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Another wild week means even more movement in the MLS Power Rankings. Once again, including No. 1 with a bullet Los Angeles Football Club, three teams are in same spot among the league’s 23 teams as they were a week ago.

The team trending upward the most is the defending MLS Cup champion Atlanta United, which have secured clean sheets in each of their eight wins, including a 2-0 Week 14 victory over the Chicago Fire.

Also making a leap this week is FC Dallas, who climbed eight spots after an impressive 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders FC.

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

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Julian Cardillo and Emily Olsen contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 14: Atlanta United make leap into top five appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

For the first three months of the Major League Soccer season, we’ve been transfixed by the superb form of Los Angeles FC’s Carlos Vela. 

Vela is already halfway to the single-season scoring record that was set a year ago by Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez, and he’s reached double-digit totals in both goals and assists. 

If the season ended today, Vela would be close to a unanimous Most Valuable Player for his contributions to the top side in the league. 

Vela has been on top of the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings for the majority of the season, but a new list of contenders for the top spot are lining up beneath him.

One of those players is the man whose record Vela is trying to break. Martinez is one of a few in-form scorers who have moved into the top five in hopes of stealing the top spot if the Mexican international has an off week. 

Our player rankings take into account the last four performances from a player, with the most-recent outing carrying a bit more weight. 

20. Johnny Russell, M, Sporting Kansas City 

Previous Ranking: 8

May 29, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell (7) kicks the ball as LA Galaxy defenseman Daniel Steres (5) defends during the second half at Children’s Mercy Park. (Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports)

Perhaps we’re being a bit harsh to Johnny Russell one week after he scored a hat trick, but if you look at his overall form, he hasn’t found the back of the net on a consistent basis.

Since April 20, the Scotsman only has the hat trick from Week 13 to his name after scoring on four occasions in his first six games. 

Russell failed to put a shot on target on Wednesday in Sporting KC’s loss to the LA Galaxy and didn’t play in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Houston. 

19. Michael Amir Murillo, D, New York Red Bulls

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Jun 1, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls defender Michael Murillo (62) celebrates after scoring a goal against Real Salt Lake during the second half at Red Bull Arena. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

An argument can be made that the New York Red Bulls have the best fullback duo in MLS. 

During the club’s five-game unbeaten run, Michael Amir Murillo and Kemar Lawrence have enforced their will on opponents. 

Murillo produced a terrific all-around performance in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake. The Panamanian scored a goal, dished out three key passes and made a pair of tackles, interceptions and clearances in the defensive half. 

18. Franco Escobar, D, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

May 29, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United defender Franco Escobar (2) celebrates after a goal with forward Josef Martinez (7) against Minnesota United in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

The Atlanta United defense picked up a pair of clean sheets at home against Minnesota United and Chicago in Week 14. 

Franco Escobar was the only player not named Josef Martinez to score for the Five Stripes by netting the opener on Wednesday against the Loons. 

Escobar was part of a defensive unit that conceded six shots on goal over 180 minutes in his team’s final games before the Concacaf Gold Cup break. 

17. Auston Trusty, D, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jun 2, 2019; Saint Paul , MN, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Auston Trusty (26) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)

We’re still trying to figure out how the Philadelphia Union escaped from Allianz Field with three points. 

Auston Trusty scored the game-winning goal in the Union’s 3-2 win and was a key part of the team’s incredible defensive effort inside the box in which they recorded 13 blocked shots. 

The 20-year-old center back made nine clearances, three interceptions and blocked a pair of shots for the first-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

16. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

May 11, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Carles Gil (22) celebrates after scoring a goal against the San Jose Earthquakes during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

While most of you were winding down from a long weekend, Carles Gil was busy carving up the LA Galaxy defense late on Sunday night. 

The 26-year-old Spaniard produced a pair of assists in New England’s 2-1 win over the Galaxy and dished out a total of six key passes on 92 touches. 

During New England’s four-game unbeaten run, Gil has produced a goal and two assists. 

15. Mark-Anthony Kaye, M, Los Angeles FC 

Previous Ranking: 11

May 24, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye (14) moves the ball ahead of Montreal Impact midfielder Shamit Shome (28) during the second half at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

When you play in the league’s best midfield on the league’s best team, there are going to be weeks in which you don’t catch the spotlight as much as your teammates. 

That’s the case with Mark-Anthony Kaye, who took a backseat in the spotlight to a few of his teammates who we’ll get to in a minute. 

Keep an eye on Kaye at the Concacaf Gold Cup with Canada. He’ll be part of another strong midfield unit alongside Montreal’s Samuel Piette and Toronto’s Jonathan Osorio. 

14. Leonardo Jara, D, D.C. United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

May 4, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United defender Leonardo Jara (29) attempts a shot against the Columbus Crew during the second half at Audi Field. (Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)

If you haven’t picked up on this by now, we are displaying our soft spot for defenders this week. 

D.C.’s Leonardo Jara has quietly been one of the better fullbacks in MLS all season and he took his turn in the spotlight on Wednesday with a pair of assists in the 3-3 home draw with Chicago. 

In total, Jara delivered five key passes in Week 14 from his right back position in 156 minutes. 

13. Latif Blessing, M, Los Angeles FC 

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

May 24, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Latif Blessing (7) celebrates his goal during the first half against the Montreal Impact at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

Latif Blessing has performed at a high level all season alongside Kaye and Eduard Atuesta in the LAFC midfield. 

In Saturday’s 3-2 win at Portland, Blessing netted the third LAFC goal and was accurate with his passing by producing two key passes and completing 89.2 percent of his 37 passes. 

Blessing has also put in a few immense shifts on defense, and he is averaging 3.1 tackles and 0.9 interceptions per game. 

12. Amro Tarek, D, New York Red Bulls

Previous Ranking: 14 

May 25, 2019; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Red Bulls defender Amro Tarek (3) reacts against FC Cincinnati in the first half at Nippert Stadium. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)

Before departing Saturday’s game at Red Bull Arena in the 73rd minute, Amro Tarek produced yet another solid performance in the middle of the Red Bulls defense. 

In the four wins the Red Bulls have achieved during their five-game unbeaten run, they have outscored opponents 8-1. 

Tarek, who played with Orlando City last season, should be in the running for the Most Improved Player in MLS. 

11. Alejandro Pozuelo, M, Toronto FC

Previous Ranking: 10 

May 31, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo (10) controls the ball against Vancouver Whitecaps forward Joaquin Ardaiz (9) during the second half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Alejandro Pozuelo did everything but find the back of the net in Toronto FC’s 1-1 draw with Vancouver on Friday. 

The Spaniard finished the game with 109 touches, which is incredibly high for an attacking midfielder, two key passes and a shot off the post. 

Pozuelo and his teammates have one more opportunity to earn their first win since May 4 before the Gold Cup break on Friday when Sporting KC comes to BMO Field. 

10. Andre Shinyashiki, F, Colorado Rapids

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Say hello to the MLS Rookie of the Year favorite. 

HT: Easy as that! Andre Shinyashiki gets it done and gives @ColoradoRapids a 1-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/tMtpwT0Rae

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 2, 2019

Andre Shinyashiki, who scored 28 goals at the University of Denver in 2018, has been one of the most important attacking pieces for Colorado during its four-game unbeaten run. 

Shinyashiki assisted on the Rapids’ equalizer on Wednesday against Philadelphia and found the back of the net in Saturday’s 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati. 

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft has two goals and an assist in his last four appearances. 

9. Romain Metanire, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 4

May 25, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United defender Romain Metanire (19) controls the ball as Houston Dynamo midfielder Matias Vera (22) gives chase during the second half of a match at Allianz Field. (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)

 Just as we sent Romain Metanire surging into the top five, he crashed out because of Minnesota’s shaky defensive performance against Philadelphia.

Metanire, who missed the Wednesday game against Atlanta due to yellow card accumulation, was part of a group that had trouble dealing with the Union’s counters and gave up three goals against a team the Loons outplayed. 

8. Miles Robinson, D, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 20 

Jun 1, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Chicago Fire forward Aleksandar Katai (10) fights for the ball with Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) (left) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports)

Two clean sheets in one week makes a world of difference when it comes to your position on this list. 

Miles Robinson dropped to the bottom of the top 20 after Atlanta United conceded twice against Real Salt Lake, but the entire Atlanta defense bounced back with two straight home shutouts. 

Robinson was immense in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Chicago. The 22-year-old won five aerial duels, made seven clearances, six interceptions and three tackles for Frank de Boer’s side. 

7. Eduard Atuesta, M, Los Angeles FC 

Previous Ranking: 3 

Jun 1, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco (10) attacks the ball against Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) in the first half at Providence Park. (Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports)

Eduard Atuesta’s four-spot drop has more to do with the players surging in front of him than his play in Week 14 against the Timbers. 

In the back-and-forth affair at Providence Park, Atuesta made three tackles and interceptions as well as a pair of clearances. 

In 15 games, Atuesta is averaging 83.2 passes per game and has a completion percentage of 87.5.

6. Nani, M, Orlando City 

Previous Ranking: 6 

Nani deposited his eighth MLS goal into the back of the net in Orlando City’s 3-0 road win over the Montreal Impact on Saturday. 

.@luisnani's career goal from @Orlando_CityUK's view on Saturday.

We love that road support. #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/ua08Tr3jbG

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 3, 2019

The strike at Stade Saputo was the third for the Portuguese winger in the last three games.

In 13 matches, Nani has scored on eight of his 18 shots on goal and handed out four assists. 

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: 19 

This is really just another opportunity for us to link to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bicycle kick goal from Sunday night. 

ZLATAN HIT 'EM WITH THE BICYCLE #SCTop10 pic.twitter.com/hMpLhCVriB

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 3, 2019

Ibrahimovic returned from his two-game suspension in Week 14 and promptly scored a goal in each of the LA Galaxy’s games to boost his season total up to 11. 

The Swede’s ridiculous bicycle kick goal took away the real headline from Sunday’s match. The Galaxy lost 2-1 to former boss Bruce Arena in his first game on the sidelines for the Revs. 

4. Brian Fernandez, M, Portland Timbers

Previous Ranking: 5 

Before Ibrahimovic unleashed his bicycle kick goal, Brian Fernandez netted an acrobatic goal of his own for the Timbers on Saturday night. 

How else would Brian Fernandez score his first home goal?

The Complete Look, presented by @oregon_lottery. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/wwCHFGWbYY

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) June 3, 2019

In 205 minutes played over three games, Fernandez has found the back of the net on four occasions. 

3. Josef Martinez, F, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 9

It took a while for Josef Martinez to get going in front of goal this season, but now he can’t be stopped. 

The Venezuelan forward eclipsed the double-digit mark in the scoring column on Saturday by recording his second brace of the week. 

Another Josef Martinez goal.

No, we are not kidding.#UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/1a1aMFug3g

— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) May 30, 2019

Martinez’s second and third multiple-goal outings of the season came against Minnesota and Chicago.

2. Chris Wondolowski, F, San Jose Earthquakes

Previous Ranking: 2

While many of the flashy new signings from the past few years are scoring goals at will, wily veteran Chris Wondolowski is keeping up with them at the moment.

33.8 – San Jose's Chris Wondolowski averaged a goal every 33.8 minutes in May, the best of any #MLS player with 2+ goals. Swift. #OptaPerformersOfTheMonth #Quakes74 pic.twitter.com/VwFXKmAzdd

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) June 3, 2019

The all-time leading scorer in MLS history pocketed his seventh goal in three games in San Jose’s draw with D.C. United on Saturday. 

Wondolowski now needs to score three more goals in order to extend his streak of double-digit goal seasons to 10. 

1. Carlos Vela, M, Los Angeles FC 

Previous Ranking: 1

Plenty of players have tried to match Vela’s form for stretches of the season, but the LAFC midfielder has shown no let up since the start of the campaign. 

A year after producing 14 goals and 13 assists, Vela has already eclipsed that goal total and is four assists away from setting a new high in MLS. 

WHO ELSE!!??

Carlos Vela opens the scoring at the new Providence Park!!#PORvLAFC 0-1 pic.twitter.com/77iPqRSwbC

— LAFC (@LAFC) June 2, 2019

Vela’s goal against Portland on Saturday extended his scoring streak to five games, and during that stretch he’s also contributed five assists.

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 14: Vela remains on top, Martinez surges up list after four-goal week appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Two teams earned 3-2 road victories in Week 14 of the Major League Soccer season. 

The score was about the only thing similar in Los Angeles FC’s Saturday win over the Portland Timbers and the Philadelphia Union’s triumph against Minnesota United the next day.

The Timbers were supposed to bask in their renovated stadium reopening with a win over the best team in MLS. But, as usual this season, LAFC couldn’t be slowed down. LAFC got rolling in the 6th minute, when Carlos Vela took advantage of a defensive error by Jeff Attinella. Diego Rossi and Latif Blessing each added a goal to solidify the victory. 

Looking at the box score, it wasn’t just Vela who piled on the Timbers with his incredible form. Fullbacks Jordan Harvey and Tristan Blackmon chipped in with assists on the goals scored by Rossi and Blessing, and on the other side of the field, Tyler Miller came up with a few big saves, including a diving 61st-minute denial on Diego Valeri’s curling shot from outside the box. 

What a night to take all 3 points.

#PORvLAFC pic.twitter.com/TwXiHUWhlH

— LAFC (@LAFC) June 2, 2019

The victory by Bob Bradley’s team reinforced what we already knew about the second-year side: It is the best in MLS.

Over at Allianz Field, the Union proved a point to the rest of the league by gutting out a victory in a game they had no business winning. 

The Union’s defense made 15 blocks, and Andre Blake came up with a few massive saves in the first half to keep them in the game. 

He wanted it, so he took it! Atta way, Auston Trusty #DOOP | #MINvPHI 2 – 3 | @austheboss3 pic.twitter.com/E2z3Cc5x45

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 2, 2019

The result was even more impressive considering the Union went into the game on a frustrating three-game winless streak in which they dropped seven points in a home stand against the Seattle Sounders, Portland and the Colorado Rapids. 

Sunday’s game was a chaotic back-and-forth affair, the polar opposite of the high-quality soccer on display at Providence Park a day before. 

Jim Curtin’s side has a much more difficult task to hold on to first place in the Eastern Conference than LAFC does in the Western Conference.

Goal of the Week 

Zlatan Ibrahimović, Los Angeles Galaxy 

There should only be one option for goal of the week. 

Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored this stunning bicycle kick in the LA Galaxy’s loss to the New England Revolution on Sunday. What is even more impressive when you watch this on repeat is the touch the Swede used to set up the bike. 

DARE TO ZLATAN @Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/pU4zVMqXbk

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) June 3, 2019

The Best of the Rest 

In any other week, most of these goals would be goal of the week, but they won’t be because of Zlatan’s incredible strike. 

Valentín Castellanos, New York City FC 

Watch it again and again and again… pic.twitter.com/qzgW3xeBqD

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) June 2, 2019

Brian Fernández, Portland Timbers 

Not a bad way to score your first Providence Park goal, Brian Fernandez. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/djZBBnlmiI

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) June 2, 2019

Haris Medunjanin, Philadelphia Union

Haris' lefty free-kick is up for @MLS Goal of the Week

It's ya civic duty – VOTE https://t.co/k57InFT855#DOOP pic.twitter.com/xXs9O9S7Ky

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 3, 2019

Another Eastern Conference Shakeup

The Eastern Conference will have the more competitive race for a No. 1 seed unless LAFC experiences a significant drop off in form. 

Philadelphia reclaimed the top spot with its win over Minnesota United and DC United’s home draw versus the San Jose Earthquakes. 

If you peek below the Union and DC, you’ll see Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls, the two Eastern Conference finalists from a year ago, lurking in third and fourth. 

Both the Five Stripes and Red Bulls earned shutout victories at home on Saturday. The Red Bulls are on a five-game unbeaten run, while Atlanta has won its last two games. 

Another shakeup is expected next weekend when the Red Bulls and Union collide at Talen Energy Stadium, while New York City FC could gain ground from sixth place if it beats FC Cincinnati on Thursday at Yankee Stadium. 

Watch Out For The Rapids

Jun 1, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Andre Shinyashiki (99) chases down a loose ball in the second half against FC Cincinnati at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

We didn’t imagine saying this about the Colorado Rapids a month ago, but they are one of the hottest teams in MLS. 

Interim boss Conor Casey has reinvigorated the franchise, and it has earned 10 points from the last four games, including Saturday’s 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati. 

One of the three goals was scored by Andre Shinyashiki, who is starting to create some separation for rookie of the year, which really should be renamed “young player of the year,” but that’s a discussion for another day. 

Unfortunately for Colorado, its horrific start put the team in such a deep hole that it still sits in last place in the Western Conference with 12 points. 

The Rapids could jump out of the basement if they beat Minnesota United at home on Saturday since the 11th-place Timbers are off in Week 15. 

Own Goal Fever

Jun 1, 2019; Frisco, TX, USA; Seattle Sounders defender Kelvin Leerdam (18) and defender Joevin Jones (33) react after the loss against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium. (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)

The Seattle Sounders accomplished a feat no team wants to be associated with on Saturday. 

Xavier Arreaga and Brad Smith scored own goals five minutes apart at Toyota Stadium to gift FC Dallas a 2-1 home victory. 

The Sounders ended up with more shots on their own net than FC Dallas, which put one of its 14 shots on goal. 

Chris Wondolowski, He Scores When He Wants

There’s no slowing down Chris Wondolowski.

His goal at Audi Field on Saturday extended his remarkable scoring run to seven goals in three games. 

Wondo can't stop scoring! #DCvSJ pic.twitter.com/37ZElCoWgt

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 2, 2019

Portland’s Grand Re-Opening

The Timbers didn’t get the result they wanted on Saturday, but there’s no denying they eventually will make the newly renovated Providence Park a fortress. 

The renovations look spectacular on television, and if you have a chance make the trip to Oregon this season, we suggest you don’t second guess it. 

Tremendous atmosphere tonight with @TimbersFC vs. @LAFC for the re-opening of @ProvidencePark_! pic.twitter.com/0goFb7mN93

— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) June 2, 2019

Stock Up, Stock Down 

Stock Up: New England Revolution

Jun 2, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; New England Revolution forward Juan Agudelo (17) controls the ball past LA Galaxy midfielder Joe Corona (14) in the first half at StubHub Center. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

In Bruce Arena’s first game on the sidelines as New England manager, the Revs went into Dignity Health Sports Park and knocked off the LA Galaxy.

Similar to the Rapids, the Revs have played much better since the firing of their head coach, Brad Friedel. They are on a four-game unbeaten run and have earned eight points in that stretch. 

The Revs still have plenty of work to do to be considered a contender in the East, but they have put themselves on the right track with a few weeks to get adjusted to Arena during the Concacaf Gold Cup break. 

Don’t be surprised if the Revs have an MLS 1.0 feel to them for the rest of the season with Arena in charge and Curt Onalfo installed as technical director.

While plenty of people will frown upon the hires, all that matters right now for the Revs is stringing together positive results and hopefully improving the roster during the summer transfer window. 

Stock Up: San Jose Earthquakes

Jun 1, 2019; Washington, D.C., USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) celebrates after scoring a goal against D.C. United in the first half at Audi Field. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

After struggling at the start of Matías Almedya’s first year in charge, the Earthquakes have taken seven points from their last three games. 

In fact, going back even further, the Quakes have only one loss since April 20, when they trounced Sporting Kansas City at home. 

Wondolowski’s scoring run has been the highlight of the last three games, but the Quakes have formed more of an identity and are going to cause problems for the rest of the season in their quest for a playoff spot.

Stock Down: DC United

Jun 1, 2019; Washington, D.C., USA; D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen (R) salutes the fans after UnitedÕs match against San Jose Earthquakes at Audi Field. There match ended a 1-1 draw. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

DC sits second in the East, but it really should be out in front with more than 30 points. It has dropped points in each of its last two home games. 

The draws with the Chicago Fire and San Jose shouldn’t sit well with Ben Olsen’s side. It goes into the Gold Cup break with its last win coming on May 12. 

Stock Down: Columbus Crew SC

Jun 1, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC goalkeeper Zack Steffen (23) reacts to a call by the referee during the match against New York City FC at MAPFRE Stadium. (Greg Bartram-USA TODAY) Sports

We thought Columbus would get out of its rut with the win over the Galaxy on May 8, but since then, the Crew have one point in four games. 

Caleb Porter’s side should have earned three points against NYCFC on Saturday, but it fell victim to Castellanos’ equalizer late in the second half. 

To add to the club’s problems, Federico Higuaín was ruled out for the season with a torn ACL on Friday, and Zack Steffen is off to Manchester City after the Gold Cup. 

The post MLS Week 14 Review: LAFC, Union earn huge road wins; Zlatan’s stunning goal appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s latest wondergoal is one he will not allow to live long in the memory. The Sweden great was up to his usual audacious tricks with a stunning bicycle kick in LA Galaxy’s MLS clash with New England Revolution on Sunday. Ibrahimovic took one touch with his chest then another to set up the […]

The post Ibrahimovic will quickly forget ´goal of the year´ after Galaxy defeat appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Ibrahimovic will quickly forget ´goal of the year´ after Galaxy defeat appeared first on Soccer News.

Manchester United need to sign more world-class players if they want to compete in the Premier League and Europe, according to Nani. United are facing a big off-season after failing to qualify for the Champions League, having finished sixth and 32 points adrift of winners Manchester City in 2018-19. Ander Herrera and Antonio Valencia have already […]

The post Man United need world-class players as Nani calls for more desire appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Man United need world-class players as Nani calls for more desire appeared first on Soccer News.

The Colorado Rapids hosted FC Cincinnati for the first time in MLS play Saturday night. An early Andre Shinyashiki goal gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in the first half. The second half saw three goals between the sides, beginning with Kekuta Manneh’s equalizer in the 72nd minute. But Colorado regained the lead on the ensuing restart with a goal from Nicolas Mezquida and capped the 3-1 win with another late goal from substitute Diego Rubio.

Here are three takeaways from the Rapids’ 3-1 win over FC Cincinnati:

Conor Casey Renaissance Continues

Colorado is now on a four-game unbeaten run with interim head coach Conor Casey in charge and now has a 3-2-1 record under the former Rapids forward.

Colorado has averaged two goals per game under Casey, displaying the type of attacking soccer the club has outlined as “The Rapids Way”

Mindset has been what the Rapids’ interim manager has credited as the reason behind the turnaround.

“Mentality is something I’ll keep talking about and the collectiveness,” he explained. “They’ve been fighting all year, and now that it’s turning, confidence comes into play. This is a great group of guys that has been extremely headstrong throughout this time and now we’re starting to reap some of the rewards they’re putting in.”

Bend But Don’t Break

It’s a common strategy in sport; simply outscore your opponent, regardless of what happens defensively.

The Rapids’ defense continues to be a liability as Colorado has conceded 10 goals in twelve matches under Casey. But the team’s defense hasn’t collapsed results like it had in the beginning of the season, where it had leaked goals at a rate of nearly three per game (2.67).

Additionally, Colorado’s defense has improved under Casey (and aided by the addition of centerback Lalas Abubakar), now conceding just under a goal per game at 0.83 GPG.

“Certainly, they scored, but we got it right back, so a great reaction from us,” Casey said in response to the Rapids’ conceding in the second half against Cincinnati.

In addition to his previous comments on playing an aggressive brand, Casey’s unpanicked response to the Rapids’ defensive performance on Saturday shows that conceding goals aren’t a huge concern, just as long as Colorado is outscoring the opposition.

Deklan Loss?

Colorado lost a key defensive contributor on Saturday as Rapids defender Deklan Wynne left the game in the first half with what appeared to be an ankle injury.

Wynne has oft-been criticized by the fans and media for his mixed-bag performances (and perhaps due his close ties with fired head coach Anthony Hudson, who brought Wynne in largely due to their New Zealand ties), but has shown improvement in his second year in Colorado.

More importantly, Wynne has been a piece providing depth at both the centerback and outside back positions.

Casey was unable to provide an update on the injury.

“Something happened with his foot,” he told reporters postgame. “I don’t know the extent, so I can’t comment on that.”

The post Rootin’ and Shootin’: Colorado’s offensive style pays off again in 4th-straight win appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

MLS Supporters’ Shield leaders Los Angeles FC defeated Portland Timbers 3-2, while defending champions Atlanta United won thanks to Josef Martinez. High-flying LAFC crashed the re-opening of Portland’s Providence Park on Saturday – star Carlos Vela scoring again to lead the visitors. Vela broke the deadlock with his league-leading 16th goal of the campaign after […]

The post MLS Review: LAFC spoil Portland party to stay hot, Martinez inspires Atlanta appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: LAFC spoil Portland party to stay hot, Martinez inspires Atlanta appeared first on Soccer News.

MLS Supporters’ Shield leaders Los Angeles FC defeated Portland Timbers 3-2, while defending champions Atlanta United won thanks to Josef Martinez. High-flying LAFC crashed the re-opening of Portland’s Providence Park on Saturday – star Carlos Vela scoring again to lead the visitors. Vela broke the deadlock with his league-leading 16th goal of the campaign after […]

The post MLS Review: LAFC spoil Portland party to stay hot, Martinez inspires Atlanta appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: LAFC spoil Portland party to stay hot, Martinez inspires Atlanta appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids hosted FC Cincinnati in an inaugural MLS meeting between the two clubs, also marking a showdown of interim managers. By night’s end, it was Conor Casey’s Rapids who took home the victory, extending their current unbeaten run to four straight with a 3-1 win Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

“Really pleased with the group,” Casey said. “It was just a professional performance tonight from us. To come away with a 3-1 win is great for the group, great for the momentum we’re building and great for the fans.”

The win was cemented by substitutes Nicolas Mezquida, who provided a late goal for the second straight home match and Diego Rubio, who provided a goal and assisted Mezquida after subbing on in the 68th minute. 

“Our subs have been huge for us,” Casey said. “We have competition now and guys are pushing each other.” 

Offensive chances were few in the first quarter hour, but opportunities from Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry (3’) and FC Cincinnati’s Caleb Stanko (8’) failed to find the target.

A collision in the Rapids’ 18-yard box led to outside back Deklan Wynne being subbed off in favor of homegrown Sam Vines in the 18th minute.

The Rapids (3-9-3, 12 points) threatened to go in front again in the 33rd minute, but Kei Kamara’s point-blank header was saved off the line by FCC ‘keeper Spencer Richey. FC Cincinnati (3-10-2, 11 points) responded with an attacking spell of their own, but Roland Lamah’s shot from the center of the box was blocked in the 38th minute.

Midfielder Sam Nicholson provided another quality opportunity for Colorado in the 41st minute, but Richey again came up big with the save .

Colorado finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute as Nicholson found Andre Shinyashiki at FCC’s back door to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead before halftime.

In the second half, Shinyashiki nearly returned the favor to Nicholson, sending in a cross in the 50th minute which failed to connect.

FC Cincinnati looked poised to equalize in the 58th minute, but Nick Hagglund’s shot was cleared off the line by Jack Price after it was initially bobbled by Rapids’ goalkeeper Tim Howard.

FCC found the equalizer in the 72nd minute, as Kekuta Manneh collected an over the top ball from Lamah, calmly finishing past Howard.

But on the ensuing restart, Colorado responded with a goal of their own as Rubio found Mezquida, whose shot hit the top drawer to reclaim the lead, 2-1, in the 73rd minute. 

The visitors again pressed to respond, but Howard came up big with a save on FCC defender Alvas Powell in the 80th minute.

Resisting another deadlock, Colorado sealed the game with its third goal in the 82nd minute. Price’s corner kick found the head of Rubio, who sent it in the bottom corner to extend the Rapids’ advantage to 3-1. 

Colorado has now collected 10 points in its past four games after starting the season winless in 12 matches. 

“It’s mentality,” Casey said of the team’s current run of form. “They’ve really bonded together; they’re fighting for each other and they have belief.”

With the win, Colorado moved out of sole possession of last place in MLS, but remains at the bottom of the Western Conference, two points behind Sporting Kansas City. FCC is now last in the league with a third loss in a row.

The Rapids remain at home to face Minnesota United next Saturday (9 p.m. ET) while FC Cincinnati continues its road trip with a visit to Yankee Stadium to face NYCFC on Thursday (7 p.m. ET).

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Toronto salvaged a late 1-1 draw against the Vancouver Whitecaps as their winless run continued in MLS on Friday. Substitute Nick DeLeon scored a 90th-minute equaliser to cancel out Fredy Montero’s penalty for the Whitecaps at BC Place Stadium. Montero sent Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 84th […]

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Competition: MLS Market: New York City FC win Odds: 19/10 @ Bet 365 Looking to mount a charge up the Eastern Conference, New York City will travel to the MAPFRE Stadium in the early hours of Sunday. Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of another very worrying display in their 3-2 loss away at the Colorado […]

The post New York City 19/10 to beat Columbus Crew in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post New York City 19/10 to beat Columbus Crew in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Within the span of a few hours on Saturday night, one set of Major League Soccer fans will say goodbye to one of the best players for their side in recent memory and another will get to celebrate the long-awaited re-opening of their renovated stadium.

Columbus Crew fans will bid farewell to goalkeeper Zack Steffen, who is playing in his last home game before his summer departure for Manchester City. 

It is only fitting that Steffen’s final home game with the Crew comes against New York City FC, who is owned by Manchester City. 

In three seasons with the Crew, Steffen has 33 wins in 75 regular-season starts, he’s made 201 saves and earned 23 clean sheets. 

Steffen also produced one of the most memorable playoff goalkeeping performances in MLS history against Atlanta United in 2017. 

During his time with the Crew, Steffen has gained the top spot on the U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper depth chart, and he should be the starter for his former club boss Gregg Berhalter during the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. 

Once the Gold Cup ends, Steffen will head back to Europe. He previously played in Germany for Freiburg before moving to MLS to join the Crew. 

Steffen might not play for Manchester City right away, but even if he goes out on loan to start the 2019-20 European season, he should be starting somewhere in order to continue his progression.

Just reaching this point is remarkable for Steffen since most players who failed to make it Europe don’t receive a second chance to do so, but that is what the 24-year-old has earned during his time with the Crew. 

Three hours after Steffen’s sendoff begins in Columbus, the Portland Timbers play the first game in the newly-renovated Providence Park against Los Angeles FC. 

Portland comes into the match in good form and with its club-record signing firing on all cylinders. 

Brian Fernandez has scored three goals in his first two games for the Timbers, and he joins an already impressive collection of attacking talent led by Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco. 

With Valeri, Fernandez and Blanco going up against Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Co, we could witness one of the best games of the season and a possible Western Conference Final preview on Saturday night. 

It may seem crazy to suggest that with Portland sitting in 10th place, but it is in great position to surge up the table with a long run of home games in front of it. 

If anything, Saturday’s nightcap should be spectacle that showcases one of the best soccer facilities in North American and two of the best attacking groups in the league. 

Week 14 Weekend Schedule

Friday, May 31

Toronto FC at Vancouver Whitecaps (10 p.m. ET, TSN 1/4, ESPN+)

Saturday, June 1

Orlando City at Montreal Impact (5 p.m. ET, TVA Sport, ESPN+)

Chicago Fire at Atlanta United (6 p.m. ET, Univision) 

Real Salt Lake at New York Red Bulls (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

New York City FC at Columbus Crew (7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+, TSN) 

Seattle Sounders at FC Dallas (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

San Jose Earthquakes at D.C. United (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

FC Cincinnati at Colorado Rapids (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Sporting Kansas City at Houston Dynamo (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Los Angeles FC at Portland Timbers (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2) 

Sunday, June 2

Philadelphia Union at Minnesota United (4 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

New England Revolution at LA Galaxy (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Storylines to Watch

1. Impact Looking To Continue Dominance of Orlando

Montreal comes into Saturday with four straight wins against Orlando City. 

The Impact have a good chance to pick up a fifth straight victory over the Lions at Stade Saputo with first place in the Eastern Conference in their sights. 

Remi Garde’s team already picked up a win over the Lions at Orlando City Stadium in March and earned a season sweep a year ago. 

During the four-game winning streak against Orlando, the Impact have outscored their foe from central Florida 10-2. 

Of course, every game presents a new set of challenges for both sides, which is something the Impact can attest to since it was announced this week they will be without Ignacio Piatti for an extended period of time. 

By the time June ends, the Impact could be in first place in the East thanks to a four-game stretch at home that began with a 2-1 Wednesday win over Real Salt Lake. 

Montreal has scored six of its 19 goals in the last two weeks, and it needs to continue that form in front of goal in order to fend off a challenge from Sacha Kljestan, Dom Dwyer and Co. 

2. Petke’s Return to Red Bull Arena

Real Salt Lake manager Mike Petke returns to Red Bull Arena on Saturday for the first time as head coach of an opposing team.

The former New York Red Bulls player and manager took over the Claret-and-Cobalt a few days after RSL’s last trip to New Jersey in 2017.

Petke’s RSL beat the Red Bulls at Rio Tinto Stadium at the start of the 2018 season and it comes into Harrison off a midweek defeat to the Impact. 

Before falling to the Impact, RSL put together a three-game winning streak in which it scored multiple goals in each game. 

The Red Bulls are starting to make noise in the Eastern Conference with 10 points in their last four games, and they’ve achieved those marks in typical Red Bulls fashion with unheralded players who have come up through the system making key contributions. 

In order to keep building on their recent form, the Red Bulls have to slow down Albert Rusnak, who makes everything tick to perfection in the RSL front four. 

3. Will Seattle or FC Dallas Get Out of Recent Slump? 

Seattle and FC Dallas enter Saturday’s clash at Toyota Stadium in slumping form.

The Sounders suffered their first loss since April 24 in Week 13 against Sporting Kansas City, but the six games that preceded that result produced four draws and just two victories. 

FC Dallas is in more worrisome form with two points from its last six games, and it hasn’t won since its triumph in Atlanta on April 20. 

With Portland and Sporting KC expected to surge up from beneath the red line and other teams playing well to stay in the top seven, the Sounders and FC Dallas can’t afford to continue dropping points, especially Luchi Gonzalez’s seventh-place side. 

The Sounders are in better shape of the two sides, but they can’t afford to go into the Gold Cup break with a few poor road results. Their final game before the break is in Montreal on Wednesday. 

FC Dallas has an away game in San Jose to turn things around after Saturday’s home game. For most of the next month-and-a-half, FC Dallas also has to navigate through international absences, which means more trust will have to be put in younger players. 

4. Can Wondo Keep Scoring? 

Chris Wondolowski has found the back of the net on six occasions in the last two games.

During his terrific scoring stretch, Wondolowski has set the all-time scoring record in Major League Soccer and eclipsed Landon Donovan for most game-winning goals in league history. 

After scoring twice to beat Toronto FC on the road a week ago, Wondolowski has another chance to lead the San Jose Earthquakes to an upset victory against D.C. United at Audi Field. 

Scoring against D.C. is going to be a tougher task for Wondolowski, and the entire Quakes attack, since the Black-and-Red have conceded 17 goals in 16 games.

5. Who Wins the Midfield Battle in Portland?

We eluded to this a bit earlier, and it’s probably the best positional matchup of the weekend. 

Portland’s midfield group of Fernandez, Valeri, Blanco and Diego Chara are going up against LAFC’s unit of Mark-Anthony Kaye, Eduard Atuesta, Latif Blessing, Rossi and Vela.

An argument can be made that both groups are the best midfield unit in MLS when they are at their best, and we expect them all to be on Saturday night.

LAFC’s midfielders have performed at a remarkably high level all season, with Vela leading the charge with 15 goals and nine assists. 

Portland has caught fire of late and come into Providence Park with the momentum from a 3-1 win in which Fernandez and Valeri scored. 

Atuesta and Chara are two of the best midfield stoppers in the league, which will make life difficult for stretches for both sides. 

How each team adjusts to the opponent over 90 minutes will eventually make the difference in front of the boisterous crowd in Portland.

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Competition: MLS Market: Vancouver Whitecaps win Odds: 6/5 @ Bet 365 With the chance to climb into the play-off positions, Vancouver will welcome a struggling Toronto to the BC Place Stadium in the early hours of Saturday. Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of another impressive display in their 2-1 win at home to Dallas last […]

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Zlatan Ibrahimovic starred for LA Galaxy on his return from suspension, while Josef Martinez netted a brace for Atlanta United in MLS on Wednesday. Ibrahimovic scored and provided an assist as the Galaxy returned to second in the Western Conference courtesy of a 2-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. The Swedish star headed a cross […]

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CHESTER, Pa. — The Philadelphia Union once again left the Talen Energy Stadium field frustrated on Wednesday night.

The Union failed to defeat Major League Soccer’s worst team and settled for a 1-1 draw with the Colorado Rapids. 

Just like their last two home games against Seattle and Portland, the Union simply weren’t good enough in the final third. 

Jim Curtin’s side attempted 26 shots, but only placed seven on target, including its lone goal that was produced in the 26th minute by Sergio Santos. 

The Union opened the contest with 10-minute barrage in the final third. They created four shots and three corners, but were unable to put a shot on target. 

The trend continued for most of the first half, but the Union were able to put one of their shots on target in the first 45 minutes into the back of the net. 

Santos played a lovely one-two combination with Jamiro Monteiro and took the ball into open space to score past Clint Irwin.

“It was a play that started out with some pressure and we were able to get out of it,” Santos said through a translator. “Jamiro laid off a great pass and I was able to finish just like I worked on so many times in training.” 

Unfortunately for the Union (7-4-4, 25 points), they continued to struggle in front of the net after the goal, and their inefficiency eventually caught up with them midway through the second half. 

In the 72nd minute, the Rapids (2-9-3, 9 points) equalized on a well-hit strike from substitute Jonathan Lewis. Lewis benefited from an Andre Shinyashiki assist and powered his shot past Andre Blake from the right side of the penalty area. 

The play started with a quick throw-in from Diego Rubio, who picked out Shinyashiki. The forward then took advantage of poor defending by three Union players on the left side of the box and picked out Lewis with a superb ball. 

“We want to take quick restarts when we can and Diego, Andre and Jon were all on the same page,” Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry said. “He did really well and put it in the bottom corner. It was perfect.”

The goal was a deserved reward for the Rapids, who showed little fear moving forward in a game where they could have bunkered in for the entire 90 minutes. 

For the final 18 minutes, the Rapids employed that defensive strategy since they were playing for a point against a team that continued to struggle in front of goal. 

The defensive strategy at the end of the second half worked for the Rapids, who secured a point for a third straight game.

The Union’s three-game homestand ended in disappointment. Against Seattle, Portland and Colorado, the Union earned two out of a possible nine points. 

“We just have to get it together in the final third because we have everything else except for the final product,” Bedoya said.

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