL closing locker rooms to media.

The leagues issued a joint statement on Monday limiting pregame and postgame access in locker rooms to players and essential staff.

The statement indicated the locker room policy change was made to help thwart the spread of the new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. It has spread to 13 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces so far, with testing still not widely available within the United States. 

The locker room changes will begin Tuesday morning. 

“After consultation with infectious disease and public health experts, and given the issues that can be associated with close contact in pre- and post-game settings, all team locker rooms and clubhouses will be open only to players and essential employees of teams and team facilities until further notice,” the statement read. “Media access will be maintained in designated locations outside of the locker room and clubhouse setting.”

Affects of coronavirus have already been seen throughout the soccer world, with teams in Italy initially playing in empty stadiums to avoid fans further spreading the disease. On Monday, Italian authorities shut down all sporting events, including Serie A play and Olympic qualifying competition.

MLS formed a task force last week to manage its response to the disease, communicating with governmental agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health Agency of Canada. The Columbus Crew altered travel plans for the team’s match in Seattle last week, chartering flights in and out to spend as little time as possible in the city where 22 people have died so far from the virus.

Although MLS matches have yet to be closed to fans or canceled, the league will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments in the coming week.

The post MLS closes team locker rooms to media amid coronavirus concerns appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Week 2 didn’t go as well for the MLS Best Bets column as Week 1 did. Take a look at the Week 2 results below, along with who made us happy, who made us mad and where we just fell flat. And come back Friday for the best bets of Week 3.

The Week 2 bets

Rapids -139 (winner) Dallas -189 (loser) Atlanta/Cincinnati over 3.5 goals scored +105 (loser) LA Galaxy -125 (loser, best bet)

The post MLS Best Bets Week 2 Recap: Strong road performances lead to tough losses appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

In the team’s first home match of the season, the Colorado Rapids picked up all three points at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as Drew Moor’s winner at the death gave the hosts a 2-1 win over Oscar Pareja and visiting Orlando City.

After Designated Player Younes Namli opened his MLS account to give Colorado a 1-0 lead in the 64th minute, regular late-game hero Chris Mueller responded with a goal of his own to draw the Lions level at 1-1 in the 82nd minute.

Eight minutes later, Moor welcomed himself back to Colorado with a headed effort off a corner kick to push the Rapids back into the lead, securing the 2-1 win.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s home-opening victory:

Fans get Moor

The return of Colorado’s former captain and prodigal son this past offseason was one that excited some longtime fans of the Rapids. But at age 36, there were still questions on what exactly his role would be with a team in the midst of a build and a youth movement.

Moor defied odds to earn back a starting role, and while he isn’t the same player that left Colorado in 2015, he proved why it’s a role he’s earned.

“At the beginning of preseason, every spot was open,” explained Rapids head coach Robin Fraser. “Over time, Drew had shown that his leadership, his calm and his demeanor are a positive thing for the team. He’s just been solid. He’s unspectacular and he’s unremarkable, but that’s a compliment. That’s the biggest thing about being a centerback.”

Scoring headers late was a signature for Moor during his last tenure in Colorado, but it will still take some re-adjusting to, even for the man himself.

“Hopefully I’ll score again this season and act like I’ve done it before,” he joked.

What’s in a Namli?

For the first time, Rapids fans got to see the play of newly signed designated player Younes Namli up close.

Colorado’s designated players have oft been slow to integrate into a system in Colorado and adjust to MLS, but Namli proved to be the exception on Saturday, scoring a debut goal in just his second start and first at home for the club.

Namli’s 64th minute goal showed skill and technicality as he dribbled through three Orlando defenders to put in a well struck effort, skills which he was praised for by Fraser postgame.

“I say this every week and I don’t know if anyone writes it, but there aren’t a lot of players who actually play like him,” Fraser said of Namli. “Stylistically, he’s different. His goal is an example of what makes him a little bit different. His ability to dribble and scoot by people, he’s got great timing, he can unbalance people, he’s a really close dribbler, which makes him really hard to tackle and I think his goal was an example of his best qualities. His ability to be elusive and to glide and scoot through a couple of guys and then finish.”

Other notable qualities Namli showed was his ambition, drive and desire.

“I’m a player that likes to make the play and take risks sometimes,” Namli said. “I came here to compete and to help the team get into something special. Every week we’ll be here to compete and to try to win the games.”

Vines’ continued growth

After a breakout debut campaign last season, Rapids defender Sam Vines continues to show why he deserves a starting spot in Colorado and why he’s on the radar of USMNT coaches.

Vines did well to combine with attackers on the overlap as well as find connections in the center of the park, all while completing passes at a rate of over 86 percent. His lone shot on goal was an off-target effort in the first half. But the amount of time he spent in Colorado’s attacking third, in addition to the ball skills he showed under pressure from opposition, showed Vines’ quality.

“We want him to get involved in the attack,” Moor said of his fellow defender. “He’s got a great left foot. He could’ve had a goal tonight if he didn’t kick it a mile over. But no, we want him to attack.

The post What’s in a Namli? Takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 win over Orlando City appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In the Colorado Rapids’ home opener, Drew Moor gave himself a homecoming party.

The veteran defender, who returned to Colorado after three seasons in Toronto, scored late in Colorado’s home opener to lift his side to a 2-1 win over Orlando City. It marked the second straight win for Colorado to open the 2020 campaign and the seventh under head coach Robin Fraser.

“Over time, Drew has shown that his leadership, his calm and his demeanor are a positive thing for the team,” Fraser said. “It was really about resiliency. It was not going to be an easy game. [Orlando] is a good team, they’re well organized. We just stuck with it.”

Both sides struggled to find offensive synchronicity in the opening half, but it was Orlando City which had the most prime opportunity of the stanza. Kyle Smith’s diagonal shot in the 19th minute went towards goal, only to be punched away from Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin.

Colorado outshot the visitors 9-7 in the opening half and held a slight edge with 56 percent possession, but the two sides were even in shots on target at three apiece.

“What you saw in the first half was a lot of them having possession and then us having possession,” said Fraser. “For us, it was about us trying to take advantage of those possessions more and making them unbalanced.”

Namli put Colorado in front in the second half. Dribbling through multiple Orlando defenders, he tucked in a low shot to the right corner of the goal in the 64th minute. It marked the debut MLS goal for the attacker, who joined Colorado in the preseason. 

“The players we’ve brought in have special qualities,” said Fraser. “Younes, there’s not a lot of players that play like him. Stylistically, he’s different. His goal was an example of his best qualities — to be elusive and have a great finish.”

In the 82nd minute, Orlando (0-1-1, 1 point) answered. Substitute Chris Mueller dribbled in on goal around Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar, slotting home his shot past a sliding Clint Irwin to knot the game up at 1-1.

“We just said this is how it’s going to be,” Fraser said. “We just needed to keep moving the ball quickly. It was an exercise in patience and in execution.”

Just when it seemed both sides would leave with a point, the Rapids (2-0-0, 6 points) kept fighting. Jack Price whipped in a corner which found the head of Moor, putting the Rapids back in front in the 90th minute. Colorado would see out six minutes of extra time to preserve the win.

“It starts with [goalkeeping coach] Chris Sharpe and his preparation,” Fraser explained. “On top of that, you have Jack’s great service and a group that really believes.”

The win marked the first for Colorado in six tries against Orlando City since the Lions joined MLS in 2015.

“There’s definitely room for growth,” Fraser continued.  “We’re two games into the season. But we’ll never be satisfied with where we’re at.”

Currently tied with Sporting KC and Minnesota United at the top of the Western Conference table, Colorado travels to BC Place next Saturday to face the Vancouver Whitecaps while Orlando return to Exploria Stadium to host Chicago Fire FC.

The post Drew Moor scores late winner for Colorado Rapids vs. Orlando City appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Here are all your options to watch all Major League Soccer matches live in Week 2 on TV or streaming. You can follow along with Pro Soccer USA’s live scores and stats throughout the weekend as well.

Saturday, March 7

Matchup	Time	Broadcast/Stream
New England Revolution vs. Chicago Fire FC	1:30 p.m.	NE: NBC Sports Boston; CHI: MLS LIVE on ESPN+, WGN-TV; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
Real Salt Lake vs. New York Red Bulls	2 p.m.	RSL: KMYU; RBNY: MSG; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
FC Dallas vs. Montreal Impact	3 p.m.	DAL: Texas 21; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: TVAS
D.C. United vs. Inter Miami CF	3:30 p.m.	USA: Univision, TUDN, Twitter; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
Toronto FC vs. New York City FC	5 p.m.	NYC: YES; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: TSN1/4
Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati	7 p.m.	ATL: FOX Sports South; CIN: Star64, FloFC (Cincinnati region only); Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Minnesota United FC	8 p.m.	SJ: NBC Sports Bay Area; MIN: FOX Sports North;Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo	8:30 p.m.	SKC: FOX Sports KC; HOU: KUBE 57; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
Colorado Rapids vs. Orlando City SC	9 p.m.	COL: Altitude; ORL: FOX 35 Plus; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: MLS LIVE on DAZN
LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC	10 p.m.	LA: Spectrum SportsNet; Out-of-market in USA: MLS LIVE on ESPN+; Canada: TSN1/4
Seattle Sounders vs. Columbus Crew SC	10 p.m. ET	USA: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN; Canada: TSN5, MLS LIVE on DAZN

Sunday, March 8

Matchup	Time	Broadcast/Stream
Portland Timbers vs. Nashville SC	7 p.m.	USA: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN; Canada: TSN5, MLS LIVE on DAZN
LAFC vs. Philadelphia Union	10:30 p.m.	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes, FOX Sports App; Canada: TSN5, MLS LIVE on DAZN

 

The post How to watch MLS on TV, live stream Week 2 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

We’re back for the second week of Pro Soccer USA’s new “Best Bets” column highlights top betting options among Major League Soccer matches. The odds are taken from MGM’s sportsbook, the official gambling partner of MLS. 

If you’re not familiar with sports gambling, the numbers may seem confusing at first. Here are some basics:

Odds are expressed around the number 100. + sign before the number means you would gain that much money if you bet $100.  – sign before the number means it takes a bet of that much money to gain $100 in return. For example, odds of -120 mean you have to bet $120 to win $100. Odds of +120 mean if you bet $100, you win $120. 

At the end of each column, we’ll have our “best bet of the week” and keep track of how our picks perform throughout the season. 

Note: Betting lines constantly change. These numbers are as of 5 p.m. ET March 5. For the latest odds on all MLS matches, visit BetMGM.

Now, onto the bets!

Colorado Rapids vs. Orlando City

The bet: Rapids -139

Colorado impressed in Week 1, getting a road win over favorites DC United. Orlando is still struggling offensively, as it opened up its season with a scoreless home draw against Real Salt Lake. Don’t expect the offense to break out this week either, as Nani will be serving the final game of his two game suspension due to an incident with a match official last season. The Rapids should keep up their momentum and get a win over the Lions.

FC Dallas vs. Montreal Impact

The bet: Dallas -189

One of the hardest things in sports betting is not overreacting from week to week results. Montreal was long seen as a bottom tier team in the East heading into the season. Yet, new manager Thierry Henry hasn’t lost a match. Two draws against Saprissa in the Concacaf Champions League was followed up by a surprise home victory against the New England Revolution. All good things must come to an end. Dallas trounced a competitive Philadelphia Union team in Week 1, and an overachieving Impact team that will be rotating players for their midweek match-up against Olimpia should prove an easier task. Opta Jack is with us on this one.

4 – FC Dallas have won all four of their home games against Montreal Impact in the MLS, scoring at least two goals in each victory – their best such 100% home record against a side in the competition history. Unblemished.

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) March 5, 2020

Atlanta United vs. FC Cincinnati

The bet: Over 3.5 goals scored +105

Anyone who watches MLS heard the major injury news of the weekend: Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez tore his ACL. Martinez is one of the most prolific goal scorers the league has ever seen, and his loss will hurt Atlanta. Just not this week. Adam Jahn will step into the striker role, but the team around him is so good the goals will continue to come. FC Cincinnati gave up the most goals in league history last season, and started off this year letting in three against a depleted New York Red Bulls side. However, Cincinnati’s offense has improved, and they put away two of their own. Atlanta may struggle to score against top teams, but Cincinnati is not yet that.

LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Best bet of the week: LA Galaxy wins by two goals or more -125

The Galaxy are a preseason favorite to win the Cup, but they are still looking for their first victory. A home opener against Vancouver is just what the doctor ordered. The Whitecaps are projected to finish last in the Western conference, and may be one of the weakest teams in the league. The Galaxy will be motivated to put on a show for their home crowd and show they have every bit as much flair as rivals LAFC. They ought to beat the Whitecaps, and do it by a pair or more.

Profit if every bet is correct this week: $310

Year-to-date record: 3-2

Year-to-date revenue/profits: $205/$5

Year-to-date best bet record: 1-0

The post MLS Best Bets Week 2: Home teams heavy favorites after a wild opening week appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

What a terrible start of the season for Atlanta United. The whole of Major League Soccer was left shocked when their biggest start and key player Josef Martinez suffered an ACL injury in the season opener. The match that Atlanta won 2-1 against league newcomers Nashville last Sunday was left in the shadow of a […]

The post Carlos Bacca targeted by MLS club appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Carlos Bacca targeted by MLS club appeared first on Soccer News.

“I love to play and I love to compete, this gives me the opportunity to do both,” Howard said.  “Since my retirement in October, my obsession for football has grown. The desire to win continues to drive me.”  Those are the words of former Manchester United and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard who has confirmed that […]

The post Howard comes out of retirement appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Howard comes out of retirement appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The goalkeeping competition appears to be heating up in Colorado.

According multiple reports Wednesday night out of Mexico, U.S. international goalkeeper William Yarbrough will be returning stateside to sign with the Colorado Rapids, transferring from Club León of Liga MX.

While the Rapids had not confirmed the transfer as of Wednesday night, León bid an official farewell to Yarbrough on Twitter for his eight years of service with the club, specifically mentioning a move to Colorado.

William Yarbrough has announced his departure from #ClubLeón and is heading to @ColoradoRapids.

Thank you for everything, Bicampeón! @william_yarbro #LigaMXeng pic.twitter.com/3OZxMojBvC

— Club León English (@ClubLeonEN) March 4, 2020

According to TransferMarkt.com, Yarbrough holds an estimated transfer value of $1.1 million. The Denver Post reported that Yarbrough will join Colorado on a one-year loan deal.

Yarbrough, 30, won two Liga MX titles in both the Apertura and Clausura with León. He recorded 48 clean sheets in 193 matches with the Mexican side.

The 6-foot-2 native of Aguascalientes City, Mexico was raised in the country by American parents. He has three caps for the U.S. national team, but has not appeared with the national team since 2016.

Yarbrough should be expected to compete for a starting spot in Colorado with incumbent starter Clint Irwin, who is the same age.

Backup Andre Rawls and recently signed 17-year-old homegrown Abe Rodriguez — who is expected to develop with USL Championship affiliate Colorado Springs Switchbacks — round out the Rapids’ goalkeeping corps for 2020.

Irwin took over the position following Tim Howard’s retirement at the end of last season. It was a short-lived retirement as Howard, who is a minority owner at USL Championship side Memphis 901 FC, announced that he would be playing with the club on Wednesday.

The Colorado Rapids are set to host Orlando City SC this Saturday at 9 p.m. ET at Dicks Sporting Goods Park.

The post Club León announces move of U.S. keeper William Yarbrough to Colorado Rapids appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.