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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.
Original author: Marco Cummings, 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.
Original author: Marco Cummings, 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.
Original author: Marco Cummings, 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.
The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic helps Galaxy clinch play-off spot, Mitrita inspires New York City appeared first on Soccer News.
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. […]
The post Ibrahimovic to Boca Juniors is fake news – Raiola appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Ibrahimovic to Boca Juniors is fake news – Raiola appeared first on Soccer News.
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, […]
The post Carlos Vela to score 2+ goals against Houston Dynamo 13/10 for Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.
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.
(1) Los Angeles Football Club (19-4-8, 65 points): Carlos Vela leveled from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time to secure a 1-1 draw against Toronto FC. LAFC are winless in five, but can wrap up the Supporters’ Shield Wednesday night with a win. (2) New York City FC (16-5-10, 58 points): Taty Castellanos staked NYCFC to a lead inside the opening minute in a 1-1 draw at FC Dallas that extended an unbeaten streak to eight games. (6) Atlanta United (17-11-3, 54 points): Emerson Hyndman and Pity Martinez scored late to secure three massive points, but all eyes are on Josef Martinez and his injury. How long the reigning Golden Boot winner is sidelined could determine how far the Five Stripes go in the playoffs. (3) Philadelphia Union (15-9-7, 52 points): The Union’s hopes of finishing atop the Eastern Conference took a major hit in a 2-0 loss to the rival New York Red Bulls Sunday night. They also lost Mark McKenzie and Sergio Santos to hamstring injuries. (4) Minnesota United FC (14-10-7, 49 points): A scoreless draw in Portland have brought the Loons to the edge of a first-ever playoff berth. That can be clinched with a midweek win over Sporting Kansas City. (8) D.C. United (13-10-9, 48 points): D.C. United extended a shutout streak to 324 minutes following a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, which moved the Black-and-Red back into fourth place in the East a few hours after being leapfrogged by the rival Red Bulls. (9) LA Galaxy (15-13-3, 48 points): Cristian Pavon set up goals by Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Uriel Antuna to lead the LA Galaxy to a 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact, the club’s second straight win. (5) Seattle Sounders FC (14-10-8, 50 points): The Sounders remain in second place in the West, but their hold to that spot is anything but secure with Minnesota United and the LA Galaxy just behind them. (14) New York Red Bulls (14-13-5, 47 points): Don’t look now, but here come the Red Bulls. They have matching 2-0 wins over the Portland Timbers and the Union, have clinched a postseason berth for a 10th straight year and can take a big step toward a home playoff game against D.C. United Sunday. (7) Toronto FC (12-10-10, 46 points): Toronto FC extended a league unbeaten streak to eight games, but were mere moments from securing a huge win at LAFC thanks to a 19th-minute goal by Tsubasa Endoh. Instead they settled for one point after conceding a late PK. (11) Real Salt Lake (14-12-5, 47 points): A heavily-rotated RSL side earned a road point with a 0-0 draw at New England and host the LA Galaxy in a massive midweek tilt. (10) San Jose Earthquakes (13-13-5, 44 points): Cristian Espinoza and Chris Wondolowski are suspended and the Earthquakes have lost three straight games heading into a critical midweek clash vs. the Union. (13) New England Revolution (10-10-11, 41 points): The Revs pressed, and came close, but couldn’t find an elusive goal and settled for a 0-0 home draw against Real Salt Lake. They can inch closer to a playoff berth with a win in Portland Wednesday. (12) Portland Timbers (13-13-5, 44 points): The Timbers haven’t scored in three straight matches and, following a 0-0 draw against Minnesota United, are below the playoff line in the West with three games to play. (15) FC Dallas (12-11-9, 45 points): Paxton Pomykal helped set up Zdenek Ondrasek for a 66th-minute equalizer in a 1-1 home draw against NYCFC, moving FC Dallas one point above the playoff line in the West. (16) Colorado Rapids (11-15-6, 39 points): The Rapids rallied from an early two-goal deficit to defeat Sporting Kansas City for their fourth win in their last five games, which kept their slim playoff hopes alive. (18) Chicago Fire (9-12-11, 38 points): The Fire were frustrated to settle for a 0-0 draw against FC Cincinnati. While their unbeaten streak is now three matches, three points were needed to keep playoff hopes flickering. (17) Orlando City SC (9-14-9, 36 points): The Lions squandered a chance to move closer to a first playoff berth when a 1-0 lead evaporated into a 2-1 loss at Houston Saturday. (21) Montreal Impact (11-17-4, 37 points): The Impact fell to the LA Galaxy Saturday night and their third straight loss and sixth in the last eight games have dropped them to four points below the playoff line in the East with two games to play. (19) Columbus Crew SC (9-15-8, 35 points): The Crew are on the precipice of playoff elimination after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw against the already-eliminated Whitecaps Saturday. (20) Sporting Kansas City (10-14-7, 37 points): It went from bad to worse for Sporting Kansas City, which saw an early two-goal lead go up in smoke as they finished with 10 men and suffered a brutal 3-2 defeat to the Rapids, their third consecutive defeat. (23) Houston Dynamo (11-16-4, 37 points): The Dynamo likely won’t make the playoffs, but they’re not going down without a fight, rallying from a one-goal halftime deficit to beat Orlando City SC 2-1 at BBVA Stadium Saturday. (22) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7-15-10, 31 points): Playing spoilers, Fredy Montero rescued the Whitecaps from another disappointing defeat with a stoppage-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Crew SC. (24) FC Cincinnati (6-22-4, 22 points): FC Cincinnati will likely set a new record for most goals conceded in a season, but it wasn’t happening at Nippert Stadium Saturday as the expansion side played the Fire to a 0-0 draw.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.
Original author: Dylan Butler, Pro Soccer USA
Defenders often don’t get the love they deserve.
That changes for the Week 29 edition of the Pro Soccer USA Major League Soccer Player Rankings.
Six defenders and one goalkeeper are on the list because of their tremendous form, most of whom are building that up with the playoffs on the horizon.
Some of the defenders listed have not been discussed on the national level yet, but have been key pieces in their respective setups to clinch playoff berths.
At the top, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Josef Martinez and Carlos Vela are still jockeying for the No. 1 spot. All three of the league’s top forwards scored in Week 29.
Our MLS Player Rankings take into account a player’s performance over the last four weeks, with the most-recent one carrying more weight.
20. Alexandru Mitrita, M, New York City FC
Previous Ranking: 9
Sep 14, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Alexandru Mitrita (28) plays the ball against San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Tommy Thompson (22) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Alexandru Mitrita was unable to hit the 10-goal mark Sunday in New York City FC’s 1-1 draw with FC Dallas.
The Romanian got off a single shot on goal for a side that totaled four attempts on target at Toyota Stadium.
A return home to face Atlanta United and Heber’s comeback from injury should help the 24-year-old reach double digits before the end of the regular season.
19. Jack Price, M, Colorado Rapids
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Sep 7, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Jack Price (19) corner kicks in the first half against the Seattle Sounders at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)
While no one has been paying attention to Colorado, Jack Price has racked up assists.
The 26-year-old Englishman provided a pair of helpers in Colorado’s come-from-behind victory over Sporting Kansas City.
With three assists in his last two starts, Price is up to 11 assists, which puts him a tie for eighth in MLS alongside Alejandro Pozuelo and Nicolas Gaitan.
18. Kyle Duncan, D, New York Red Bulls
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Jul 17, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan (6) dribbles the ball against Toronto FC during the first half at BMO Field. (John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports)
Kyle Duncan impressed in the New York Red Bulls’ pair of 2-0 victories over Portland and Philadelphia.
The 22-year-old right back scored in the third minute at Providence Park Wednesday and contributed four tackles and two interceptions.
On Sunday versus Philadelphia, Duncan made four clearances and two interceptions while clogging up the flanks for the Union, who could not get out of first gear.
17. Miles Robinson, D, Atlanta United
Previous Ranking: 20
May 5, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) moves the ball during the match against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Atlanta United jumped into second place in the Eastern Conference by outscoring San Jose and FC Cincinnati by a combined 5-1.
In the midweek triumph over the expansion side, Miles Robinson won six aerial duels while holding Ron Jans’ side to two shots on goal.
On Saturday, the Five Stripes held the Quakes to a pair of attempts on target. In the last 270 minutes, they have conceded twice.
16. Justin Meram, M, Atlanta United
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Jun 29, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United forward Justin Meram (14) reacts after scoring his second goal of the match against the Montreal Impact during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)
Justin Meram has provided balance to the Atlanta United midfield.
The former Columbus and Orlando midfielder has been a key piece of the six wins since the start of August that have landed the Five Stripes four points back of first-place NYCFC.
In the win over San Jose, the 30-year-old scored his fourth goal of the season.
15. Omar Gonzalez, D, Toronto FC
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Aug 24, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC Omar Gonzalez (44) passes the ball against the Montreal Impact at BMO Field. (Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports)
You haven’t heard Omar Gonzalez talked about much since return to MLS.
That’s a good thing for Toronto FC since center backs are not supposed to be the center of attention.
The former LA Galaxy man has helped the Reds secure road points at NYCFC and LAFC. Greg Vanney’s side has an eight-game unbeaten run in league play and is in contention to secure a home playoff game through the No. 4 seed.
14. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United
Previous Ranking: 18
Sep 11, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) controls the ball as Houston Dynamo midfielder Tomas Martinez (10) defends during the second half at BBVA Compass Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
Ike Opara added to his Defensive Player of the Year resume by playing a role in shutting out Portland Sunday.
Unfortunately, Opara missed the second half with stomach issues, but the Loons hope he is ready for Wednesday’s home meeting with Sporting KC.
Minnesota holds a two-point advantage over Real Salt Lake in the fight for a home postseason contest.
13. Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders
Previous Ranking: 8
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 was left without a goal or assist Sunday for the first time in his last four starts.
The American forward had two goals and three assists in his previous three appearances in the starting XI, but only mustered a pair of shots and key passes in the loss to D.C. United.
Morris and the Sounders still hold a lead over Minnesota and the LA Galaxy for the No. 2 seed in the West, which will keep them away from LAFC until the conference final.
12. Kai Wagner, D, Philadelphia Union
Previous Ranking: 6
Sep 22, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls midfielder Josh Sims (20) plays the ball against Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) during the first half at Red Bull Arena. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
Philadelphia suffered a letdown at Red Bull Arena in all aspects of the game Sunday.
Kai Wagner was effective, but not good enough against Chris Armas’ side, who looked strong in transition moments.
The Union have a chance to rebound Wednesday versus a San Jose squad without suspended Cristian Espinoza and Chris Wondolowski.
11. Gyasi Zardes, F, Columbus Crew
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Sep 21, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Columbus Crew forward Gyasi Zardes (11) celebrates his goal against Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) (not pictured) with midfielder Jouness Mokhtar (34) during the first half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)
Gyasi Zardes is now up to 32 goals in two seasons for the Columbus Crew.
That is two fewer than the number he recorded over a five-year span with the LA Galaxy.
In his last four matches, Zardes has four goals for Caleb Porter’s side, including back-to-back road strikes versus Atlanta and Vancouver.
10. Uriel Antuna, M, LA Galaxy
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Sep 15, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Uriel Antuna (18) reacts after a goal during the second half against Sporting Kansas City at StubHub Center. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)
Believe it or not, a Galaxy goalscorer not named Ibrahimovic is allowed on this list.
In the last four games, Uriel Antuna has produced three goals and two assists.
That production is significant as Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s side looks for scoring support around the towering Swede with the playoffs on the horizon.
9. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution
Previous Ranking: 19
Sep 21, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (22) holds off Real Salt Lake forward Brooks Lennon (12) during the second half of their 0-0 tie at Gillette Stadium. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)
Carles Gil could not land a goal or assist Saturday, but he was still a workhorse in the middle of the park.
The New England midfielder dished out seven key passes and completed 84.8 percent of his passes.
The owner of nine goals and 14 assists has been one of the most valuable midfielders in MLS, and the Revs will need him to step up his game in the final two weeks to secure the seventh playoff berth in the East.
8. Mauro Manotas, F, Houston Dynamo
Previous Ranking: 15
Sep 14, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Houston Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas (9) celebrates his goal against Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)
In a week where other forwards on this list failed to make an impact in the final third, Mauro Manotas notched an assist in Houston’s win over Orlando City.
In the last three contests, the Colombian has two goals and two assists and has played a role in all but one of his team’s tallies.
7. Vito Mannone, GK, Minnesota United
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Sep 15, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United goalkeeper Vito Mannone (1) takes a free kick against Real Salt Lake during the first half at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports
There is a chance Minnesota United could have the Defender of the Year and Goalkeeper of the Year on their roster.
Vito Mannone turned in an 11-save performance Sunday to help the Loons leave Providence Park with a valuable point in the Western Conference playoff hunt.
In September, the former Arsenal man has conceded three times and turned away 25 shots.
6. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union
Previous Ranking: 5
Aug 31, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko (23) takes a shot during the first half against the Atlanta United at Talen Energy Stadium. (Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)
For the first time in four games, Kacper Przybylko did not find the back of the net.
The Philadelphia forward was held to a single shot on target by the Red Bulls defense Sunday night.
The 14-goal scorer will be relied upon to produce strikes versus San Jose and Columbus to give the Union an opportunity to land one of the top two seeds in the East.
5. Gustavo Bou, F, New England Revolution
Previous Ranking: 4
Aug 31, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou (7) reacts after scoring against the Toronto FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)
None of Gustavo Bou’s six shots over 45 minutes found the back of the net Saturday.
Since August 10, the 25-year-old Argentinian has tallied in five of New England’s seven games.
Bruce Arena’s side needs that same level of production Wednesday in Portland and Sunday at home versus NYCFC to lock up a postseason spot.
4. Frederic Brillant, D, D.C. United
Previous Ranking: 12
Aug 31, 2019; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; D.C. United defender Frederic Brillant (13) stops Montreal Impact Impact forward Maximiliano Urruti (37) during the second half at Stade Saputo. (Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)
For the first time since Week 13, a defensive-minded player has cracked the top four.
In addition to scoring Sunday against Seattle, Frederic Brillant has been a part of a defense that recorded three consecutive clean sheets.
Thanks to the efforts of the back four, Ben Olsen’s side goes into Red Bull Arena Sunday with a 324-minute shutout streak.
3. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC
Previous Ranking: 3
Sep 21, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) shoots a penalty kick for a goal during the second half against Toronto FC at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)
Carlos Vela extended his scoring streak to six games with LAFC’s lone tally against Toronto FC.
The Mexican forward is up to 29 goals, but only holds a two-strike advantage over Ibrahimovic heading into the final two weeks of the regular season.
Vela has home matches with Houston and Colorado and a road trip to Minnesota left on the docket.
2. Josef Martinez, F, Atlanta United
Previous Ranking: 2
Sep 18, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta United FC forward Josef Martinez (7) controls the ball against FC Cincinnati in the second half at Nippert Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
Josef Martinez notched his seventh brace of 2019 Wednesday in Atlanta’s win over FC Cincinnati.
Unfortunately, the Venezuelan’s scoring run came to an end Saturday when he was taken off the field with an injury.
The injury likely takes him out of Golden Boot contention since he is three back of Vela and is expected to miss some time.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy
Previous Ranking: 1
Sep 21, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) steals the ball from Montreal Impact defender Rod Fanni (16) and takes it down field in the second half of the game at StubHub Center. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports)
Ibrahimovic’s next goal in MLS will be his 50th for the Galaxy.
If he records it in his next match, the Swede will have 50 strikes in 50 games started for one of the top clubs in league history.
His 49th regular-season tally occurred Saturday versus Montreal. Since August 14, Ibrahimovic has scored 11 times.
The post MLS Player Rankings Week 29: Frederic Brillant, Ike Opara lead defensive-heavy list appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA
Wayne Rooney helped DC United to a strong win as New York Red Bulls made it back-to-back victories in MLS on Sunday. Assured of a place in the play-offs, DC climbed into fourth in the Eastern Conference thanks to a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders. Lucas Rodriguez’s low strike gave DC the lead at home […]
The post MLS Review: Rooney helps DC United to win, Red Bulls overcome Union appeared first on Soccer News.
The post MLS Review: Rooney helps DC United to win, Red Bulls overcome Union appeared first on Soccer News.
The Colorado Rapids traveled to Kansas City hoping to play spoiler and they did, downing Sporting KC in a 3-2 comeback win. SKC went out to an early lead with goals from Gerso (3’) and an own goal from Rapids defender Tommy Smith (14’) to take an early 2-0 lead. The game changed when a second yellow was issued to SKC midfielder Matt Besler and Colorado was able to take advantage, cutting the lead to 2-1 at halftime on Kei Kamara’s bicycle kick goal in the 42nd minute.
Colorado drew even in the second half on a Diego Rubio goal in the 76th minute before Tommy Smith redeemed himself by scoring the game winner on a header in the 85th minute, securing the 3-2 victory.
Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 3-2 win over SKC:
Price of admission
Jack Price has answered all doubts on whether he can be a set piece specialist, and with great vigor.
With Price’s assist of Kamara in the first half in Kansas City, Price set a mark for the most set piece assists since 2010(9), passing LA Galaxy’s David Beckham(8) and SKC’s Graham Zusi(8).
“I’ve actually told him that his deliveries haven’t been good enough because he had a few free kicks in the first half that hit the first man,” Rapids defender Tommy Smith joked post-match. “I’d like to think I claim an assist for the assist.”
On a more serious note, Smith offered praise for his English comrade, saying,
“Obviously, all season his delivery has been top notch and hats off to him for getting that MLS record. It’s fully deserved and hopefully we can get a couple more for him before the season finishes.”
Price offered a humbled response to securing the assist mark.
“I just put the ball in the box,” he said. “I just put it in a good area and hopefully people get their heads on it and they do. It’s a proud moment for me to get a record like that. There are some high caliber players I took over and it’s a nice feeling. But, like I said, I just do what I do and hopefully somebody gets their head on it.”
You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone
Perhaps fittingly, two of Colorado’s goals were score by former SKC players, Kei Kamara and Diego Rubio.
“I still call it home,” said Kamara. “It’s nice to come back home and play in front of friends and family, but tonight was special because we came up with all three points.”
Kamara’s bicycle kick to pull back a goal was a highlight-reel worthy effort.
“It’s weird to say, but I actually had a dream about it,” added Kamara. “The only other time I’ve score a half bicycle scissor was in this stadium. The goal gave us a little bit of momentum going back out there.”
In the second half, Rubio bagged the equalizer, which was huge in gaining second half momentum.
“I don’t know how Diego feels on the inside, but I’m sure he feels great,” said Kamara.
Keep Fighting 2.0?
In a span of minutes, the 2019 Colorado Rapids season went from the near brink of mathematical elimination to still holding on to a breath of life in the playoff race. At time of writing Colorado (39 points) still is mathematically alive in the Western Conference, and still has a hope of surpassing FC Dallas, Portland and San Jose if they win out and receive help in other results. It’s impressive for a team that went winless for 10 games to start the season under former head coach Anthony Hudson.
Their comeback win on Saturday was further evidence of the resilience that the team has brought back in the second half of the season and continues to be fostered under head coach Robin Fraser.
“Credit to [SKC], they took their chances and we dug ourselves a hole once again, but I talk about this every week it seems like, it’s the resiliency of the team,” said Fraser. “Even being down two goals in spite of being up a man, that’s a tough situation. This is an organized team. They’ve done this before. They sat back in and made it very difficult for us to create scoring chances, but we were pretty relentless in our endeavor to go forward. Certainly, things could have been better and cleaner. We would have liked to see the game be more controlled, but at the end of the day you can’t fault the effort.”
The post Keep Fighting 2.0? Takeaways from Colorado’s 3-2 comeback win over Sporting KC appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA
