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It hasn’t been pretty for the Colorado Rapids during Anthony Hudson’s debut campaign as head coach. After 15 games, the Rapids have a tough hill to climb with just 12 points, 11 points back of the sixth playoff spot in the Western Conference.
On the back of Saturday’s 3-2 comeback win over Minnesota United — which gave Colorado its first win in 11 games played across all competitions— Pro Soccer USA takes a look at the biggest surprises of the Colorado Rapids’ season so far.
New coach, new players, new system. Same poor results.
It’s been better over the past two weeks as Colorado has earned four points in its past two matches, but with just 12 points amassed in 15 games played thus far, playoffs are still a tall order for the 2018 version of the Rapids. Just a point out of last place in the Western Conference and two points from being the worst team in MLS, the focus for Colorado has shifted to incremental improvement and avoiding league and franchise marks for futility.
Bottom of the table isn’t an unfamiliar feeling in Commerce City, give the Rapids track record since winning the MLS Cup in 2010. But with a new head coach, a rebuild of more than half of its roster and a publicly stated goal to “do better”, these results have been equally disappointing as they are surprising.
Colorado has only recently snapped a 10-game winless streak which included a franchise-record eight-losses in a row and nine losses across all competitions including an early exit from the U.S. Open Cup tournament where Colorado was defeated 2-0 by first year USL side Nashville SC.
As one Rapids fan on Reddit put it, “I came in just wanting to be better than last year and got the worst in Rapids history.”
The Stefan Aigner situation
Entering the 2018 season, Colorado Rapids fans were rife with enthusiasm on what German playmaker Stefan Aigner could do for the club with a full preseason. Why wouldn’t they be?
It was a signing that the front office promoted as a coup. Aigner was a player with Bundesliga experience obtained for what at the time seemed like a great value. Once he took the field in 2017, he provided an offensive spark the team was lacking with two goals and an assist in nine starts.
He was continually praised in the offseason and preseason, training with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim for preseason fitness and obtaining his green card to relieve the Rapids from having to apply another international roster spot. In a vacuum, it looked like a player committed to the cause.
But a preseason injury and green card travel led to Aigner being left off the team sheet early in the campaign, according to Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson. Aigner’s absence continued and frustrations boiled over with a heated exchange between the midfielder and head coach at an open practice in April.
Eventually, Hudson addressed the Aigner situation publicly, but the other side of the story from Aigner’s point of view wouldn’t come to light. Eventually, Aigner and the Rapids agreed to part ways and the player returned home to sign with another German club.
No one could have foreseen that less than a year after his highly touted signing, that Stefan Aigner would no longer be a part of the Colorado Rapids organization.
The continued rise of Dominique Badji
Plenty of Rapids fans will claim this isn’t a “surprise”, citing the fact that Colorado’s Senegalese striker led the team in scoring last season. But that mindset isn’t necessarily appreciative of what Badji is accomplishing and how rare it is.
For one, Badji has improved each season since joining the club as a fourth-round draft pick in 2015. This kind of consistency is rare, particularly for young MLS players with potential. Young players can show flashes of brilliance, but continued improvement over the course of four seasons is commendable. One needn’t look further than Colorado draft picks Deshorn Brown and Dillon Powers to see how promising careers can often take turns to different directions.
It should also be considered surprising because, on paper, even the front office didn’t expect this kind of production from Badji, who has six goals in 13 games played this season. In the offseason, Colorado made very public moves to sign strikers Jack McBean and Joe Mason in addition to drafting Niki Jackson. The Rapids search for a striker continued with the signing of PSG academy product Yannick Boli.
Despite the increased competition, Badji has risen to the task, accounting for nearly 40 percent of the team’s offensive production thus far – and he’s doing it with a new coach in a new system against defenses that are now keen on his scoring ability.
If it’s not surprising, it’s at the very least, impressive.
The post Colorado Rapids: Biggest surprises so far through MLS season appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA
NEW YORK (Wednesday, June 27, 2018) – Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday the complete five-day schedule of entertainment and charitable events prior to the 2018 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target. MLS, Atlanta United and the city of Atlanta welcome fans to enjoy a wide array of festivities, highlighted by a free concert and open training sessions before the best of MLS take on Italian giants Juventus at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 1 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The match will be televised domestically on ESPN and UniMás in the U.S., and on TSN and TVA Sports in Canada, as well as in more than 170 countries around the world.
Tickets are available for purchase here.
MLS All-Star week kicks off with the MLS Block Party on Saturday, July 28 at Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the iconic Atlanta BeltLine. The MLS Block Party is a celebration of Atlanta and soccer culture. Free and open to the public, the daylong party will include food and drinks, music, a soccer mini-pitch, games, apparel, and an Atlanta United viewing party. Atlanta recording artist Waka Flocka will be there to celebrate along with other celebrity friends and soccer legends. Iconic Atlanta artist Greg Mike will also be there finishing his MLS All-Star inspired mural live.
The party will continue Sunday, July 29, with a free concert beginning at 6 p.m. ET to celebrate the cross-section between soccer and music. The artist, an Atlanta native, will be announced at a later date. At that time, fans wishing to attend the MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target can secure their RSVP reservation by visiting MLSsoccer.com/FanPass. Due to space restrictions, registration does not guarantee entry, which will be first come, first served.
The Digital HQ presented by Wells Fargo opens on Sunday and will remain available for fans through Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. ET. The Digital HQ is a prime destination for fans featuring lounges to experience Digital HQ through games, giveaways and access to live productions. MLS All-Stars will be dropping in for interviews and roundtable discussions throughout the week and Digital HQ will also be the home of the eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Wells Fargo, where eMLS competitors will team up with influencers from the gaming community, MLS players and amateur gamers for a dynamic, fun and entertaining 2 v 2 competition.
Men in Blazers LIVE MLS All-Star Extravaganza will once again take place during MLS All-Star week. Known for their “occasionally intelligent, always passionate take on global football's unspooling narrative,” Roger Bennett and Michael Davies will bring their live show to Atlanta to celebrate all things soccer, featuring guest appearances by MLS All-Stars and other prominent characters of the beautiful game. The show will be at the Tabernacle (6:30 p.m. ET) on Monday night and tickets can be purchased here.
Tuesday, July 31, just one day before the MLS All-Star Game, welcomes the most robust day of programming beginning first with Juventus and MLS All-Stars’ open training sessions. Juventus will take the pitch at 10 a.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium followed by the MLS All-Stars. Tickets are available for purchase here, with one ticket providing access to both sessions.
Tuesday evening, the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground will play host to a doubleheader as the fifth annual Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Showcase presented by MLS WORKS and ESPN precedes the annual MLS Homegrown Game presented by Energizer. The Unified Sports All-Star soccer teams will play an 11 v 11 match, featuring athletes with and without intellectual disabilities representing MLS clubs. The match will be livestreamed on MLS YouTube beginning at 6 p.m. ET. The MLS Homegrown Game will showcase the next generation of MLS stars against Tigres UANL, the reigning Mexican league’s Under-20 champion. The game will be broadcast nationally on Univision Deportes Network and livestreamed on Twitter. Tickets to the doubleheader, starting at $15, are available for purchase by clicking here.
The festivities will continue at the Soccer Celebration presented by Scott, an interactive fan zone with music, games, autographs and free giveaways taking place on the International Plaza outside Gate 2 of Mercedes-Benz Stadium over a four-hour window leading up to the main event – the MLS All-Stars taking on the seven-time defending Italian champions Juventus.
View the full list of activities surrounding the MLS All-Star Game presented by Target below.
| DATE | ACTIVATION | LOCATION | TIME | TICKETS |
| Saturday, July 28 | MLS Block Party | Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the BeltLine | 12 - 11 p.m. ET | Free - No pass required |
| Sunday, July 29 - Wednesday, August 1 | MLS Digital HQ presented by Wells Fargo | Southern Exchange (200 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30303) | 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET *Opens at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday. Closes at 3:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday. | Free - No pass required |
| Sunday, July 29 | MLS All-Star Concert presented by Target | Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the BeltLine | 6 p.m. ET | Fan Pass required (More information coming soon) |
| Monday, July 30 | Men in Blazers Extravaganza | Tabernacle | 6:30 p.m. ET | |
| Tuesday, July 31 | Juventus Open Training followed by MLS All-Star Open Training | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 10 a.m. ET | Buy tickets here |
| Tuesday, July 31 | Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Showcase presented by MLS WORKS and ESPN | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground | 6 p.m. ET | Buy tickets here (includes access to MLS Homegrown Match) |
| Tuesday, July 31 | MLS Homegrown Match presented by Energizer | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground | 8 p.m. ET | Buy tickets here (includes access to Special Olympics Unified Sports All-Star Showcase) |
| Wednesday, August 1 | eMLS All-Star Challenge presented by Wells Fargo | MLS Digital HQ presented by Wells Fargo | 12 - 3 p.m. ET | More information on how to enter coming soon |
| Wednesday, August 1 | Soccer Celebration presented by Scott | Georgia World Congress Center International Plaza | 3 - 7 p.m. ET | Free - No pass required |
| Wednesday, August 1 | MLS All-Star Game presented by Target | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | 7:30 p.m. ET | Buy tickets here |
Philadelphia Union Midfielder Borek Dockal Voted Alcatel MLS Player of the Week
NEW YORK (Tuesday, June 26, 2018) – Philadelphia Union midfielder Borek Dockal was voted the Alcatel Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for the 17th week of the 2018 MLS season.
Philadelphia defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC 4-0 at Talen Energy Stadium on Saturday, with Dockal scoring two goals to lift the Union and snap Vancouver’s six-game unbeaten streak. In 15 games played this season, Dockal has five goals and six assists, leading the team in both categories. The Union sit sixth in the Eastern Conference with 21 points (6-7-3 overall record).
The Czech Republic international opened the scoring with a goal with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box in the 24th minute. Ilsinho recovered a failed clearance, finding Dockal in the box, who then sent a curling shot through three defenders into the bottom left corner of goal, leaving Vancouver goalkeeper Brian Rowe helpless (Watch Goal).
The midfielder showed his playmaking skills once again in the 71st minute with his second goal of the match to give Philadelphia a 2-0 lead, completing his first career MLS brace. Dockal found an Alejandro Bedoya pass at the top of the box then sidestepped past two defenders, firing a shot from the center of the box into the left side of the goal (Watch Goal).
The Philadelphia Union return to action on Saturday, June 30 to face the Los Angeles Football Club at Banc of California Stadium (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+).
The Alcatel MLS Player of the Week is chosen each week of the regular season by members of the North American Soccer Reporters. The organization includes print, television, radio and online journalists who cover domestic men's soccer in the United States and Canada. Learn more about the NASR and apply to join at https://www.facebook.com/soccerreporters/.
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – For the first time in 11 tries, including U.S. Open Cup competition, the Colorado Rapids have won a match.
A stoppage time header from Tommy Smith at the death secured all three points for the host Saturday night, as Colorado defeated Minnesota United 3-2 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“It’s been a tough period for everyone,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said of snapping a 10-game winless streak across all competitions. “Most of all it’s been tough for the fans. It would’ve been quite easy, and we all would’ve understood if they would’ve turned and not backed us. The Fans kept backing the team to the final whistle and we’re quite fortunate to have fans like we have because they’ve been very patient with us.”
In the first half, Minnesota had the lion’s share of the early chances in the contest including an effort from Miguel Ibarra that was blocked by Tim Howard in the 9th minute. Ibarra would eventually beat Howard, as a low shot by teammate Darwin Quintero went between the Rapids keeper’s legs, with Ibarra following up to give the Loons a 1-0 lead in the 23rd minute.
“I thought the game plan we had worked very, very well,” Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath said. “We had the ball and kept possession. At times, we were a bit elaborate and I think we could’ve been a bit more positive in the final third. In the first half, we had several [1-v-1 opportunities] on the counter attack.”
Colorado had a response, however, as Rapids striker Dominique Badji seemingly found an equalizer in the 30th minute, but a foul by Badji nullified what looked like a game tying goal.
At the end of 45 minutes, Colorado and Minnesota were level in shots (7), but the visitors had five shots on target to none for Colorado, including the goal.
“We didn’t start very well, so we had to adjust that at halftime,” Hudson said of the effort. “The lads responded really well.”
Colorado would find an equalizer early in the second half, as defender Edgar Castillo’s right footed shot from the top of the box went top shelf past Minnesota goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth to knot the game at 1-1 in the 50th minute.
“In our situation, it would’ve been easy just to accept our fate because that’s the way it’s been,” Hudson said. “But we kept going.”
Six minutes later, the Rapids nearly took the lead, but Jack McBean’s shot inside the six pinged off the post.
Instead, the Loons would put their noses in front again as Minnesota midfielder Christian Ramirez found the back of the net, receiving the pass from Ibarra out wide. Ramirez’s goal gave the Loons a 2-1 lead in the 65th minute.
Colorado responded again as substitute Joe Mason found the ball on a Rapids’ counter attack. Mason’s chipped effort found its way past Shuttleworth to knot the game up again at 2-2 in the 74th minute.
Moments after the goal, Ibarra was ejected from the match with red card for violent conduct. Behind the play, Ibarra was seen striking Rapids defender Danny Wilson, which referee Hilario Grajeda confirmed with the VAR.
“When you go a man down and they score a goal, it takes away your synergy,” Heath said of the decision. “It was a tough one to take.”
With the man advantage, Colorado would again push to take the lead – its best opportunity coming in the 88th minute off a Shkëlzen Gashi free kick. But Wilson’s low shot following the set piece bounced off of Shuttleworth and out of danger.
Colorado continued to push into stoppage time. On the final corner kick of the game, Gashi’s corner found Smith, whose goal would give the Rapids the lead for good.
“I’m pleased because we’ve been so close so many times,” Hudson said of the goal. “I’m pleased with Tommy’s reaction. He’s a strong character. He’s a big character. I was pleased that he got his reward and the goal in the end was for the whole team. It really was tonight a team performance.”
Up next, Colorado face Vancouver at BC Place Sunday, while Minnesota will return home to face FC Dallas on Friday night.
The post Tommy Smith header gives Colorado first win in 11 tries, Rapids edge Minnesota 3-2 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Former Colorado Rapids midfielder Stefan Aigner has found a new club. The 30-year-old, whose contract was mutually terminated by Colorado less than two weeks ago, has signed with KFC Uerdingen 05 in the German third division, the club announced Monday.
Aigner played just 11 minutes this season in MLS under newly hired Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson, who cited numerous reasons for the German’s lack of playing time including fitness and a lack of commitment to the club.
Following his Rapids exit, numerous German clubs had rumored interest in Aigner, including his longtime club TSV 1860 Munich.
Despite his often publicly stated loyalty to his boyhood club, Aigner was reviled by some 1860 Munich fans for being the face of the club’s numerous relegations over the past few seasons in addition to his perceived mercenaryism after leaving the club for Eintracht Frankfurt in 2012 and Colorado last season. Nonetheless, a recent poll of 1860 Munich fans showed 77 percent support in favor of his return.
In the end, Aigner chose to sign with KFC Uerdingen 05, which he will join on a reported three-year deal.
“We are very happy that Stefan Aigner has decided in favor of KFC Uerdingen, and many clubs and his home club have been interested in him and have given everything,” said KFC Managing Director Nikolas Weinhart. “For us, this commitment is an important building block and will be ours certainly again decisively strengthen.”
KFC Uerdingen 05 will begin its 2018-19 campaign on July 27th and will compete head-to-head with 1860 Munich as one of three clubs recently promoted from the German Regionalliga (fourth division).
Following a 10-day break from league play, Colorado will resume action this Saturday against Minnesota United FC (9 p.m. EDT).
The post Former Colorado Rapids midfielder Stefan Aigner lands with new German club appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA
Mexico Head Coach on Carlos Vela: 'He was one of our best' in win vs. defending World Cup champion Germany
World Cup precedes can't-miss Atlanta-Portland matchup on FOX
LAFC, league's new guard stay in thick of U.S. Open Cup race
MLS Week 17: Match Notes
Mexico Head Coach on Carlos Vela: 'He was one of our best' in win vs. defending World Cup champion Germany
With Mexico (and all soccer fans around the world) still buzzing about yesterday’s 1-0 win over defending World Cup champions Germany, head coach Juan Carlos Osorio heralded LAFC’s Carlos Vela play in the hard-fought match.
“He was one of our best players today,” Osorio said. “If you remember, Carlos was the one who made the last pass for the shots we had, for the chances in the final third, and the idea with him was to give us everything for 60 minutes. He made a very big effort.”
As a central attacking midfielder in Osorio's 4-5-1 formation, Vela ran the counterattack strategy that saw Germany maintain a majority of possession (61%), but that punished the defending champions as the Mexican side converted one of their four shots on goal. Of his decision to sub Vela out in the 60th minute, Osorio disclosed that while it pained him to do so, it was always his plan to give the LAFC star that span of time in the match.
While neither were utilized during the match, both Jonathan and Gio dos Santos were available for the game and could feature in the remaining group stage matches against South Korea and Sweden as fresh legs during what could be the beginning of a deep run into the tournament for El Tri.
Alongside the current MLS players, two additional familiar faces appeared on this magic Mexico squad: RSL Academy Product and former Real Salt Lake player Carlos Salcedo, and former New York Red Bulls defender Rafa Marquez who became just the third player in history to appear in five FIFA World Cups.
MLS Players by the Numbers in the FIFA World Cup
With their appearances in the first week of play, Carlos Vela (Mexico) and Marco Ureña (Costa Rica) have now played in two World Cups, while an appearance for Giovani dos Santos (Mexico) would be his third consecutive appearance in a World Cup.
Eight MLS players appeared in their first World Cup including four standouts playing 90 minutes in Panama’s first ever World Cup match, headlined by team captain Román Torres, alongside Fidel Escobar, Michael Murillo and Anibal Godoy.
Yoshimar Yotún is one of six MLS players to go the full 90 minutes in his squads opening match, leading all players in touches, passes attempted, passes completed and long balls completed in Peru’s opening match against Denmark.
Costa Rica’s Francisco Calvo played the entire match and was one of three MLS players to start against Serbia alongside David Guzmán and Ureña.
Gustav Svensson, meanwhile featured as a substitute in Sweden’s victory over South Korea on Monday.
Through the span of 14 World Cup matches, 10 current MLS players have seen time on the field. Eight current MLS players are awaiting their first appearance in the 2018 World Cup, with seven looking for their first ever appearance in the World Cup. Those players include Mexico’s Jonathan dos Santos, Egypt’s Omar Gaber, Costa Rica’s Kendall Waston and Rodney Wallace, Panama’s Harold Cummings and Adolfo Machado, and Peru’s Andy Polo.
Twelve of 13 former MLS players have seen the pitch thus far in the World Cup, including former Red Bulls player Rafa Marquez for Mexico.
World Cup precedes can’t-miss Atlanta-Portland matchup on FOX
The energy and excitement of the 2018 FIFA World Cup will flow into one of the most raucous of all MLS atmospheres this Sunday on FOX (4:30 p.m. ET), as the attacking style of league-leading Atlanta United prepares to host the Portland Timbers, who are undefeated in their last 10 games in all competitions.
In only their second season, Atlanta United have proven they are a force to be reckoned with, breaking attendance records with a passionate fanbase at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and charting major production on the field. Atlanta sits atop the league standings with a 10-3-3 record, collecting more regular season wins than any other club, and scoring 33 goals to lead all MLS finishing. Atlanta forward Josef Martinez leads the Golden Boot race with a tally of 14 goals, which is four more than the next-closest contenders.
Portland is riding a 10-game unbeaten streak and has newfound success in the winning combination of a two-forward front that features forward Fanendo Adi and Samuel Armenteros. The two combined to take down the LA Galaxy in Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition last week as part of a diamond formation that also could feature reigning MVP Diego Valeri as the playmaker.
The World Cup Group H match between Poland and Colombia (2 p.m. ET / FOX) precedes this fixture, and with the global event placing the sport center stage, Atlanta-Portland is one MLS matchup not to miss.
LAFC, league’s new guard stay in thick of U.S. Open Cup race
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 takes over the first half of this week, and the new guard in MLS is still in the thick of this year’s tournament. The league’s four newest teams over the past four seasons have advanced to this stage, and each has an opportunity to move into the tournament quarterfinals. U.S. Open Cup games are available live via U.S. Soccer’s Match Center.
Starting Monday night, 2017 expansion Minnesota United FC visit the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. Then on an action-packed Wednesday, Orlando City SC (2015) visit D.C. United, Atlanta United (2017) will host four-time Open Cup winners the Chicago Fire and 2018 newcomers Los Angeles Football Club – led by head coach and two-time Open Cup champion Bob Bradley – welcome the United Soccer League’s Sacramento Republic FC.
All four teams posted clean sheets during the tournament’s fourth round, with Minnesota garnering a shootout victory against future MLS side FC Cincinnati, the Cinderella Story of the 2017 U.S. Open Cup with their run to the semifinals. Orlando is the only team among this group since 2015 to previously advance to the Open Cup Quarterfinals, reaching that stage during its inaugural MLS season before falling to Chicago in the 2015 U.S. Open Cup.
This year’s Open Cup Round of 16 already drew some earthshattering attention on Saturday as Yohan Croizet’s game-winning volley propelled defending Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City to a 3-2 victory against FC Dallas. The 26-year-old Frenchman called his 89th-minute strike “the best goal of my career.” (Watch goal)
Round of 16 schedule (times ET):
Monday, June 18
Houston Dynamo vs. Minnesota United, 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 20
D.C. United vs. Orlando City SC, 7 p.m.
Atlanta United vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m.
Los Angeles Football Club vs. Sacramento Republic FC (USL), 10:30 p.m.
MLS Week 17: Match Notes
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Philadelphia Union vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 5 p.m. ET (TSN 1/5; ESPN+)
The Union have suffered back-to-back losses in league play, last a 2-0 defeat to Toronto FC at Talen Energy Stadium on June 8.
Whitecaps FC extended their undefeated streak to six games with a second consecutive victory, defeating Orlando City SC 5-2 at BC Place on June 9. The six-game unbeaten run is one game shy of the club’s record in its MLS history, set last season.
Alphonso Davies scored a goal and added a club-record three assists – the youngest player in MLS history to collect three assists, and record a combination of at least four goals plus assists in one game, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The five goals scored by Whitecaps FC were also a club record in an MLS league game.
Whitecaps FC have a four-game undefeated streak alive in the series, the last Union win vs. Vancouver coming in 2013. The ‘Caps have won twice in that span with two draws, including a goalless draw in the only meeting between the teams last year, March 5 at BC Place.
Whitecaps FC have come away with points on their past three visits to Chester, including a 3-2 win in the last meeting at Talen Energy Stadium, June 25, 2016. The Union have won just one home match vs. Vancouver – the first meeting ever between the teams, a 1-0 victory on March 26, 2011.
New York Red Bulls vs. FC Dallas, 6 p.m. ET (UniMás)
The Red Bulls put an end to a brief two-game winless run last time out, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 at Red Bull Arena last Wednesday.
Bradley Wright-Phillips scored his 10th goal of the season, tied for second in the MLS Golden Boot standings. It was the fifth consecutive season where Wright-Phillips has hit double figures in goals, the fourth player in league history to do that.
FC Dallas won their fourth consecutive game and extended their overall undefeated streak to seven matches, defeating the Montréal Impact 2-0 at Toyota Stadium on June 9. The winning streak is two games shy of the club record, set in 1999-2000.
The Red Bulls have a five-game undefeated streak in the series, the last FC Dallas victory coming March 11, 2012. The Red Bulls have won three of the five encounters since, with two draws, including a 2-2 result last Sept. 2 at Toyota Stadium.
The first goal scored by FC Dallas in last year’s match ended a 443-minute goalless drought vs. the Red Bulls, their last goal scored in the series coming in the 2012 victory in Frisco, a 2-1 win.
FC Dallas haven’t won at the Red Bulls since 2006, when they took a 2-1 victory at Giants Stadium. FCD has never won at Red Bull Arena (0-2-2). The Red Bulls have won on three of their last six visits to Frisco, with two draws, in both league and MLS Cup play.
Orlando City SC vs. Montreal Impact, 7:30 p.m. ET (TVA Sports; ESPN+)
The teams are meeting in the back end of a home-and-home series on either side of the World Cup recess, with the Impact taking a 3-0 win at Stade Saputo last Wednesday evening.
Ignacio Piatti scored a pair of goals, now with seven on the season. Of the past 12 goals scored by the Impact, dating back to April 21, Piatti has been involved in nine (six goals, three assists). The Impact win was their second in the past three games, coming off a four-game losing run.
The defeat was a club-record sixth in a row for Orlando City SC, having conceded multiple goals in each. It was the final game in charge for head coach Jason Kreis, relieved of his duties in the days following the match.
The Impact have a four-game undefeated streak alive in the series after the 3-0 win in the first meeting, the last Orlando City win vs. Montréal coming Sept. 7, 2016, a 4-1 triumph at Stade Saputo.
The Impact have come away with points on their past two visits to Orlando, after the teams reached a 3-3 draw last June 17 at Orlando City Stadium in the only meeting there. OCSC had won the first two encounters all-time in Orlando. The Impact have now won the past two meetings between the teams in Montréal.
Sporting Kansas City vs. Houston Dynamo, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Sporting Kansas City extended their undefeated streak to six games with a third draw in that time, reaching a goalless draw with the Portland Timbers at Providence Park on June 9.
The Dynamo put an end to a brief two-game losing slide, getting a pair of first-half goals on their way to a 2-0 win against the Colorado Rapids at BBVA Compass Stadium on June 9.
The teams met twice a year ago in league play, both games coming over a five-day span in the penultimate week of the season. The Dynamo took a 2-1 win on Oct. 11 at BBVA Compass Stadium; the teams then reached a goalless draw at Children’s Mercy Park.
The teams also met in the Knockout Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, an Alberth Elis goal in extra time giving the Dynamo a 1-0 win in Houston.
Sporting’s last win at home in the series came in 2011, winless in the past seven meetings at Children’s Mercy Park (0-1-6). The Dynamo have won the last three league meetings in Houston, the only victories for the home team in the series in the last 12 matches.
The teams have also met each of the past three years in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with Sporting claiming a 2-0 win in Houston last year in a fifth-round meeting.
Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United FC, 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
The Rapids put an end to their club-record eight-game losing run but still saw their winless streak extended, playing to a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park last Wednesday evening. The nine-game winless streak matches the third-longest in the club’s history, last achieved last season (from July 4-Sept. 2).
Tommy Smith netted his first MLS goal for the Rapids while also contributing an assist, the third of his league career.
MNUFC weren’t able to build upon a first win in four matches, falling 4-1 to Sporting KC in their last match, June 3 at Children’s Mercy Park.
The teams met twice in Minnesota United’s inaugural campaign. They reached a 2-2 draw in the first encounter, March 18 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; MNUFC then claimed a 1-0 win on April 18 at TCF Bank Stadium.
Real Salt Lake vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 10 p.m. (ESPN+)
Real saw their three-game winning run put to an end last time out, falling 3-0 to the LA Galaxy at StubHub Center on June 9.
The Quakes put an end to their four-game losing skid, but still saw their winless streak extended to six matches, reaching a 2-2 draw with the New England Revolution at Avaya Stadium on June 13.
Danny Hoesen scored the Quakes’ goals in the draw, his second two-goal game in his MLS career, now with nine goals on the season, tied for fourth in the MLS Golden Boot standings.
The teams split their season series a year ago. The Quakes took a 2-1 win on June 24 at Avaya Stadium in the first meeting, before Real returned the favor with a 4-0 victory Aug. 23 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Real are undefeated in their past four home meetings with the Quakes, with two wins and two draws in that time, the last San Jose victory in Sandy coming in 2013.
The Quakes now own a three-game winning streak in the series in San Jose, the last RSL win there a 1-0 triumph on April 5, 2015.
Seattle Sounders FC vs. Chicago Fire, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
Sounders FC weren’t able to build upon a first win in four matches, suffering a 2-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls on June 13 at Red Bull Arena, their third consecutive away defeat.
The Fire extended their undefeated streak to three games with a second consecutive draw, reaching a 2-2 result with the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park last Wednesday.
Aleksandar Katai netted his fifth goal of the season for the Fire, a sixth consecutive game with either a goal or an assist, with three goals and three assists over that span.
The Fire won the lone meeting between the teams a year ago, a 4-1 victory on May 13 at Toyota Park. The Fire have won the past two meetings in Bridgeview.
The Fire have never won in Seattle in five league visits, Sounders FC now hold a four-game winning streak at CenturyLink Field dating back to 2010. Sounders FC have also won twice at home in U.S. Open Cup matches, including a 2-0 victory in the final in 2011.
Los Angeles Football Club vs. Columbus Crew SC, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
LAFC put an end to their four-game winless run, coming back for a dramatic 4-3 win against the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium on June 9.
Adama Diomandé scored a pair of goals, his second in the 90th minute as LAFC overturned a deficit after the regulation 90 minutes were complete. Diomandé has three goals in his first three MLS appearances.
Crew SC saw their nine-game undefeated run put to an end, a string of three draws followed by a 2-0 loss to Atlanta United at Mapfre Stadium on June 13. Zack Steffen returned from international duty and saw his personal shutout streak come to an end after 525 minutes, the eighth-longest in MLS history.
The teams are meeting for the first time. Crew SC have lost to an expansion team in their first meeting just three times in the club’s history, after a 3-1 loss to Atlanta United in their inaugural match last year. The Crew lost 2-0 to the Chicago Fire in their first encounter in 1998 – then did not lose to an expansion team in the inaugural meeting until 2011, when they lost to Portland. All-time, Crew SC are 9-3-3 when playing expansion sides for the first time.
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Atlanta United vs. Portland Timbers, 4:30 p.m. ET (FOX / FOX Deportes)
Atlanta United extended their undefeated run to four games with a second victory in that time, defeating Columbus Crew SC 2-0 at Mapfre Stadium on June 13.
Josef Martínez scored for a fourth consecutive game, with six goals in that span (dating back to May 30), now with 14 goals for the season to lead the MLS Golden Boot standings.
The Timbers extended their undefeated streak to eight games with a second consecutive draw, reaching a goalless result with Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park on June 9. The eight-game unbeaten run is the fourth-longest in the club’s MLS history.
The teams met once in Atlanta United’s inaugural campaign, reaching a 1-1 draw May 14 at Providence Park.
New York City FC vs. Toronto FC, 5 p.m. ET (TSN 4/5; ESPN+)
NYCFC saw their perfect record at home come to an end, but still remain undefeated at Yankee Stadium this season following a 1-1 draw with Atlanta United on June 9. NYCFC are undefeated in their past nine home games, the third-longest undefeated run in the Bronx in club history.
Toronto FC extended their undefeated run to three games with a second draw in that time, coming back from three goals down to claim a share of a 4-4 draw with D.C. United at BMO Field on June 13.
The teams met twice in a year ago, both coming in a span of 11 days. The teams reached a 2-2 draw July 19 at Yankee Stadium, then TFC rolled to a 4-0 victory July 30 at BMO Field as Sebastian Giovinco scored two more goals vs. NYCFC.
The TFC win in the last meeting was their first in league play against NYCFC, in seven regular-season meetings. NYCFC had won two of the first six meetings all-time, with four draws.
The teams did also meet in the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2016 – and Toronto FC won 7-0 on aggregate, winning 2-0 at BMO Field, then 5-0 at Yankee Stadium.
David Villa has scored seven goals with one assist in four league appearances vs. Toronto FC, five of those goals coming in meetings in the Bronx.
Sebastian Giovinco has six goals and two assists in league play vs. NYCFC, including a hat trick in a nine-minute span in a 4-4 draw on July 12, 2015, at Yankee Stadium; he also scored a hat trick and added an assist in the second leg of the MLS Cup Playoffs series.
