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Mason Toye scored twice as Minnesota United shocked league-leading Los Angeles FC 2-0, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unable to prevent LA Galaxy from losing late at Seattle Sounders. Toye’s first-half brace saw Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield leaders LAFC surprisingly beaten at home for the first time this MLS season on Sunday. LAFC had gone […]

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

Mason Toye scored twice as Minnesota United shocked league-leading Los Angeles FC 2-0, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unable to prevent LA Galaxy from losing late at Seattle Sounders. Toye’s first-half brace saw Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield leaders LAFC surprisingly beaten at home for the first time this MLS season on Sunday. LAFC had gone […]

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

Mason Toye scored twice as Minnesota United shocked league-leading Los Angeles FC 2-0, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unable to prevent LA Galaxy from losing late at Seattle Sounders. Toye’s first-half brace saw Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield leaders LAFC surprisingly beaten at home for the first time this MLS season on Sunday. LAFC had gone […]

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

Mason Toye scored twice as Minnesota United shocked league-leading Los Angeles FC 2-0, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic was unable to prevent LA Galaxy from losing late at Seattle Sounders. Toye’s first-half brace saw Western Conference and Supporters’ Shield leaders LAFC surprisingly beaten at home for the first time this MLS season on Sunday. LAFC had gone […]

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Minnesota stun LAFC, Ibrahimovic scores but Galaxy lose seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

Philadelphia Union moved clear in the Eastern Conference after blitzing reigning MLS champions Atlanta United 3-1, despite Josef Martinez extending his goalscoring streak. Atlanta star Martinez scored in his 13th successive league match but Frank de Boer’s side still lost to Philadelphia in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash. Martinez broke the deadlock in the second minute of […]

The post MLS Review: Martinez extends scoring streak but Atlanta fall to Union in top-of-the-table clash appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Martinez extends scoring streak but Atlanta fall to Union in top-of-the-table clash appeared first on Soccer News.

HARRISON, N.J. — The New York Red Bulls talked about lessons learned leading up to their match against the Colorado Rapids.

Trap game? No such thing, they said.

Yet, when the final whistle blew and the boos rained down at Red Bull Arena Saturday night, the Red Bulls were on the wrong end of a head-scratching 2-0 loss to one of the worst teams in the league who were down three suspended starters.

“From my standpoint, it’s pretty clear. We lost the game 2-0 at home, extremely disappointing,” Red Bulls coach Chris Armas said. “I’ll take a hard look at what I’m doing to put out a team tonight that I thought we didn’t have the urgency, the execution, the desire to win that game.”

Former New York City FC nemesis Jonathan Lewis scored both goals as Robin Fraser celebrated a win in his debut as Rapids coach. The victory snapped a three-match winless streak for the Rapids (8-14-6, 30 points), while the Red Bulls (12-12-5, 41 points) have lost consecutive games for just the second time this season.

“I can’t say enough about the effort, really can’t,” Fraser said. “The guys put out such an incredible effort. I told them afterwards, I want to be associated with this team because those guys fight.”

On a sequence that started with a Red Bulls attacking set piece with Bradley Wright-Phillips putting a shot off the post ended with Lewis giving the Colorado Rapids a 1-0 lead in the 14th minute.

The speedy winger pumped the brakes before blowing past Rece Buckmaster before taking a touch inside after entering the 18-yard box. Lewis then clinically finished inside the far post for his fourth goal of the season.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t even say it was me. The team played really well,” Lewis said. “They put me in good positions to do well today. Obviously, I scored the goals and I get the hype, I guess you could say, but the team played really well and they put me in the position to score.”

The rest of the first half consisted of missed Red Bulls chances. In his first MLS start, Southampton loanee Josh Sims took a Bradley Wright-Phillips layoff off his chest and fired over the crossbar in the 23rd minute.

In the 31st minute, Buckmaster took a pass from Sims and found Danny Royer, who turned in the box and slid a shot just wide of the far post. A minute later, Tim Parker got on the end of a Marc Rzatkowski service, but put his header from the edge of the six-yard box wide of the net.

In the 34th minute, Wright-Phillips took a ball down and also just missed the net with a low shot and three minutes later, Sims received a feed from Buckmaster and chipped a shot wide of the target.

The Red Bulls continued attacking after halftime with Kaku playing a ball across the six-yard box intended for Royer that Sam Vines desperately slid in to break up in front of the net for a corner kick in the 58th minute.

With the hosts pushing numbers in attack, the Rapids had golden chances to put the game away and they finally did three minutes from full time as Lewis buried his brace past a rooted Robles.

“Our talking point all week was competitive spirit, win our individual battles, these next six games just take them one at a time, but there has to be a playoff mentality,” Robles said. “I think for 90 minutes that didn’t exist, so it is really disappointing. … We need to figure this out quickly because there’s not much time left.”

The South Ward, who chanted “Armas out” and “Fire Armas” in the second half joined the rest of the stadium who booed at the final whistle.

“Listen, they’re not happy. They shouldn’t be,” Armas said. “So who do you take it out on, right? They don’t take it out on each other. They love the players. So they blame the person in charge. It’s fair. It’s fair. Is that the best thing for the players and the coaches to hear? That doesn’t help. But they’re frustrated. And that comes with it. They support us, they come and they’re entitled to be frustrated and voice that opinion. It won’t change the way we’re working.”

The post New York Red Bulls suffer 2-0 loss to shorthanded Colorado Rapids appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Competition: MLS Market: FC Dallas win Odds: 3/5 @ Bet 365 Handed the chance to climb potentially as high as second in the Western Conference, FC Dallas will welcome Cincinnati to the Toyota Stadium in the early hours of Sunday morning. Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a very eye-catching display in their 5-1 win […]

The post FC Dallas 3/5 to beat FC Cincinnati and over 2.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS contest  appeared first on Soccer News.

The post FC Dallas 3/5 to beat FC Cincinnati and over 2.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS contest  appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: Both teams to score Odds: 1/2 @ Bet 365 Handed the chance to leapfrog Seattle to third spot in the Western Conference, LA Galaxy will make the trip to CenturyLink Field on Sunday night. Starting with the hosts, picking up a much-needed 2-1 win away at Portland last weekend, Seattle will be desperate to build […]

The post Both teams to score Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy 1/2 for Sunday’s MLS matchup  appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Both teams to score Seattle Sounders vs LA Galaxy 1/2 for Sunday’s MLS matchup  appeared first on Soccer News.

HANOVER, N.J. — The ad campaign for the energy drink proclaimed “Red Bull gives you wings.”

New York Red Bulls midfielder Danny Royer knows from experience: A new coach gives you energy.

That’s what he’s expecting from the Colorado Rapids in Robin Fraser’s first game in charge Saturday night at Red Bull Arena.

“Speaking from experience, when a new coach comes in everybody wants to show up, everybody wants to win a spot,” Royer said after training Thursday. “Maybe players that didn’t play that much start on the weekend, they want to show that they’re supposed to start. There’s always a new motivation, probably a new commitment. That’s what the change of a manager should do, or that should be the effect.”

Fraser is the Rapids’ third coach this season. After Anthony Hudson was fired May 1, Conor Casey took over on an interim basis and was replaced by Fraser, who was hired August 25.

The Rapids (7-14-6) come to Harrison winless in their last three games and with little but pride to play for in the final seven games of the regular season.

“These guys are fighting for roster spots, for their jobs,” midfielder Sean Davis said. “We know that they’re going to come into Red Bull Arena with a mission, and that’s to get three points under their new head coach. There’s no reason for us to undermine this game. It’s extremely important for us, especially in the table with few home games left. It’s going to be a challenge, but I think we’re all looking forward to it.”

With no games to reference, projecting how the Rapids will play under Fraser is also a difficult proposition for Red Bulls coach Chris Armas and his staff.

While the formation and tactics are unknown, Armas said there’s still plenty of familiarity in Colorado.

“I think it’s two things — one, we know they’ll come with energy. Two, It’s maybe more important to think about the player qualities of who we’re playing against,” Armas said. “They’re not going to start 11 new players so we understand the back line, different players that they’ll go to and then we know they have different credible attackers that they do have and their tendencies and qualities.”

However, Armas said the onus at training this week has been more about his team than the opposition.

“Honestly it’s so much more about the New York Red Bulls,” Armas said. “It’s about how good can we be at being us, and how from the start of the game, and for 90 minutes, can we stay on top of the details.”

The post New York Red Bulls expect Robin Fraser to provide Colorado Rapids boost appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Many of us have been there. A delayed flight turns a routine trip into a day-long headache. Maybe weather was the culprit, or maybe there was some sort of organizational incompetence at play. Either way, we cope by channeling anger and frustration into a seething tweet, at-ing the airline with the irrational hope that this expression of rage and injustice will somehow bring cosmic forces together and release us from Terminal C limbo.

Major League Soccer players, it turns out, are just like us.

But instead of taking to social media to torch Delta or United or any other behemoth that will hardly notice the complaints, their posts are subtweets directed at MLS commissioner Don Garber and league owners.

Wayne Rooney, one of the league’s two biggest Names-People-Who-Do-Not-Follow -MLS-Actually-Know, made his contribution last week.

“Looking forward to a 12 hour travel day which could be done in 6 but hey this is mls,” read a line in Rooney’s tweet.

That is some Eat Arby’s-level nihilism.

Gutted about result last night. We deserved more. Looking forward to a 12 hour travel day which could be done in 6 but hey this is mls. We will get ready for red bulls Wednesday. #Charterflights #msl

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) August 18, 2019

The diehards who engage in MLS Twitter may have noticed the uptick in this genre of tweets in 2019. It is no coincidence that players across the league have suddenly become so exasperated with difficult journeys to and from away games that they can no longer resist the urge to post. MLS players, to their chagrin, fly commercially instead of enjoying the convenience and comfort of private jets like other professional athletes in North America.

The MLS Players’ Association is hoping to change that by increasing the number of allotted charter flights in a new collective-bargaining agreement with the owners.

Representatives have talked up the subject of charter flights ad nauseum, but it is difficult to garner fan support and the leverage that comes with it when labor issues come across as dull and distracting compared to actual games. Think of men in suits talking into microphones on SportsCenter during the various work stoppages in North American sports leagues over the past 25 years: snooze-fest. Getting snippy in viral tweets, however, is a sacred pastime for today’s young adults. It is an effective way to break through and connect with fans.

3 games in a week, cap off the week with a great away result. Now sitting at airport, flight delayed 4 hours till 3pm. Good recovery and day off #mlstravel

— Tim Parker (@Tim_Parker26) July 22, 2019

“Posts like these illustrate the distance this league still has to go to become a league of choice,” MLSPA director of player relations Ty Harden said in an email to Pro Soccer USA. “Travel is a very visible, tangible example of this, but the same holds true for the improved competition, increased fairness and continued investment necessary to move MLS forward. The players’ voices on all of these issues are a key part of creating that change.”

Michael Parkhurst is in his 17th season as a professional and his ninth in MLS. Parkhurst is well versed in the logistics of away days in this league. Even if there are no unexpected issues and the flight is direct (which is not a guarantee for teams based near smaller airports), a stateside team visiting one of the league’s three Canadian clubs comes with the hassle of going through customs with the rest of the flying public. 

Welcome to ! Only a bit more than 24 hours until game time. Travel sure is fun sometimes @MLSPA #VoiceOfThePlayers pic.twitter.com/fUVipBmtM0

— Julian Gressel (@JulianGressel) June 25, 2019

“We’ve had travel struggles for a long time,” Parkhurst said after that game, a 3-2 loss to Toronto FC. “Every team, every guy that’s played in MLS for a while has got their own crazy story about travel, and now it’s just easier to share those things to social media. This year, it’s probably getting around a little more often.”

The trend gained steam in Parkhurst’s estimation after the Montreal Impact’s arduous trip to New England in April. The Impact were scheduled to fly into Boston on Tuesday, April 23, for a game the following day, but a series of delays resulted in the team arriving just a few hours before kickoff. MLS denied Montreal’s request to have the game postponed. The Impact defeated the Revolution 3-0 anyway, but that Revs team under doomed manager Brad Friedel was a shell of its current iteration.

Neither Harden nor Parkhurst confirmed the suggestion that this is an organized effort directed by the Players’ Association. Nevertheless, players assuredly will take to their smartphones as soon as the slightest travel-related annoyance emerges this season. 

“Our players understand the power they have to spotlight issues that are important to them,” Harden said. 

“It’s an issue,” Parkhurst confirmed, “and it’s one that we’re talking about and that needs to be improved.”

Should’ve flown out of Vancouver last night after early kickoff.
Instead, we wake up at 4:45 am, spend all day in airports (connect in Toronto) & on airplanes w/ no legroom cross country, and just finally landed back in Philly.
What a great recovery day. #mlstravel pic.twitter.com/iiyU81wVf0

— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) April 28, 2019

It is difficult to assess exactly what kind of impact all this tweeting is making. Google Trends data for a variety of searches related to the issue is inconclusive at best and non-existent at worse — which is a symptom of a different, but related, problem for MLS, according to the players. The league still struggles to grasp the attention of American sports fans, even those who enjoy soccer. It lags far behind Liga MX and the English Premier League in television viewership. 

For those soccer enthusiasts who also are MLS haters, a perceived lack of quality is the common reason why they hold their domestic league in contempt. MLS players argue better travel conditions would lead to an improved product on the field.

“I don’t think it’s looking for public sentiment,” Atlanta goalkeeper Brad Guzan said when asked about #MLSTravel Twitter last week. “You look at the grand picture, it’s not good enough. It’s not about people feeling sorry. It’s not about, ‘Oh, poor us, poor us, poor us.’ We’re trying to progress this sport in this country. We’re trying to progress this league and make it a real league.”

7 hours later…still stuck at cincy airport. game kicks off in 22 hours in colorado #mlstravel pic.twitter.com/xXOwVGRSmd

— Spencer Richey (@spencerichey18) June 1, 2019

Whether all of these angsty tweets become catalysts for real results remains to be seen.

To make an impact, they need to break through the comparatively niche MLS media-sphere, grab mainstream coverage and cast the league’s travel reality in an embarrassing light.

In Rooney’s case at least, that appears to be a job done.

The post This is the year of #MLSTravel Twitter appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told Zlatan Ibrahimovic to give him a call if he is serious about returning to Manchester United. Ibrahimovic scored 28 goals in an impressive first season at United in 2016-17 and said this week he would be happy to re-join the club if given the opportunity. The departures of Romelu Lukaku […]

The post He knows my number! – Solskjaer responds to Ibrahimovic´s Man Utd return comments appeared first on Soccer News.

The post He knows my number! – Solskjaer responds to Ibrahimovic´s Man Utd return comments appeared first on Soccer News.

HANOVER, N.J. — Sean Davis was just 10 years old when Tim Howard made his stunning move from the MetroStars to Manchester United in 2003.

Davis was still developing his soccer appreciation palate, but it’s a move that resonated with the Long Branch, N.J. native.

“I think we all grew up watching the Premier League,” the New York Red Bulls midfielder said after training Thursday. “Maybe we were young at the time, but of course, we knew Manchester United and to hear about a player coming from my hometown team going to a top team like Manchester United is really inspiring for all of us.”

Long before Davis would play for the same team, albeit by a different name when the team rebranded to the Red Bulls in 2006, he watched Howard play on Saturday mornings and rooted for the hometown guy.

“Of course, I remember that, he’s had a great career, and I have nothing but respect for his journey, what he’s gone through and how he’s tested himself as top levels,” Davis said. “That’s what the goal of every professional player is, to see how far they can push it. And he’s been iconic for us and American soccer.”

Although it was Giants Stadium where Howard plied his trade as an up-and-coming goalkeeper from North Brunswick, N.J., he’ll play his final game in the Garden State Saturday night at Red Bull Arena, and receive a pregame tribute on the end-zone video boards before the Colorado Rapids take on the Red Bulls.

Howard, 40, announced in January he will retire at the end of the season. 

“I know how important he was to this club. I think we’re all proud to have this club be a part of his success,” Davis said. “It’s going to be awesome to share the field with him, especially again, it’s my hometown team. To be a part of, that’s really special. But the most important thing is three points. Hopefully we’ll score a few. But again, it is an honor to play against him.”

Chris Armas has different memories. Of course, Armas admired Howard’s consistency for club, first for Manchester United and then Everton in the Premier League, and for country. He watched, like so many others, in awe some of the saves he made — even as an opponent when Armas was a Chicago Fire midfielder.

But it was what Howard did on the training ground with the USMNT, when the cameras weren’t rolling and the fans weren’t in the stands, that stood out the most.

“Watching him after [training sessions] set a new standard for what goalkeepers should be. It would be him, Kasey Keller Tony Meola and Brad Friedel. Watching those guys up close, that’s what I remember about Tim Howard,” Armas said. “All those guys were tremendous and how much they pride themselves in the little things, and how quick he was, the details of not giving up rebounds, how hard he was on himself, the reactions to pounce on things.

“That’s what I remember most about Tim more than any performance — his training habits and what a good pro he was.”

The post Tim Howard’s last game in NJ a big deal for New York Red Bulls appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Montreal Impact climbed into seventh in the Eastern Conference thanks to a 2-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS on Wednesday. Maximiliano Urruti’s 37th-minute goal proved to be the match-winner at Stade Saputo in Quebec, boosting Montreal’s play-off chances. Vancouver, bottom of the Western Conference, had taken the lead through Yordy Reyna in the 17th […]

The post Montreal Impact 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps: Urruti boosts play-off chances appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Montreal Impact 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps: Urruti boosts play-off chances appeared first on Soccer News.

Rivalry Week brought the best out of some of Major League Soccer’s superstars. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Vela and Josef Martinez all scored against their respective regional foes in Week 25, making the decision to rank the top three in-form players across MLS even harder. 

Vela and Martinez have scored at a consistent rate all season, while Ibrahimovic has bagged goals in bunches, including his recent run for the LA Galaxy. 

The Mexican, Swede and Venezuelan are the clear-cut top three in the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings after Week 25, but there are other top performers worthy of recognition.

Once again, we experienced a good amount of turnover at the bottom of the list. The collection of new entrants is headlined by the league’s assist leader, who is back in the top 10 following an absence of a few weeks. 

The MLS Player Rankings take into account a player’s form over the last four games, with the most-recent performance carrying a bit more weight.

20. Julian Gressel, M, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 4 

Julian Gressel directs a teammate during Atlanta United’s 3-2 loss to Toronto FC at BMO Field in Toronto on June 26, 2019. (Steve Kingsman-Atlanta United)

Julian Gressel still holds an important role within the Atlanta United squad, but others that have made their way up the list have outplayed him in the last week or two. 

The German midfielder dished out a key pass and completed 84.4 percent of his 32 passes in the Five Stripes’ 1-0 win over Orlando City Friday. 

Gressel and Co. head up to face Philadelphia Saturday in a top-of-the-table clash in the Eastern Conference. 

19. Diego Rossi, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 15

Jun 28, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) controls the ball against Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

 Diego Rossi’s goal and assist against San Jose last Wednesday kept him on the list. 

The attacking output versus the Earthquakes is the lone time in the last four games in which the Uruguayan directly contributed to a Los Angeles FC goal. 

He already eclipsed his strike total from a year ago and needs three more assists to match his first-season output. 

18. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 10

Aug 17, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) fouls Orlando City SC midfielder Nani (17) during the second half at Allianz Field. (Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports)

Ike Opara and the Minnesota United defense did not give up a plethora of chances to Sporting Kansas City, but the Loons still conceded and left Children’s Mercy Park with a loss. 

In the defeat, the Defender of the Year candidate won three aerial duels, made two clearances and blocked a shot. 

17. Valentin Castellanos, M, New York City FC 

Previous Ranking: 14

Aug 21, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Valentin Castellanos (11) scores on a shot against the Columbus Crew SC during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Valentin Castellanos moved into the double-digit scoring club Wednesday with a strike against the Columbus Crew. 

The New York City FC midfielder has five goals in his last five matches, but he was unable to send a shot on target in the Hudson River Derby. 

16. Nemanja Nikolic, F, Chicago Fire

Previous Ranking: 11

Jul 6, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting Kansas City midfielder Ilie Sanchez (6) heads the ball in front of Chicago Fire forward Nemanja Nikolic (23) during the second half against at Children’s Mercy Park. (Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)

For the first time in August, Nemanja Nikolic did not find the back of the net for the Chicago Fire. 

In fact, the Serbian striker did not place a single shot on target in the Fire’s 2-1 defeat at the New England Revolution. 

Before Week 25, the 31-year-old had five goals on five shots on target in August. 

15. Kai Wagner, D, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

May 29, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Jonathan Lewis (11) runs the ball past Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Not only has Kai Wagner provided stability at left back for the Philadelphia Union, he has brought an added dynamic to the attack. 

In Saturday’s 3-1 triumph over D.C. United, the German defender picked up his seventh assist of the season. 

Wagner is one handout ahead of Minnesota’s Romain Metanire for most assists among defenders in MLS.

14. Raul Ruidiaz, F, Seattle Sounders

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Mar 16, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Raul Ruidiaz (9) kicks the ball against the Chicago Fire during the second half at Bridgeview Stadium. (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)

 Raul Ruidiaz hit the double-digit mark in goals for the second straight season with his tally against the Portland Timbers.

The Peruvian marksman has a two-game scoring streak to his name and also picked up his second assist in the Cascadia Cup win. 

The 29-year-old’s performance helped the Sounders get back on track after going winless in four. 

13. Gyasi Zardes, F, Columbus Crew SC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Mar 16, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC forward Gyasi Zardes (11) against FC Dallas defender Matt Hedges (24) at MAPFRE Stadium. (Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports)

Gyasi Zardes made up for his awful miss at the end of the first Hell Is Real match with a pair of tallies Sunday. 

With the brace at Nippert Stadium, the American forward picked up his second straight 10-goal season and the third of his career. 

Since the start of August, Zardes has scored four of the Columbus Crew’s eight goals. 

12. Maxime Crepeau, GK, Vancouver Whitecaps

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Aug 3, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau (16) reacts to the goal scored by midfielder Felipe Martins (8) against FC Cincinnati in the second half at Nippert Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)

Maxime Crepeau was record-breaking for Vancouver in Week 25. 

The Canadian goalkeeper turned away an MLS-record 16 shots from the San Jose Earthquakes, who peppered him with 19 attempts over 90 minutes. 

In two matches versus San Jose, Crepeau has 24 denials. He made eight saves in the July 20 meeting at BC Place. 

11. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Aug 24, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko (23) reacts after scoring against the D.C. United during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

The Philadelphia Union’s top scorer produced his best overall performance for the club Saturday.

Kacper Przybylko provided the second-place side in the East with one goal and two assists in the victory over D.C. United. 

The 26-year-old has three tallies in his last four contests for Jim Curtin’s side. 

10. Zdenek Ondrasek, F, FC Dallas

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Aug 17, 2019; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; FC Dallas forward Zdenek Ondrasek (13) reacts after scoring a goal against the Montreal Impact during the second half at Stade Saputo. (Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports)

The biggest individual surprise of the last few weeks has been Zdenek Ondrasek. 

After playing sparingly for most of the season, the Czech forward has three goals and an assist in his last two games. 

His first brace in MLS occurred Sunday in the Texas Derby, and it could be a sign of things to come down the stretch for Luchi Gonzalez’s side. 

9. Latif Blessing, M, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 16

Jun 28, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Latif Blessing (7) controls the ball against Colorado Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry (2) in the second half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Latif Blessing set a new personal best in scoring in MLS with his two-goal output in El Trafico.

The 22-year-old bagged his fifth and sixth tallies of the campaign in the 3-3 draw with the LA Galaxy. 

Four of Blessing’s six goals have come over the last five matches, production that comes as an addition to the hard work he has been doing on both sides of the ball.

8. Miles Robinson, D, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 9 

Jul 21, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) runs for a ball in front of D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

The Atlanta United defense has posted three clean sheets in its last four games. 

As a reward for that recent form and his season-long performance, Miles Robinson earned his first U.S. Men’s National Team call-up. 

Holding the Galaxy, Timbers and Orlando City scoreless are impressive feats, and now the Five Stripes look to do the same against the Union, who are the top scoring team in the East. 

7. Maxi Moralez, M, New York City FC 

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jul 14, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) dribbles the ball against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

Maxi Moralez is inching closer to joining the 20-assist club. 

The Argentinian handed out an assist in each of NYCFC’s Week 25 wins to move his league-leading total up to 18. 

In his three seasons with the club, the 32-year-old has 43 assists to go along with 20 goals. 

6. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 6

Aug 17, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (22) plays the ball against New York Red Bulls midfielder Sean Davis (27) during the second half at Red Bull Arena. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

The Carles Gil assist machine just keeps plugging along. 

New England’s Spanish midfield ace picked up his 12th assist in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire. 

Since the start of July, Gil has been responsible for a goal or assist in eight of nine games. 

5. Gustavo Bou, F, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 8

Jul 17, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou (7) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

Gustavo Bou found the back of the net for the third straight game Saturday, moving his season scoring total to five goals in seven games. 

That type of scoring efficiency could be enough to keep the Revs away from the red line in the final weeks of the regular season.

4. Heber, F, New York City FC 

Previous Ranking: 3

Jun 6, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Heber (9) celebrates his goal against FC Cincinnati during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Heber’s time in the top three was short-lived, but it had nothing to do with his personal form. 

The Brazilian scored his 13th goal of 2019 in the Hudson River Derby to make it four goals in four games. 

Due to the volume in which Ibrahimovic, Vela and Martinez have scored, the 28-year-old takes a small dip this week.

3. Josef Martinez, F, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 1

Aug 23, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA;Atlanta United FC forward Josef Martinez (7) celebrates after defeating the Orlando City SC at Exploria Stadium. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Martinez’s time on top is over — for now. 

The Venezuelan found the back of the net against Orlando City, but scoring once in a week is not going to give you the top spot. 

Martinez has scored in an MLS-record 12 consecutive league games, but in five of the last six contests, he only bagged a single goal. 

2. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC 

Previous Ranking: 2

LAFC forward Carlos Vela (10) scores a goal against LA Galaxy in the first half at Banc of California Stadium. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

The difference between Martinez and Vela was the brace the Mexican scored in last Wednesday’s clash with San Jose. 

Unfortunately for Vela, his three-goal week was not enough to give LAFC the full six points from matches against the Quakes and Galaxy.

Sunday’s 3-3 tie at Banc of California Stadium means the second-year side is still searching for its first El Trafico win.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: 5

Aug 17, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (center) is congratulated after scoring a second half goal against the Seattle Sounders at StubHub Center. (Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports)

Six goals in the last three matches have catapulted Ibrahimovic back to the No. 1 position.

The towering Swede stole the show in the first half of El Trafico, moving his season total to five goals against the Galaxy’s top rival. 

In the last two weeks, Ibrahimovic scored twice versus FC Dallas, Seattle and LAFC to overtake Martinez and Vela. 

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 25: Zlatan Ibrahimovic tops Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – When Colorado Rapids midfielder Jonathan Lewis was a member of New York City FC, he faced off against Robin Fraser and Toronto FC twice a year. Most of the time, it didn’t end well.

“The first time I played against them, we lost 4-nil and they passed the ball around the park against us,” Lewis recalled.

Having joined Colorado as head coach this week, Fraser is looking to employ a similar style to the one he built alongside Greg Vanney at TFC – in his words “manipulating the opponent” – while playing a possession-based style focused on ball movement and player intelligence.

It’s the type of soccer that Lewis is eager to be a part of again.

“I think we have really good individuals, but getting a coach like Robin who has these ideas, these movements, it’s going to be good for our team,” he said.

Lewis offered additional praise for the Rapids’ new gaffer, drawing comparisons to his former head coach, Arsenal legend and current OGC Nice manager Patrick Vieira.

“Just from the first session, he reminded me a lot of Patrick,” said Lewis. “He wants to play, he’s about detailed movements, little movement to create space with the ball, without the ball. It took me back to my first session with Patrick.”

At just 22-years-old, and having already received multiple call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team, Lewis is still seen as a bright, up-and-coming star in Major League Soccer. Looking at what Fraser has accomplished as both a coach and player, he’s hoping that he can use Fraser’s guidance to evolve into an important regular contributor for both club and country.

“He has experience playing with top players so not only can he help me in terms of getting in better positions and playing a style that suits me better,” said Lewis. “I think he can also mentor me. He’s coached top players like [Sebastian] Giovinco and Jozy Altidore and he’s played with those types of players. I think he’s good for all of us young players here.”

Beginning with this weekend’s trip to face the New York Red Bulls, the Rapids will have seven games remaining to the 2019 regular season. They will serve as both an audition of sorts for players on the current roster ahead of the offseason as well as an opportunity for Fraser to implement his ideas.

“It’s just about getting used to a new culture and different styles of play,” Lewis said. “Every one of us has to adjust to that now and play as best as we can in the system.”

The post New Colorado Rapids manager Robin Fraser drawing comparison to Patrick Vieira appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Wayne Rooney will miss a second DC United match after having his suspension for violent conduct extended by MLS. The 33-year-old was sent off during United’s 2-1 defeat to New York Red Bulls when a VAR review focused on an off-the-ball incident involving Rooney and Cristian Casseres Junior. Rooney was adjudged to have made contact […]

The post Rooney´s MLS ban extended to a second match appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Rooney´s MLS ban extended to a second match appeared first on Soccer News.