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Competition: MLS Market: Vancouver Whitecaps win Odds: 13/5 @ Bet 365 Simply looking to end their campaign on a high, Vancouver will welcome Real Salt Lake to the BC Place Stadium on Sunday night. Starting with the hosts, while Vancouver may have already lifted the wooden spoon in the Western Conference, fans around the BC Place Stadium should […]

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The final week of the MLS regular season is upon us, which means there’s one more week for team to move up, or down, the Pro Soccer USA power rankings.

Week 30 of the regular season brought the expected drama, with teams clinching playoff berths and Concacaf Champions League spots. But what does it mean in our power rankings?

Minnesota United, following a draw with Supporters’ Shield winners LAFC, moved up two spots to No. 3, while the Colorado Rapids made the biggest noise, jumping four places after a stunning 3-0 win over FC Dallas that kept their slim playoff hopes alive.

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

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Julian Cardillo, Marco Cummings, Chris Fuhrmeister, Robert Jonas, Emily Olsen and Joe Tansey contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 30: Minnesota United moves up to No. 3 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Alexandru Mitrita and Jordan Morris have been huge down the stretch for their respective clubs to lock them into the MLS Cup playoffs.

Mitrita’s hat trick against Atlanta United helped New York City FC move one giant step closer to clinching the top spot in the Eastern Conference, while Morris is on a roll with a trio of goals since the start of September. 

Their recent performances landed them into the top 10 of the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings. 

The players at the top remain the same, but there are some new entrants at the bottom, including one from a team with an outside chance of qualifying for the playoffs. 

Our player rankings take into account performances over the last four weeks, with the most-recent showing carrying more weight. 

20. Allan Cruz, M, FC Cincinnati 

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Sep 29, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; FC Cincinnati midfielder Allan Cruz (15) reacts after the game against Orlando City SC at Nippert Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)

Allan Cruz has been a bright spot for FC Cincinnati as it stumbles to the finish line in its first season.

The Costa Rican midfielder scored in his second consecutive game Sunday versus Orlando City.

Additionally, he put all four of his shots on target against the Lions. If anything, Cruz appears to be a piece to build around for the first full season under coach Ron Jans. 

19. Gyasi Zardes, F, Columbus Crew SC

Previous Ranking: 11

Sep 29, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Gyasi Zardes (11) and Philadelphia Union defender Ray Gaddis (28) battle for the ball in the first half at MAPFRE Stadium. (Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports)

Gyasi Zardes was unable to extend his scoring streak to three games. 

The U.S. men’s national team forward failed to put a single shot on target against the Philadelphia defense in the Crew’s penultimate match of the season. 

The 13-goal scorer has one more chance to increase his scoring total at BMO Field versus Toronto FC. 

18. Matt Turner, GK, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 21, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner (30) makes a save on New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (17) during the second half of their 0-0 tie at Gillette Stadium. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)

Matt Turner has put himself in contention for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year. 

The New England goalkeepers picked up shutouts in back-to-back games and recorded six saves in Sunday’s victory over NYCFC, which clinched the Revs’ playoff berth.. 

17. Jeremy Ebobisse, F, Portland Timbers

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Sep 25, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers forward Jeremy Ebobisse (17) celebrates after scoring a goal off a header against the New England Revolution during the second half at Providence Park. (Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

Jeremy Ebobisse reached double digits in goals for the first time in his MLS career with a brace Wednesday. 

The American’s pair of tallies allowed the Timbers to pick up a vital home point in the hunt for a playoff position. 

If he continues to play at this level, he could earn a call-up from USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter. 

16. Jack Price, M, Colorado Rapids

Previous Ranking: 19 

Sep 11, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Jack Price (19) controls the ball in the first half against the LA Galaxy at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Jack Price added to his 11 assists with his first goal of the 2019 campaign in Colorado’s victory over FC Dallas. 

The strike was just his second in a Rapids uniform, but his handout total has moved up seven from a year ago. 

Price will be vital in Colorado’s Decision Day meeting with Los Angeles FC in which they need a win and some help to clinch a playoff spot. 

15. Kei Kamara, F, Colorado Rapids

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Sep 29, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Kei Kamara (23) scores on a shot in the second half against FC Dallas at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Kei Kamara is over a dozen goals for the second straight season. 

Kamara, who has double-digit goals in six seasons, found the back of the net in back-to-back contests versus Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas. 

The goals are a welcome sight after a drought that lasted five matches.

14. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: 6

Sep 29, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Eloy Room (1) makes a save over Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko (23) in the second half at MAPFRE Stadium. (Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports)

Kacper Przybylko had an up and down week in front of goal. 

On Wednesday, the 26-year-old bagged his 15th tally in a come-from-behind victory over San Jose, but he was unable to hit the back of the net in a deflating loss to Columbus in which the Union were eliminated from the race for the No. 1 seed. 

13. Omar Gonzalez, D, Toronto FC

Previous Ranking: 15 

Sep 29, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Toronto FC defender Omar Gonzalez (44) reacts after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the second half at SeatGeek Stadium. (Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports)

Omar Gonzalez added to his strong return to MLS with a goal in Toronto FC’s 2-2 draw with Chicago. 

It was the centerback’s first in MLS since April 18, 2015, when he tallied as a substitute versus Sporting Kansas City. 

The Reds need a massive performance out of the 30-year-old on Decision Day to earn the best seed possible in the East. 

12. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 14 

Sep 25, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) passes the ball away from Sporting Kansas City midfielder Gianluca Busio (13) in the first half at Allianz Field. (Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)

The Minnesota United defense let up two goals while earning four points in Week 30.

The pair of results allowed the Loons to grab a hold of second place going into Decision Day. 

A win in Seattle Sunday would allow Adrian Heath’s side to land on the opposite side of the bracket as LAFC. 

11. Uriel Antuna, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: 10 

Sep 15, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Uriel Antuna (18) attempts a shot while Sporting Kansas City defender Matt Besler (5) defends during the second half at StubHub Center. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

Uriel Antuna struck twine for the sixth time this season in the LA Galaxy’s heartbreaking loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

In the last four games, the Mexican playmaker has three goals and a pair of handouts. 

If the Galaxy make a deep run in the postseason, Antuna could be the X-factor. 

10. Justin Meram, M, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 16

Sep 18, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Justin Meram (14) walks off the field after defeating FC Cincinnati at Nippert Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)

Justin Meram is another player who could be a difference-maker in the postseason. 

In Atlanta United’s draw with Montreal, he dished out a pair of key passes and won three aerial duels. 

With Josef Martinez out, the Five Stripes need production out of their midfield and the former Columbus and Orlando could be the answer. 

9. Cristian Pavon, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

September 29, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Cristian Pavon (10) moves the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half at StubHub Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Cristian Pavon’s run of form has taken a back seat because of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s scoring run. 

In 10 matches, the 23-year-old has two goals and eight assists, and he is riding a seven-game assist streak. 

In two games, the Argentine produced a goal and an assist. If opponents key in on Ibrahimovic, Pavon could break out and lead the Galaxy deep into the postseason. 

8. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 9

Sep 25, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (22) scores a goal on a penalty kick against the Portland Timbers during the second half at Providence Park. The game ended tied 2-2. (Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

Carles Gil joined the 10-goal and 10-assist club with a strike in New England’s midweek draw with Portland. 

The Spanish playmaker has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses for the majority of the season. 

Gil, Carlos Vela, Nani and Alejandro Pozuelo are the members of the 2019 double-digit goal and assist club. 

7. Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders

Previous Ranking: 13

Sep 18, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Jordan Morris (13) dribbles against FC Dallas during the second half at CenturyLink Field. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)

Jordan Morris bagged a crucial strike for the Sounders in their 1-0 road win over San Jose. 

The game-winning tally kept Brian Schmetzer’s team level on points with Minnesota heading into their Decision Day meeting at CenturyLink Field. 

6. Alexandru Mitrita, F, New York City FC

Previous Ranking: 20 

Sep 25, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Alexandru Mitrita (28) celebrates with midfielder Alexander Ring (8) after scoring his second goal of the game against Atlanta United during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Mitrita fired off his first-ever MLS hat trick Wednesday versus Atlanta United. 

The Romanian has been massive for Dome Torrent’s side with Heber out injured. 

Since August 31, Mitrita has struck the back of the net on six occasions. 

5. Vito Mannone, GK, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 7 

Sep 25, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United goalkeeper Vito Mannone (1) cheers behind defender Michael Boxall (15) and defender Ike Opara (3) after making a save against Sporting Kansas City in the first half at Allianz Field. (Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports)

Vito Mannone turned away 11 shots over 180 minutes in Week 30. 

The 31-year-old has saved 26 of the 29 attempts on goal he has faced in the last four matches. 

During that run, the Loons have pulled eight points and secured a home postseason contest at Allianz Field.

4. Gustavo Bou, F, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 5

Sep 29, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou (7) celebrates after scoring a goal against the New York City FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)

Gustavo Bou is one goal away from joining the growing list of double-digit scorers.

The 29-year-old Argentinian scored twice against Portland and NYCFC to pull his total up to nine and land the Revs a postseason spot. 

Since entering the Revs lineup, Bou hasn’t gone multiple games without a tally. 

3. Frederic Brillant, D, D.C. United

Previous Ranking: 4

Sep 29, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; D.C. United defender Frederic Brillant (13) during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

Frederic Brillant recorded seven clearances, two blocked shots and a pair of tackles in D.C. United’s road clean sheet at Red Bull Arena. 

The Black-and-Red’s draw with the New York Red Bulls kept them ahead of their rival in the hunt for the No. 4 seed in the East. 

If Ben Olsen’s side shuts out FC Cincinnati, it will enter the playoffs on a five-game shutout streak. 

2. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 3

Sep 29, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, USA; LAFC forward Carlos Vela (10) controls the ball during the first half of a match with Minnesota United at Allianz Field. (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)

Since his return from injury September 14, Carlos Vela has built up a four-game scoring streak. 

In fact, the 30-year-old has tallied in eight consecutive matches for the Supporters’ Shield winner. 

In his first meeting against the Rapids, Vela failed to score. If he finds the back of the net on Decision Day, he could knock Colorado out of playoff contention. 

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: 1 

September 29, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) controls the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half at StubHub Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Ibrahimovic needs to make up a two-goal deficit on Sunday to tie or beat Vela for the Golden Boot. 

In Week 30, the towering Swede recorded two goals and a pair of assists versus Real Salt Lake and Vancouver. 

In the last four games, the Galaxy forward has six tallies and three assists for a club that is likely going to land the No. 4 seed in the West. 

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 30: Alexandru Mitrita, Jordan Morris surge into Top 10 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

According to a recent report from Calciomercato, MLS giants Los Angeles FC are interested in the possibility of signing Mario Mandzukic from Italian champions Juventus. The 33 year old has been on the verge of leaving Juve for quite some time now, and this interest from LAFC could lead to him looking outside of Europe […]

The post LAFC interested in Mandzukic appeared first on Soccer News.

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In Tim Howard’s final home regular-season appearance for the Colorado Rapids, the hosts notched a 3-0 win over visiting FC Dallas in a match that carried Western Conference playoff implications.

Jack Price opened the scoring for Colorado with his 10th-minute goal, and Diego Rubio doubled the lead with a direct free kick in first-half stoppage time to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead into halftime.

After missing a penalty in the first half, Kei Kamara added a third for Colorado in the 72nd minute as the Rapids sealed a 3-0 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive heading into the final match of the season.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s win:

Thank you, Tim

Appropriately, Colorado maintained a clean sheet in Howard’s return to action following more than a month of dealing with a nagging leg injury.

Postgame, the Rapids honored the 40-year-old goalkeeper with an on-field ceremony. Head coach Robin Fraser and several of Howard’s teammates were highly complimentary of a goalkeeper who is considered to be one of the best players in the history of U.S. soccer.

“It’s wonderful that we all could be a part of Tim’s career for a little while,” Fraser told reporters postgame. “He’s an extremely classy and talented person who’s had a tremendous career and a tremendous impact on U.S. soccer and really everyone that he’s touched. I think we’re all really privileged to be a part of this celebration and to have taken some small part in Tim’s career.”

Rapids defender Tommy Smith said his team was aware of this game’s significance.

“I think once you cross the white line it’s just another game, but we know that in the build up to the game it was Tim’s last home game,” Smith said.” We knew the importance of that to him and to the club as well. We knew we had to win to keep ourselves in with a chance to make playoffs. We’re glad we’ve done that with a bit of style for Tim tonight.”

Playoffs? Playoffs.

For the first time since 2016, Colorado has a shot at the postseason heading into its final match of the regular season. Following a 0-9-2 start to the 2019 season, it’s an accomplishment that seemed improbable.

“This season has been crazy,” Howard said. “It’s been up and down. I think before the Portland game in the snow, you would have interviewed me and told me with one game to go and you make the playoffs, we all would’ve said it’s been a pretty good season.

“Well here we are and through the grace of God, a lot of hard work and resilience we figured out a way to a way to sneak into the conversation. I still don’t know how, but you want games to be meaningful. Whether we get into the playoffs, push for a playoff run and push for a championship, who knows. The fact that we have meaningful games now says a lot. In July that wasn’t even feasible.”

Fraser credited the mentality of the Rapids’ players, which he also identified as one of his reasons for accepting Colorado’s head coaching job. Under his direction, the Rapids have now won five of their past six matches and have yet to score fewer than two goals in a match.

“If you would have asked any of us after 11 games that we could potentially make the playoffs, I think you would have called us crazy if we said yes,” the Rapids manager said. “To be in this position is fantastic. Hats off to the group. Not just the players and not just the coaching staff either, but everyone. Everyone behind the scenes has always stayed in a positive frame of mind. The fans as well. They’ve never turned on us and backed us even when it wasn’t going well. To be in the position we are in now is fantastic. We just have to go to LAFC next week, do our job and see how the chips fall.”

Colorado needs a win over Los Angeles FC combined with losses by FC Dallas and the San Jose Earthquakes to qualify for the playoffs on MLS’ decision day.

Penalty Perturbance

Lost in the positive result is one key issue that’s been plaguing the Rapids of late: missed penalty kicks.

Kamara’s missed penalty against Dallas Sunday night marked his third of the season and second in three weeks following a miss in a 3-2 loss to Toronto FC Sept. 15. It’s a mark that stands out considering Colorado’s goal differential: minus-three heading into the final match of the regular season.

Fraser told the media that he is unconcerned, and that penalty takes are something for the players to sort out themselves.

“I mean, the fact of the matter is more times than not the players on the field decide who take the penalty kicks,” Fraser responded when asked about the penalty misses. “I’m sure that debate will continue as the week goes on and into the weekend.”

The post Howard’s sendoff and one underlying concern: Takeaways from Colorado 3, FC Dallas 0 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Carlos Vela equalled an MLS record on Sunday as Real Salt Lake and New England Revolution booked their spots in the play-offs. Vela equalled Josef Martinez’s record for most goals in a season, taking his tally to 31 in Los Angeles FC’s 1-1 draw with Minnesota United. The Mexican star put LAFC ahead with a […]

The post MLS Review: Vela equals record as Real Salt Lake, New England reach play-offs appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Vela equals record as Real Salt Lake, New England reach play-offs appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – With playoffs on the line, Tim Howard played his final home match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, helping the Colorado Rapids earn a 3-0 win over FC Dallas Sunday afternoon.

Heading into the match with a minus-six goal differential in the Western Conference table, Colorado also did well to make up ground with three goals from Jack Price, Diego Rubio and Kei Kamara.

“The result was fantastic,” said Rapids head coach Robin Fraser postgame. “I mean,
kind of difficult conditions, backs against the wall, pretty much all year and they just keep fighting.”

The game marked Howard’s first start and appearance since a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls on Aug. 31. The 40-year-old has been dealing with a nagging leg injury since late July.

“With regard to Tim retiring, it’s wonderful that we all can be a part of Tim’s career for a little while,” Fraser continued. “He’s an extremely classy and talented person who’s had a tremendous career and a tremendous impact on us soccer and really everyone that has touched. So I think we’re all really privileged to be a part of this celebration, and to have taken part in some small part in Tim’s career.”

Price opened the scoring for Colorado in the 10th minute, hitting a shot from the top of the box into the side netting to put the Rapids in front 1-0.

Despite the nagging injury, Howard came to play, notching an early close-range blanking of Jesus Ferreira in the 31st minute. Howard ended the match with three saves total, preserving the clean sheet for Colorado.

Colorado had an opportunity to double the lead in the 38th minute when Ryan Hollingshead was called for a handball in the box, but Kamara’s ensuing penalty effort was saved by FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez.

Colorado finally found a second goal in first half extra time when Diego Rubio found the back of the net on a free kick at the top of the 18-yard box. Rubio’s effort snuck past the Dallas wall, giving the Rapids a 2-0 lead entering the half.

The Rapids added a third goal in the second half as substitute Nicolas Mezquida sent in a deft through ball to Kamara, who smoothly finished to extend the lead to 3-0 in the 72nd minute.

“We wanted to continue,” Fraser said of the continued offensive pressure from Colorado, which looked to erase some of their playoff goal differential heading into the match. “At the end of the day, we want to do things well, we do things well and execute, then we hope the result of that is that we create some chances to score some goals. the more we could push, and the more we can perhaps create some things then, obviously, then the goal differential thing comes into play.”

Colorado nearly added a fourth in the 82nd minute, but four different shots from the Rapids offense were kept out by Gonzalez and the post.

Despite Dallas holding an edge in shots and possession, Colorado saw out the remainder of the match to seal the result.

“We just keep going out trying to get results,” said Fraser. “Things work out. We get closer and closer and now here we are in the last week and we have a chance. So I think it’s again testament to the how this team has been how they’ve responded really to their start.”

With the win, Colorado remains mathematically in the playoff race heading into their final regular season match. As it stands, Colorado’s easiest path to the postseason would be a win against LAFC combined with a losses by Dallas and San Jose.  

“We’ve got a hell of a chance,” said Howard. “With these guys, we could beat Barcelona, so next week against LAFC, let’s do it.”

Dallas hosts Sporting Kansas City next Sunday while Colorado will travel to LAFC. Both matches kick off at 4 p.m. ET.

The post Colorado Rapids keep playoff hopes alive with win over FC Dallas during Tim Howard’s final home match appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to join Boca Juniors and the move could still happen, according to one of the club’s directors. The LA Galaxy star’s agent, Mino Raiola, recently rubbished rumours he was attempting to arrange a transfer for the well-travelled 37-year-old. But Boca board member Jorge Anro claims Ibrahimovic’s interest in a move to the […]

The post Ibrahimovic keen on Boca Juniors move, claims board member appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Ibrahimovic keen on Boca Juniors move, claims board member appeared first on Soccer News.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wants to join Boca Juniors and the move could still happen, according to one of the club’s directors. The LA Galaxy star’s agent, Mino Raiola, recently rubbished rumours he was attempting to arrange a transfer for the well-travelled 37-year-old. But Boca board member Jorge Anro claims Ibrahimovic’s interest in a move to the […]

The post Ibrahimovic keen on Boca Juniors move, claims board member appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Ibrahimovic keen on Boca Juniors move, claims board member appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – With two regular season games remaining and a final home match looming for the Colorado Rapids, soccer fans will see the last minutes from Rapids designated player and goalkeeper Tim Howard, who announced at that start of 2019 that this would be the final season of his playing career.  

Ahead of the Rapids’ final home game, Pro Soccer USA is taking a look back at some of Howard’s finest moments in Burgundy. Here are five highlights of Tim Howard’s time with the Colorado Rapids:

July 4, 2016 – Howard’s debut for Colorado

His first game for the Colorado was also his first clean sheet for his new club as the Rapids blanked a potent Portland Timbers attack at home on the Fourth of July.

The Independence Day match is annually the most attended match of the year for the Rapids, and the crowd was electric, gasping at every shot and cheering for every save that Howard made.

The decision to sign an aging goalkeeper as an MLS team’s highest paid player will always be a point of debate in MLS circles when looking back at Howard’s Rapids career, but at the time, his signing and subsequent debut was a display of ambition from a club that had struggled throughout its history. It gave fans a chance to see a recognizable name in the world’s game don the local colors.

November 6, 2016 – Penalty shootout win in playoffs over LA Galaxy

In 2016, the Colorado Rapids surprised many as they ascended to the top of the Western Conference table and became the eventual No. 2 seed in the playoffs. Hosting their first playoff game in five seasons, the Rapids pulled back a 1-0 deficit on aggregate thanks to a first half wonder goal from Shkëlzen Gashi.

With the series tied on aggregate after 120 minutes, it went to penalties and Howard’s saves of Ashley Cole and Jeff Larentowicz helped propel Colorado to the Western Conference Championship.

Howard’s Heroes

During his time with the Rapids, Howard has spent time meeting children from around the country who are diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. The kids usually get a swag bag and a chance to meet and chat with Howard, who himself was diagnosed with Tourette’s as a child. The program serves as both a community outreach and as a method for Howard to increase awareness of the condition.

Last night we had two #HowardsHeroes! Jack, age 13, was diagnosed with TS 2 years ago and enjoys soccer, skiing, basketball and video games. Michael, age 12, was diagnosed with TS in February, and loves to dance. Always an honor to meet these kids! pic.twitter.com/2FBUZJ222f

— Tim Howard (@TimHowardGK) September 12, 2019

October 15, 2017 – Lone win of Rapids career against rivals RSL

For the duration of his time with Colorado, Real Salt Lake and Howard’s former U.S. Youth National Team roommate Nick Rimando got the better of Howard. A 1-0 win over RSL in 2017 will stand alone as Howard’s lone Rocky Mountain Cup win, and it was a hard earned victory.

After Josh Gatt put Colorado ahead early in the third minute, it was a lot of defending for the remaining 87 minutes of the match, and Howard was the catalyst for the win, notching seven saves to preserve the clean sheet.

July 1, 2018 – Ten-save performance against Vancouver Whitecaps.

On the four-year anniversary of his 16-save effort against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup, Howard put forth arguably his best performance in net for Colorado, notching ten saves and a clean sheet in Colorado’s 1-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Ten saves and three points @TimHowardGK had a day! #VANvCOL pic.twitter.com/eimGm4UB2C

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 2, 2018

It was on a night where the Whitecaps put in 25 shots on goal, with an attack led by current Colorado Rapids teammate Kei Kamara.

The post Thank You, Tim: Five Highlights from Tim Howard’s Colorado Rapids career appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

No stranger to casting himself as ‘The One’ throughout a flamboyant and headline-grabbing career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made himself the star in his own ‘Matrix challenge’. The former Inter, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United favourite joined LA Galaxy last year and pulled another Hollywood move in a video posted to his official Twitter account. Ibrahimovic flicked […]

The post Freestyle skills? Neo worries! Ibrahimovic sets Pogba, Djokovic ´Matrix challenge´ appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Freestyle skills? Neo worries! Ibrahimovic sets Pogba, Djokovic ´Matrix challenge´ appeared first on Soccer News.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic helped LA Galaxy clinch their spot in the MLS play-offs, while New York City thrashed Atlanta United on Wednesday. Ibrahimovic scored and provided an assist as the Galaxy edged Real Salt Lake 2-1 in Utah for their third consecutive win. The striker flicked on a header that Cristian Pavon ran onto and finished […]

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic helps Galaxy clinch play-off spot, Mitrita inspires New York City appeared first on Soccer News.

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic has not been offered to Boca Juniors, according to his agent Mino Raiola. Reports in Spain have claimed LA Galaxy striker Ibrahimovic is a target for the Argentine giants.  Boca have already landed former Roma captain Daniele De Rossi, with newspaper AS suggesting Ibrahimovic could follow from Galaxy when his contract expires in December. […]

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Competition: MLS Market: Carlos Vela to score 2+ goals Odds: 13/10 @ Bet 365 Desperate to refind their winning touch in Los Angeles, Western leaders LAFC will welcome Houston to the Banc of California Stadium in the early hours of Thursday morning. Starting with the hosts, while Los Angeles might be ending their season with a minor struggle, […]

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The post Carlos Vela to score 2+ goals against Houston Dynamo 13/10 for Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

More MLS Cup playoff berths were clinched and LAFC inched closer to capturing the Supporters’ Shield as the Major League Soccer season heads into its final two weeks.

And while LAFC remain atop the ProSoccerUSA Power Rankings, there was some musical chairs played by some of the teams below them with Atlanta United moving up three spots, the Seattle Sounders dropping three spots and the Philadelphia Union and Minnesota United both dropping one.

The biggest movers were the New York Red Bulls, who made a five-spot jump to No. 9 after consecutive 2-0 wins over the Portland Timbers and Philadelphia Union.

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

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Chris Fuhrmeister, Robert Jonas, Emily Olsen and Joe Tansey contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 29: New York Red Bulls blast into top 10 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.