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A few weeks ago, we marveled at the Western Conference dominance atop the Pro Soccer USA power rankings. And while that hasn’t really changed — the top five teams in Week 9 are from the West — its the City of Angels that finds itself front and center this week.
Los Angeles Football Club held on to its top spot following a 1-1 draw with Seattle Sounders FC on Sunday, while the LA Galaxy moved up a spot with their sixth win in seven unbeaten games after knocking off Real Salt Lake, 2-1.
Minnesota United moved into the top 10 following a 1-0 win over D.C. United, their first at Allianz Field and the New York Red Bulls advanced three spots after a much-needed win over FC Cincinnati.
The Major League Soccer Power Rankings are created by averaging the rankings submitted by a committee of Pro Soccer USA’s editor and writers.
(1) Los Angeles Football Club (7-1-2, 23 points): Carlos Vela leveled for LAFC, which maintained its position as kings of the west with a 1-1 draw against Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field Sunday. (3) LA Galaxy (7-1-1, 22 points): The Galaxy have enjoyed home cooking this season, improving to 6-0-0 at home for the first time since their inaugural season after defeating Real Salt Lake, 2-1, Sunday thanks to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s late winner. (2) Seattle Sounders FC (5-1-3, 18 points): The Sounders played down a man for much of the match and ended with nine men, yet they still battled LAFC to a 1-1 draw thanks to Jordan Morris’ opening-minute goal. (4) FC Dallas (5-2-2, 17 points): FC Dallas extended an unbeaten streak to three games with a 0-0 draw against the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday at Toyota Stadium. The Texas Derby against the Dynamo is next. (5) Houston Dynamo (5-1-1, 16 points): The Dynamo rebounded from their first loss of the season to defeat Columbus, 2-0, Saturday with Mauro Manotas and Tomas Martinez scoring in each half. (6) D.C. United (5-3-2, 17 points): It was a mixed bag for the Black-and-Red in Week 9, with the first win at Columbus since 2007 followed by a loss in Minnesota Sunday. (8) Philadelphia Union (4-3-2, 14 points): Kacper Przybylko’s first MLS goal in the 66th minute was the equalizer the Union needed for a 1-1 draw against the host Whitecaps. (7) Toronto FC (4-2-1, 13 points): Jonathan Osorio put Toronto FC in front, but the Reds couldn’t hold onto the lead, suffering a 2-1 home loss to the Portland Timbers. (11) Minnesota United FC (4-3-2, 14 points): After two draws to open Allianz Field, the Loons finally celebrated their first win at their new home, beating D.C. United 1-0 on Sunday. (9) Sporting Kansas City (2-2-4, 10 points): Sporting roared back from a 3-1 deficit to draw the New England Revolution 4-4 thanks to a Krisztian Nemeth brace against his former club. (13) Orlando City SC (3-3-3, 12 points): Nani struck for his fifth goal as the Lions battled NYCFC to a 1-1 draw in the Bronx Saturday afternoon. (10) Columbus Crew SC (4-5-1, 13 points): Make it four straight losses for Crew SC, who failed to score in three of those defeats, after Week 9 defeats to D.C. United and the Houston Dynamo. (15) New York City FC (2-1-6, 12 points): Heber has played a role in each of NYCFC’s last four goals and the Cityzens took seven out of a possible nine points from their three-game week, capping it with a 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC. (16) Montreal Impact (5-3-2, 17 points): What a week for the Impact, who followed a 3-0 win over the New England Revolution with a 1-0 home victory over the Chicago Fire on Sunday with new signing Omar Browne striking for the late winner. (12) Real Salt Lake (3-5-1, 10 points): Donny Toia canceled out Uriel Antuna’s first-half goal, but RSL fell to the LA Galaxy, 2-1, snapping a two-game winning streak. (18) Atlanta United FC (2-3-2, 8 points): It wasn’t pretty, but the defending MLS Cup champions earned the three points they desperately needed with a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids with Julian Gressel scoring the 74th-minute winner. (20) New York Red Bulls (2-4-2, 8 points): Connor Lade is the longest-tenured Red Bulls player and came up with one of the club’s most important goals of the season in a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati. (19) New England Revolution (2-6-2, 8 points): The Revs rebounded, sorta, from a 3-0 home drubbing to the Impact to battle Sporting Kansas City to a wild 4-4 draw. (14) Chicago Fire (2-4-3, 9 points): The Fire suffered back-to-back 1-0 road defeats, falling at New York City FC Wednesday and Montreal on Sunday. (17) FC Cincinnati (2-5-2, 8 points): It’s three consecutive losses without a goal for the expansion side following a 1-0 defeat to the Red Bulls which extended a winless streak to five games. (23) Portland Timbers (2-5-1, 7 points): The Timbers are streaking in the other direction now, a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday the club’s second in a row. (21) San Jose Earthquakes (2-5-2, 5 points): The Quakes are now unbeaten in three straight games after consecutive Week 9 road draws against the Sounders and FC Dallas. (22) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1-5-3, 6 points): Doneil Henry put the Whitecaps up late in the first half, but Vancouver settled for a 1-1 home draw after Przybylko’s second-half equalizer. (24) Colorado Rapids (0-7-2, 2 points): Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Atlanta was the Rapids sixth straight defeat, extending their season-long winless streak to nine games.Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler and Robert Jonas contributed to this report.
The post MLS Power Rankings Week 9: We love LA appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Dylan Butler, Pro Soccer USA
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Consistency is key to remain near the top of the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings.
To say the players in the top five have been consistent is a bit of understatement. They’ve been fantastic through two months of the Major League Soccer season.
Since the best players the league has to offer are performing at an incredibly high level, there isn’t much change in the top five this week.
However, there is plenty of fluctuation in the bottom half, where seven players have entered the top 20 after strong showings in Week 9, which was the first double match week for many stars.
Our MLS Player Rankings take into account the form over the last four games of each player, with the most recent performance carrying a bit more weight than the others.
20. Jack Elliott, D, Philadelphia Union
Previous Ranking: 14
Apr 27, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Philadelphia Union defender Jack Elliott (3) challenges Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Russell Teibert (31) during the first half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)
Ahead of a six-game slate in May, Jack Elliott and the Philadelphia Union worked hard to take a point out of a lengthy trip to Vancouver.
In the 1-1 draw at BC Place, Elliott made four tackles, three clearances and two interceptions, while allowing six shots on goal.
It wasn’t the best defensive performance from the Union, but it still was enough to pick up a road point.
19. Romain Metanire, D, Minnesota United
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Mar 9, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Minnesota United defender Romain Metanire (19) kicks the ball against the San Jose Earthquakes during the second half at Avaya Stadium. (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)
Romain Metanire has quietly turned himself into one of the top fullbacks in the league in two months with Minnesota United.
The 29-year-old helped the Loons earn a pair of clean sheets in Week 9 against the LA Galaxy and D.C. United.
In Sunday’s win over D.C., Metanire chipped in on the offensive end with an assist on one of his three key passes.
18. Heber, F, New York City FC
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
In the three games Heber has started for New York City FC, the club has earned seven out of a possible nine points.
The 27-year-old Brazilian added to his totals in Week 9 with a goal against Orlando City and an assist on the lone strike against the Chicago Fire.
My first goal in the BX 
#ForTheCity
@NYCFC pic.twitter.com/rZHVlRpEZK
— Heber dos Santos (@Heber__Araujo) April 28, 2019
No one is going to be able to replace the all-around impact of David Villa in the NYCFC squad, but it appears the club found a solid goal-scorer who will at least help replace the Spaniard’s impact on the field.
17. Jonathan Dos Santos, M, LA Galaxy
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Apr 24, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (8) looks on during the second half against Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field. (Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports)
Jonathan Dos Santos had a monster week in the middle of the park for the LA Galaxy, and it led to him receiving some Player of the Week nominations.
In the scoreless draw at Minnesota United on Wednesday, the 29-year-old Mexican made 115 touches and completed 92.4 percent of his 79 passes.
Dos Santos followed that up with another strong showing on Sunday in a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake by completing 94.3 percent of his 53 passes, and he handed out a pair of key passes.
16. James Sands, D, New York City FC
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Apr 6, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder James Sands (16) plays the ball against the Montreal Impact during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)
James Sands has been one of the top young players and overall defenders in MLS through two months.
The U.S. Under-20 National Team candidate has played well above his age in the New York City FC back line, and he’s making a case to be included in Tab Ramos’ U-20 World Cup squad.
In Saturday’s draw with Orlando City, Sands was a part of a back line that conceded three shots and two shots on goal.
15. Nicolas Lodeiro, M, Seattle Sounders
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Apr 24, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) dribbles against the San Jose Earthquakes during the second half at CenturyLink Field. (Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports)
One week after leaving the top 20, Nicolas Lodeiro is back in.
Lodeiro dished out a pair of assists to help the Seattle Sounders come from behind and earn a 2-2 draw at home against San Jose on Wednesday.
The 30-year-old Uruguayan has two goals and six assists in nine games for Brian Schmetzer’s team.
14. Johnny Russell, M, Sporting Kansas City
Previous Ranking: 20
Apr 20, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Johnny Russell (7) controls the ball ahead of San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Jackson Yueill (14) during the first half at Avaya Stadium. (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)
We’re still trying to figure out what exactly happened at Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night.
Johnny Russell didn’t score in Sporting Kansas City’s 4-4 draw with New England, but he was an active part of the club’s attack.
The Scotsman handed out four key passes and racked up his third assist of the campaign in the wild affair in which Peter Vermes’ side erased a 3-1 deficit.
13. Shea Salinas, D, San Jose Earthquakes
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
The unlikeliest volume scorer of the 2019 MLS season shattered his career high for goals in a single season before the end of April.
Shea Salinas followed up his Week 8 strike against Sporting KC with a brace in the Earthquakes’ midweek draw with the Sounders.
THIS MAN IS ON FIRE! 
Shea Salinas with his third goal of the season! #SEAvSJ | #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/qyUSNS9d78
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 25, 2019
Salinas, who has four goals in seven games, had a previous career high of three goals in a single season, which was set back in 2015.
12. Evan Bush, GK, Montreal Impact
Previous Ranking: Not Ranked
Apr 28, 2019; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush (1) throws the ball during the first half at against Chicago Fire Stade Saputo. (Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports)
Evan Bush added two clean sheets to his season total of five in Week 9.
Bush and the Montreal Impact cleaned the floor with the Revolution in a 3-0 win on Wednesday at Gillette Stadium and finished up the week with a 1-0 home win on Sunday over Chicago.
In his last five games, Bush has four clean sheets. The lone exception was the three goals he conceded in Week 8 against Philadelphia.
11. Kei Kamara, F, Colorado Rapids
Previous Ranking: 6
Apr 27, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Kei Kamara (23) is defended by Atlanta United midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) and defender Julian Gressel (24) in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
Kei Kamara’s four-game scoring streak came to an end in a 1-0 loss to the Atlanta United on Saturday.
The play of the Sierra Leone international has been one of the few bright spots to the Colorado Rapids season.
The Rapids head into May as the only team in MLS without a victory.
10. Mark-Anthony Kaye, M, Los Angeles FC
Previous Ranking: 10
Apr 28, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye (left) goes for a header with Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro (10) during the second half at CenturyLink Field. (Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports)
Mark-Anthony Kaye tried to follow up on his three-assist performance from Week 8 with another handout against Seattle, but he couldn’t do so with one of his three key passes.
Kaye also made a pair of clearances and tackles in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders.
The Canadian was one of many Los Angeles FC players active on the ball. Kaye made 91 touches, which was the third-best total on his team.
9. Jesse Gonzalez, GK, FC Dallas
Previous Ranking: 13
Apr 20, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; FC Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez (1) celebrates after his team scores against Atlanta United in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)
Jesse Gonzalez picked up his second clean sheet of 2019 in FC Dallas’ 0-0 draw with San Jose on Saturday.
Over the last three games, Gonzalez has turned away 14 of the 16 shots sent in his direction by the attacks of Portland, Atlanta United and San Jose.
If he continues to play at this level, Gonzalez might be able to earn a spot on the USMNT’s Concacaf Gold Cup squad.
8. Diego Rossi, F, Los Angeles FC
Previous Ranking: 9
Apr 13, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) moves the ball down the field past FC Cincinnati midfielder Allan Cruz (15) during the first half at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)
Diego Rossi boosted himself up a spot after picking up his second assist of the season on Sunday at CenturyLink Field.
Sunday’s assist ended a three-game drought for the LAFC forward without a goal or an assist, which seems like an unusual run given how well he’s played in the final third for Bob Bradley’s side.
Rossi should have plenty of opportunities to get back on the score sheet in Week 10 with LAFC hosting the Chicago Fire.
7. Krisztian Nemeth, F, Sporting Kansas City
Previous Ranking: 19
Krisztian Nemeth produced his second multiple-goal performance of the season in the wild eight-goal thriller at Children’s Mercy Park.
Nemeth bagged a pair of goals to help Sporting KC come back from an awful first half in which it allowed three goals to the Revolution.
LEVEL! 
#SKCvNE 4-4 // #ForGloryForCity pic.twitter.com/gz5zI8FeX5
— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) April 28, 2019
In eight games, seven of which he has started, Nemeth has six goals and an assist.
6. Eduard Atuesta, M, Los Angeles FC
Previous Ranking: 7
Apr 21, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) celebrates his goal during the first half against the Seattle Sounders FC at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)
Once again, Eduard Atuesta bossed the middle of the park for the best team in MLS.
Atuesta was the most active player on the ball in MLS in Week 9 by making 133 touches on Sunday against Seattle.
Atuesta added three aerial wins, four interceptions, three tackles, two clearances and a shot on target to his all-around performance in midfield.
5. Alberth Elis, F, Houston Dynamo
Previous Ranking: 4
Apr 27, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) attempts to advance the ball as Columbus Crew defender Waylon Francis (14) defends during the first half at BBVA Compass Stadium. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)
Alberth Elis once again proved how dynamic of a force he can be on the right wing in Houston’s 2-0 win over Columbus.
Although his four-game scoring streak ended, Elis set up one of the two Dynamo goals.
In his last five games, Elis has four goals and four assists.
4. Alejandro Pozuelo, M, Toronto FC
Previous Ranking: 2
Apr 6, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo (10) runs with the ball in the second half against Chicago Fire at BMO Field. Toronto FC tied Chicago Fire 2-2. (Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports)
Alejandro Pozuelo put two shots on target and handed out three key passes on Saturday, but he was unable to directly contribute to a Toronto FC goal in a 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers.
Saturday marked the first time in five games with the Reds in which Pozuelo didn’t play a role in a strike.
Part of that is because of the injury absence of Jozy Altidore, who partnered well with the Spaniard for the last month before going down in Week 8.
3. Nani, M, Orlando City
Previous Ranking: 5
All Nani has done since entering the Orlando City lineup is find the back of the net.
The Portuguese winger added to his scoring haul in Saturday’s draw at Yankee Stadium with NYCFC.
.@luisnani is off to a start. #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/5Sl5m5vsXv
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 28, 2019
Nani enters May with a scoring streak of four games and he has played a role in a strike in each of the last five games.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy
Previous Ranking: 3
Zlatan Ibrahimovic moves back up to No. 2 this week after scoring one of the Galaxy’s two goals against Real Salt Lake.
Can't tame this lion.@alcatelmobileus Moment of the Match 
@Ibra_official pic.twitter.com/PriZSzoe8X
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) April 29, 2019
The game-winning goal to close out the MLS weekend was the 30th of Ibrahimovic’s MLS career.
In his last six games, Ibrahimovic has found the back of the net on seven occasions on nine shots on target.
1. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC
Previous Ranking: 1
LAFC didn’t earn the result it wanted in Seattle on Sunday, but it was able to take a draw away from CenturyLink Field thanks to Carlos Vela’s 11th strike of the season.
Carlos Vela is BALLING 
pic.twitter.com/EtuuOyKNjh
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 28, 2019
Vela also reached a milestone in Week 9 by scoring his 25th goal since joining the league last year.
The Mexican is already one-third of the way to Josef Martinez’s single-season scoring record, and unless he experiences a scoring drought, he’ll likely come close to tying or breaking that mark.
The post MLS Week 9 Player Rankings: Carlos Vela on top, Nani rises into top three appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens announced her engagement to Toronto and United States international striker Jozy Altidore on Monday. Stephens – a six-time WTA Tour winner and world number eight – shared the news via Twitter with a tweet saying, “Forever yes.” Altidore plays for MLS outfit Toronto after leaving Sunderland in 2015 and the 29-year-old has […]
The post WTA star Stephens announces engagement to Toronto´s Altidore appeared first on Soccer News.
The post WTA star Stephens announces engagement to Toronto´s Altidore appeared first on Soccer News.
If you missed out on Week 9 action in Major League Soccer and did a quick glance over the scores, one stands out immediately. Sporting Kansas City and the New England Revolution played to a 4-4 draw Saturday in the craziest game of the season to date.
The clash at Children’s Mercy Park was the type of match that comes out of nowhere in MLS a few times per season. The path taken to the final score made absolutely no sense, and it included a series of events rarely seen over a stretch of games, yet alone in a single contest.
The match was odd enough at the point where the Revs took a 3-1 lead into halftime. The first-half performance was a perfect encapsulation of the topsy-turvy nature of the league. Brad Friedel’s side came off a brutal home loss Wednesday and all of a sudden turned into an offensive juggernaut.
Then all hell broke loose in the second half.
In the span of 35 minutes, the Revolution had two players sent off and Sporting KC outscored the visitors 3-1 to earn a draw and leave everyone speechless.
The game is one that you can’t make any significant observations from, but it could go on to have a lingering effect on both franchises in the coming weeks.
What a wild rollercoaster of a match.#SKCvNE highlights 
pic.twitter.com/6SAjdXNQeU
— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) April 28, 2019
Peter Vermes’ side needed an emotional boost after falling 4-1 in San Jose last week, and although SKC didn’t win at home, it still earned a jolt from that comeback going into back-to-back games against Atlanta United and D.C. United.
On the other hand, the Revs have one win in their last five games and will be without Brandon Bye and Jalil Anibaba for their Saturday road trip to Philadelphia.
The 4-4 draw was by far the most exciting game of the weekend slate, but there were plenty of other things that caught our attention.
Goals of the Week
Connor Lade, New York Red Bulls
This remarkable team goal from the New York Red Bulls was finished off by a thunderous hit from Connor Lade.
BOOM!
Connor Lade with a stunner. #RBNYvCIN https://t.co/GeYj7CmMHT
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 27, 2019
Tomas Martinez, Houston Dynamo
If you vote for Goal of the Week based off level of difficulty, this is one of your two potential picks. Tomas Martinez hit this strike on the run, on the volley and with a small margin of error in the middle of the box.
— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) April 28, 2019
Bill Tuiloma, Portland Timbers
A defender scoring off a corner in spectacular fashion is as rare as it gets in MLS.
Bill Tuiloma with a STUNNER for his first goal of the season.#RCTID | #TORvPOR pic.twitter.com/afxWIl6spP
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) April 27, 2019
Panic Button Update
Atlanta United: The good news for Atlanta United is they won Saturday. The bad news is it was a 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids at home. Work still has to be done under Frank de Boer, but the results are starting to come.
Columbus Crew: Welcome to the panic button update, Columbus. Four losses in a row will put you in that category, especially after failing to score over 180 minutes in Week 9. The schedule doesn’t get easier for the Crew, with D.C. and both Los Angeles teams upcoming in the next three games.
New York Red Bulls and New York City FC: What a difference a week makes for both New York teams. New York City FC picked up four points this week to move into the top seven of the Eastern Conference, while the New York Red Bulls erased a five-game winless run by beating FC Cincinnati.
Hot Seat Rankings
After last week was filled with false Thierry Henry-to-MLS coaching rumors, it got us thinking about which manager will be the first to go in 2019.
Colorado’s Anthony Hudson is the leading candidate since his team hasn’t won in nine games. The Rapids only have two points to their name and they’ve buried themselves in a hole with a -12 goal differential.
Losses to Vancouver and Real Salt Lake at home in the next two weeks might put the pressure on the Rapids to make an important decision.
Brad Friedel has been teetering on the hot seat most of the season, and it doesn’t help that his team lost at home to Montreal on Wednesday and then blew a lead on the road against Sporting KC.
If the next three games go south for the Revs, then we might have to seriously discuss a change in direction, but for now, it appears the former U.S. Men’s National Team goalkeeper has a chance to let his long-term vision play out.
The First ‘Wonderwall’
Minnesota United fans got the opportunity to sing Oasis’ “Wonderwall” after a win for the first time at Allianz Field.
The moment was nothing short of awesome to watch.
BECAUSE MAYBEEEEEEEEEE
YOU’RE GONNA BE THE ONE THAT SAVES MEEEEEEEEEEEEE pic.twitter.com/JnyiwP8Bda
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) April 28, 2019
He Scores When He Wants
Nani has done nothing but score since his arrival in MLS, and he added to his tally once again Saturday at Yankee Stadium.
@OrlandoCitySC have themselves a man on fire in @luisnani pic.twitter.com/2K94XKFH8f
— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 27, 2019
If you haven’t been paying attention, the Portuguese winger is now fifth in the Golden Boot race with five goals.
Los Angeles FC’s Carlos Vela and LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued their scoring ways in Week 9, and at this point we just assume both of them will score each week.
Zlatan criticism
Ibrahimovic didn’t paint himself in the best light Sunday night. The Swedish forward dragged down Real Salt Lake defender Nedum Onuoha in the 60th minute, which led to a yellow card.
Then Ibrahimovic stared down the defender after scoring the game-winning goal in the 78th minute.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic went into the locker room apparently to apologize to Nedum Onuoha for fouling and taunting him during the game. Nedum wanted no part of his apology. #mls #RSL #rsltid pic.twitter.com/F2zcmPTbC2
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) April 29, 2019
Ibrahimovic then tried to go to RSL locker room to apologize for his actions, but Onuoha was having none of it.
Whatever Ibrahimovic wanted to achieve appeared to work. He got under the skin of a defender, fired up his Galaxy teammates, scored the game-winner and left the field with three points.
Nedum Onuoha explains to @syarock what happened when Zlatan came into the @realsaltlake locker room and why he didn't accept Zlatan's apology. #RSL #mls #rsltid pic.twitter.com/RNH36Olpv7
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) April 29, 2019
The post MLS Week 9 Rewind: 8-goal thriller, Wonderwall and thriving Nani appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s behaviour as he inspired LA Galaxy to a 2-1 MLS win over Real Salt Lake was “unacceptable”, according to opposition defender Nedum Onuoha. Ibrahimovic clashed angrily with Onuoha during Sunday’s match and unsubtly goaded the former Manchester City defender after sweeping in his 78th-minute winner. After the match, Ibrahimovic sought to play down the incident and stated, “what happens on the […]
The post Zlatan said he was going to hurt me – Onuoha slams LA Galaxy star Ibrahimovic appeared first on Soccer News.
The post Zlatan said he was going to hurt me – Onuoha slams LA Galaxy star Ibrahimovic appeared first on Soccer News.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic ensured LA Galaxy capitalised after rivals Los Angeles FC were held despite another Carlos Vela goal in MLS on Sunday. Ibrahimovic scored a 78th-minute winner to see the Galaxy overcome Real Salt Lake 2-1 in California. Uriel Antuna’s tap-in for the Galaxy had been cancelled out by Donny Toia in the second half. […]
The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic lifts Galaxy, LAFC held despite Vela goal appeared first on Soccer News.
The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic lifts Galaxy, LAFC held despite Vela goal appeared first on Soccer News.
ATLANTA — Atlanta United won on Saturday, but grumblings from fans and media about the team’s attacking struggles continue.
Seventy-four minutes passed before Julian Gressel scored the only goal in a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Five Stripes put a single shot on target in the first half, a long-range effort from centerback Leandro González-Pírez, and home supporters booed when referee Alan Kelly blew his halftime whistle. Colorado entered the game with Major League Soccer’s worst defensive record, having allowed 23 goals in its first eight games.
In his postgame press conference, the first question manager Frank de Boer received was whether he was concerned with the performance. De Boer was taken aback. The team had won, and the manager seemingly expected a more upbeat chat with reporters. Games against defensive-minded teams that “park two busses in front of their own goal,” as Colorado did, are difficult. De Boer was proud of his team for finding a way to take all three points.
It is true, as de Boer argued, that even the best attacking teams can struggle against opponents who bunker. (Remember Atlanta’s 1-1 draw against Seattle last season, or its three losses to lowly D.C. United in 2017?) The bigger issue for the Five Stripes right now is the lack of production from Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez, who still has not adapted to his new country, league and team, and who, according to de Boer, still is not fully match fit after a short offseason and an injury layoff last month.
De Boer and his players who speak with media often take questions about Martínez. The answers are always the same: He needs more time, and when he is comfortable, they are confident Martínez will show the skills that made him a superstar in Argentina. That may be true, but until then, Atlanta will struggle with Martínez in the lineup. He is meant to be the playmaker in the center of the field, and right now, he is not making plays. Martínez took one shot against Colorado. It landed in the stands. He completed 63 percent of his passes, the lowest percentage among the starting 11.
Replacing the production of Miguel Almirón, perhaps the most electric player in MLS history, was always going to be difficult. It is impossible to do that with a player who is in a poor run of form.
With El Pity scuffling and frustrated, his teammates appear unsure of themselves. It looks as though no one knows when or where Martínez will play the ball. Atlanta won against Colorado, but it looked more dangerous in the 2-1 loss to a defensive FC Dallas side the week prior. Martínez did not start that game, nor Atlanta’s 2-0 win over the New England Revolution.
Pity Martinez after being subbed off for Tito Villalba… 
Source: C.R. Cope via https://t.co/VDKC8WDbPG pic.twitter.com/nxCPWJZYI0
— Jay
Riddle (@jay_riddle) April 28, 2019
There is no easy solution for the Five Stripes. Sitting Martínez would do nothing to help his confidence and would only slow his assimilation into the team. De Boer must count on Martínez, and thus his team, improving each week.
“Every time I get the ball, I’m looking for him,” midfielder Darlington Nagbe said after the Colorado game. “Obviously we want to get out talented guys and our playmaker, our No. 10, on the ball.
“We know what he can do. We’ve seen him in training, and we’ve seen him at River [Plate], and I think he’s just getting started here. So, I’m confident in him and giving him the ball every single time. It’s just a matter of time until everyone sees what he can do.”
Before the season began, de Boer said that while he has a specific philosophy regarding how his team should play, he would always prioritize results over style. Atlanta looked good in the loss to Dallas, but it won ugly against Colorado. The manager will take the latter outcome every time, and until Martínez is able to showcase his skills, supporters should forget about beautiful soccer and enjoy the victories when they come.
Tito Villalba, super sub
Héctor “Tito” Villalba believes he is a starting-11 player, but he is a great weapon off the bench for de Boer. Tired defenders face a tall task in keeping up with the winger’s pace and shifty dribbling. Villalba’s substitute appearances were vital for the Five Stripes during their playoff run last season. Saturday night against Colorado was no different.
With just 17 touches, Villalba created two chances and hit a shot off the post. Atlanta came to life when he entered the game in the 71st minute.
Going for broke pays off
Another issue Atlanta has faced this season is a lack of attacking influence from its fullbacks as injuries have ravaged the depth chart. The Five Stripes were reliant on dynamic wing play in 2018, but that has been mostly non-existent this year.
The problem continued against Colorado until de Boer made a double substitution in the 71st minute. Villalba and Eric Remedi entered for Martínez and Brek Shea, respectively. The changes allowed Ezequiel Barco to slide into the role of center attacking midfielder, where he has excelled this season. Remedi filled Darlington Nagbe’s holding midfielder position, and Nagbe replaced Shea as an advanced left back.
In the first half, Shea and right back Franco Escobar were in line with Nagbe and Jeff Larentowicz, alternately joining the attack. The formation looked like of 2-4-4 in possession that was well suited to prevent counter attacks from Colorado. De Boer went for the win late, pushing both fullbacks high up the field in sort of a 2-2-6.
Quality pressure up front to open the score 
@darlingtonnagbe @JulianGressel pic.twitter.com/3FcT4D5EGB
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 27, 2019
The decisive goal came when Nagbe won the ball back in Colorado’s defensive third, went on a direct run into the penalty area and played a good ball to Julian Gressel. It was a decisive, aggressive action, the kind of move Atlanta had been lacking. Sending a player of Nagbe’s quality out on the wing to close the game was the winning adjustment.
The post Atlanta United attack scuffles with Pity Martínez struggling to assimilate appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Chris Fuhrmeister, Pro Soccer USA
In a clash of conference bottom dwellers Saturday evening, Atlanta United hosted the Colorado Rapids. After going scoreless for the first half, the hosts finally broke through, with Darlington Nagbe dribbling and setting up the cross for Julian Gressel, who put Atlanta on the board in the 74th minute. Atlanta doubled their lead in extra time, but closed out the match with a 1-0 win, handing Colorado its sixth defeat in a row.
Here are three takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 1-0 loss to Atlanta:
Slow the bleeding
Anthony Hudson and the Rapids did their part to try to put an end to the defensive woes that have plagued them all season. Colorado adjusted by coming out in a 5-4-1 formation with converted centerback Danny Wilson playing as a defensive midfielder to replace the suspended Jack Price.
Conceding just a goal to an Atlanta team that has proven to be potent (although less so this season) was a marked improvement over the past five matches in which the Rapids have conceded at least three.
[See image gallery at appserver-ba4e1838.c.pantheon-dmz.internal]“I don’t think there was any danger,” Hudson said of the formation adjustment. “Coming into halftime, there was no danger. I didn’t feel there wasn’t any real scary moments in terms of what they created. I think we defended a lot better. Individually, they defended a lot better, and as a group, they defended a lot better. So coming into halftime, it was a case of us staying in the game as long as possible. There were a couple of situations where we felt we could create some chances ourselves. I think there was that spell in the second half right before the goal where we were pinned back a little bit too much, but look, defensively, I thought we were a lot better.”
Homegrown Debut
Colorado Rapids Homegrown Sebastian Anderson made his first career professional start Saturday, featuring at right back while Keegan Rosenberry moved more centrally in the 5-4-1.
Despite being only 16-years-old, and having just signed a professional contract weeks ago, Anderson fared well. Defensively, he managed an interception, six clearances and eight ball recoveries in 80 minutes of action.
“Definitely for the first five minutes it was kind of, ‘just do the right thing, be super aware of everything.’ Then once the game kind of settled in it was more of like, ‘I’m playing around with some of the guys I watched on TV, this is crazy.’ But I have a job to do and I know what I need to do to help the team,” Anderson said of his first competitive minutes with the first team.
Anderson joins teammate Sam Vines as the second Homegrown to get their first career start this season.
The Bad and the Ugly
The Rapids formation adjustment was needed, and Anderson’s debut was a positive for the club, not just in the short term but for the future of the club. But it’s impossible to sugar coat how bad Colorado has been this season, having secured just two points in nine matches.
Hudson tried to deflect criticism following the team’s latest loss – the sixth in a row – by pointing to the team’s budget and roster building compared to other sides in MLS.
“I think this is another game where I hear a lot of people around the place and media and these types of things talk about where we’re at,” Hudson said postgame. “It’s almost like people see us at the same level as Atlanta or as on the same level as Orlando or DC, but the reality is, I think, every game we’ve played in, it’s been the DPs (designated players), big money players up front that are making the difference.
“Every game that we’ve played in, people think we have those players and we don’t. Today was just another example of the real gulf in class. I think every single game we’re playing against teams and their DPs are making a difference. People think we are on the same level, we’re not. We’ve compromised our attack slightly today because we had to come here today and get a result. The approach was right. I think the approach worked, and in the end, we were unfortunate.”
Despite promising playoffs to the fanbase for two consecutive seasons, Colorado is actually worse than it was under previous head coach Pablo Mastroeni, who was fired for not performing to standard. Under Hudson, Colorado now has three separate winless streaks of eight games or more during his 17-month tenure.
The post The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 1-0 loss to Atlanta United appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA
Ashley Williams could be making another move late in his career. Everton defender currently on loan at Stoke City could be going to Major League Soccer this summer, according to The Sun. They report that the Welsh centre-back is D.C. United’s latest transfer target. Last summer, D.C. United already made a transfer from Everton, when […]
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MLS champions Atlanta United won their first home game of the season to ease pressure on Frank de Boer, while Sporting Kansas City and New England Revolution drew 4-4. Atlanta overcame fellow strugglers and winless Colorado Rapids 1-0 courtesy of Julian Gressel at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday. Struggling for form since former Inter and Crystal […]
The post MLS Review: Atlanta claim first home win, Sporting KC and Revs in eight-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.
The post MLS Review: Atlanta claim first home win, Sporting KC and Revs in eight-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.
ATLANTA — Julian Gressel scored from close range in the second half to seal an Atlanta United win over the Colorado Rapids 1-0 Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It was Atlanta’s first home win of the 2019 Major League Soccer season.
Atlanta (2-3-2, 8 points) struggled in attack for much of the game. The team went into halftime with just one shot on goal, a 35-yard effort from centerback Leandro González-Pírez. Players were visibly frustrated with Gressel and forward Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez exchanging heated words before walking off the field.
After the game, manager Frank de Boer was surprised to be asked if the offensive performance was concerning. De Boer blamed the lack of attacking fireworks on Colorado’s defensive strategy. He accused the Rapids of parking not one, but two busses.
“You always need two teams to try to play football,” de Boer said in his postgame press conference. “And we had only one team trying to win the game. So, that’s hard. In international football, and also here, when teams play like this, you know, you have to have a fantastic day. Even the big teams in Europe have problems with this kind of system if they park two busses in front of their own goal.
“The second half was much better, but it’s very difficult to play against this type of system. … If you score an early goal, they have to come out and then it’s an open game. But now, they still have the belief, they’re coming for the result, for one point, and maybe with a little bit of luck, three points. That’s why I think this victory tastes very sweet, because I think the team who deserved to win got the three points. Sometimes it’s not always the case.”
In the 75th minute, Colorado attempted to play the ball out of its defensive third. Nagbe stepped up to intercept a pass 35 yards from goal and dribbled through traffic into the penalty area. The chance was nearly lost due to a heavy touch, but Nagbe raced to the end line and fizzed a low pass across the face of goal. Gressel beat goalkeeper Tim Howard to the ball and scored from two yards.
[See image gallery at appserver-ba4e1838.c.pantheon-dmz.internal]Gressel’s goal came four minutes after Atlanta made a double substitution: Martínez vacated for Héctor “Tito” Villalba, and midfielder Eric Remedi subbed on for left fullback Brek Shea. Atlanta immediately looked more dangerous after the change. Nagbe moved into Shea’s position on left flank. He and Villalba provided more dynamic play on the wing, which allowed the Five Stripes to break through.
“Play a little bit more attacking,” Nagbe said of his adjusted role after the game. “Essentially, provide support on the ball, but if I can get isolated, if Tito can get isolated, then for us to go on the attack.”
De Boer remained calm during his halftime talk, despite the difficult first 45 minutes.
“He said that when he played with Barcelona that [he played these types of games],” González-Pírez told reporters. “He said we have to keep patience, and do it and try and try and try, and we will find the scores. Finally we can find it.”
It was another tough night for Martínez, Atlanta’s blockbuster signing from River Plate. He took Atlanta’s first shot of the game, striking from distance and connecting with fans in the fifth row. The Argentine’s passes routinely missed their targets, and he still does not appear to be on the same page with his new teammates. The Five Stripes looked much better after Martínez’s exit, but that is in part due to the quality coming off the bench.
“Everybody brings different characteristics, for sure,” midfielder Jeff Larentowicz said. “Tito’s different from [Ezequiel Barco], Pity’s different from Julian. It’s something else, especially if you’re a defender and you’ve been playing for 75 minutes against a guy that does one thing and then you bring another guy on that does something else, that’s both dangerous.
“If I’m worrying about covering Barco with the ball at his feet and closing him down for 75 minutes, and then you bring Tito on and he runs behind me, that’s going to be tough.”
Martínez joined Atlanta after a short offseason, and he sustained a hamstring injury in March. De Boer explained his playmaker still is not fully fit.
“I think he has to get stronger, physically stronger, and then he can [improve],” the manager said. “He’s still, in my point of view, not 100 percent. That’s why I let him play, like, 66 minutes. He will come to that, and it takes time. But I’m convinced if he gets to 100 percent, we’re going to have a lot of fun with him.”
Colorado (0-7-2, 2 points) hardly threatened until Atlanta scored. After Gressel beat Howard, the soon-to-retire goalkeeping icon, the Rapids pushed forward. But aside from an 88th-minute free header from substitute Nicolás Mezquida, which was saved by Brad Guzan, they did not stress Atlanta.
“We know it wasn’t pretty,” Guzan said of the victory. “At the end of the day, nobody’s going to remember whether it was a pretty game. One-nil, 10-nil, a win’s a win.”
The post Atlanta United tops Colorado Rapids 1-0 for much-needed home win appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Chris Fuhrmeister, Pro Soccer USA
The end of an era is coming in Bayern Munich. Arjen Robben, who scored a decisive goal in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, will leave the club once the campaign ends. The winger has been one of Bayern’s best players over the past decade, and there’s no question he will leave […]
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The post Arjen Robben Would Be Wise To Continue His Career In The MLS appeared first on Soccer News.
One of the great equalizers and problems in Major League Soccer comes to the forefront during Week 9’s weekend slate.
Los Angeles FC’s second meeting with the Seattle Sounders in two weeks takes place at CenturyLink Field on Sunday.
No matter the shape of the turf fields across MLS, it still makes a difference when it comes to actually playing games.
Bob Bradley even admitted as such after the Black-and-Gold blitzed the Sounders 4-1 at Banc of California Stadium a week ago.
“I wish they’d get a grass field, but what can I say, with all the great things that Seattle has done, I have tremendous respect and admiration,” Bradley said. “Next week’s going to be a different game, in part because it’s going to be on turf. It’s just a fact.”
The good news for the Sounders is that Chad Marshall is back in the lineup at center back. The 16-year MLS veteran was missed in Week 8, when the LAFC offense ran through the Sounders back line with ease.
Defending Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi and Co. is still going to be a tough task, but the Sounders defense has the familiarity with the turf on their side, and the pace of play will be different with LAFC having a harder time working through the defensive lines through the ground.
LAFC isn’t a one-dimensional side, but it will have to make adjustments on the fly in order to counter the difficulties of the turf.
But the Sounders proved on Wednesday they aren’t a perfect side yet. The defense gave up a pair of goals to the San Jose Earthquakes before coming back to earn a draw.
After being the target of criticism for most of March, the Quakes have turned into one of the league’s best stories in April by beating Portland and Sporting Kansas City at home and earning a point in Seattle.
Suddenly, the Quakes look like a competent side under first-year head coach Matias Almeyda, and dare we say, they are fun to watch.
The Quakes are only three points out of the Western Conference playoff spots, but they face a difficult task on Saturday against a FC Dallas side that is improving in its own right under first-year boss Luchi Gonzalez.
Shea Salinas has turned into an unlikely goal contributor with three goals in the last two games, and he’s already reached a career high in scoring with four tallies.
THIS MAN IS ON FIRE!
Shea Salinas with his third goal of the season! #SEAvSJ | #VamosSJ pic.twitter.com/qyUSNS9d78
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) April 25, 2019
Cristian Espinoza has also been a bright spot for the Quakes in the middle of the park, and Jackson Yueill looks the part of a MLS starter after he was finally given an opportunity to show his quality in an extended role under Almeyda.
Compared to the other teams that were in need of massive improvements, the Quakes are in great shape.
Colorado is still lingering at the bottom of the West, Vancouver hasn’t hit its stride yet, while New England and Chicago have been up-and-down in the Eastern Conference.
Speaking of the Revolution, Brad Friedel has come under plenty of criticism for his team’s performance in 2019, and even though he deserves the No. 1 spot on the hot seat rankings, remember this is a franchise that gave Jay Heaps plenty of chances to turn things around before cutting ties in 2017.
Week 9 Weekend Schedule
Saturday, April 27
Orlando City at New York City FC (1 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Portland Timbers at Toronto FC (3 p.m, ET, TSN, ESPN+)
San Jose Earthquakes at FC Dallas (3:30 p.m. ET, Univision)
Philadelphia Union at Vancouver Whitecaps (5 p.m. ET, TSN, ESPN+)
Colorado Rapids at Atlanta United (6 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
FC Cincinnati at New York Red Bulls (7 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Columbus Crew at Houston Dynamo (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
New England Revolution at Sporting Kansas City (8:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)
Sunday, April 28
Chicago Fire at Montreal Impact (12:30 p.m. ET, TVA Sport, ESPN+)
D.C. United at Minnesota United (1:30 p.m. ET, FS1)
Los Angeles FC at Seattle Sounders (3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Real Salt Lake at LA Galaxy (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Player to Watch
Alejandro Pozuelo, Toronto FC
Apr 19, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo (10) reacts after scoring his first goal against Minnesota United in the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Alejandro Pozuelo has already established himself as the main attraction in the Toronto FC attack, but he’ll have even more pressure to create chances on Saturday without Jozy Altidore on the field.
The Spaniard has four goals and five assists in four games, and the majority of those assists have come on goals scored by Altidore.
If he continues to be a menace in the final third, the Reds won’t drop off much in production, even if they are calling on their depth to manage through Altidore’s injury absence.
Matchup to Watch
Alberth Elis, Houston vs. Waylon Francis, Columbus
Apr 19, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Houston Dynamo forward Alberth Elis (17) controls the ball ahead of Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jorgen Skjelvik (16) during the first half at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Alberth Elis has torn apart a few defenses with his pacy runs down the right wing.
The Honduran attacker is one of the most dangerous attackers in MLS when he gets rolling, and he’ll try to show that again on Saturday against the Columbus Crew’s Waylon Francis.
Francis is one of the most experienced full backs in MLS and he is a part of a Crew back line that has conceded nine goals, which is tied for second-fewest in the league.
The Crew back line will be on short rest on Saturday at BBVA Compass Stadium, which leads us to believe Elis has an advantage in this matchup going into the match.
Fantasy Option To Watch
Heber, F, New York City FC
Apr 6, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC forward Heber (9) fights for position against Montreal Impact defender Jukka Raitala (22) during the second half at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Heber has made an instant impact on the New York City FC attack in his four games with the club.
The 27-year-old forward has a goal and two assists in his two starts, including an assist on Wednesday against Chicago.
Short rest might be a factor in Heber’s performance on Saturday against Orlando City, but if you had him in your lineup at the start of the match week, you should be able to reap more benefits out of him.
The post MLS Week 9 Weekend Preview: LAFC, Sounders rematch, Quakes trying to stay hot and more appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA
MARIETTA, Ga. — Barring a change of plans, Tim Howard will make his first and only appearance as a player at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend. Howard is calling it a career at the end of the 2019 season. With the Colorado Rapids looking like a sure bet to miss the MLS Cup playoffs, the team’s away dates are serving as a farewell tour for the United States goalkeeping icon.
Atlanta United (1-3-2, 5 points) hosts Colorado (0-6-2, 2 points) Saturday night. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.
For Atlanta’s American-born players, the game is a last chance to go up against one of the best players this country has ever produced.
“He’s a legend in my eyes, everything he’s achieved with his career and what he’s done for the sport in America,” fullback Brek Shea, whose U.S. international career overlapped with Howard from 2010 to 2015, said after Wednesday’s training session. “Watching him growing up, and then being able to play with him and then hanging out with him and getting to know him, it’s something that I cherish. It’s always fun playing against him, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Howard got his start in Major League Soccer in the late-90s, back when the New Jersey-based team he played for was not part of an energy-drink conglomerate. He made a groundbreaking move to Manchester United in 2003. While his career at Old Trafford never really got off the ground — Edwin van der Sar came in and took the No. 1 shirt for himself — Howard found a home at Everton and spent 11 years on the blue side of the Mersey. He posted more than 100 clean sheets with the Toffees and set a club record with 28 appearances in European continental competitions.
“In my generation, he was really the first guy who went to a huge club in Europe and stayed at Everton and was instrumental for them for a really long time,” midfielder Jeff Larentowicz, who picked up four U.S. caps in 2011 and 2012, told reporters Wednesday. “Ton of respect for him.”
Asked if any particular moments from Howard’s career stand out in his memory, Larentowicz picked that moment, the one every American soccer fan would select. In the 2014 World Cup round of 16, Belgium defeated the U.S., 2-1, in extra time. If not for Howard’s heroics, it may have been 5 or 6-0 after 90 minutes. The ’keeper made a tournament-record 16 saves at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil.
“It was an incredible performance, and if that was the only game you play in your career, you could say that you had an outstanding career,” Larentowicz said. “Tim’s played I don’t know how many hundreds of games. He always seems to be doing some incredible things.”
As pleasant as it is to reminisce about one of the greats on his way out the door, Atlanta has a task at hand Saturday. Incredibly, the defending champions find themselves playing a Wooden Spoon six-pointer in late April.
If the Five Stripes are ailing in attack — and they are, with a league-low five goals through six games — the Rapids could be a perfect tonic. Colorado has shipped 23 goals in eight games, which by far is MLS’s worst defensive record in 2019. The opportunity is there for a breakout performance from Atlanta. Frank de Boer’s team took 22 shots and put eight on target last week in a 2-1 loss to FC Dallas, but only a Josef Martínez penalty deep in second-half stoppage time found the net. Against a goalkeeper with the reputation of Howard, execution in the final third must improve.
“Just being more clinical,” Darlington Nagbe, a regular with the U.S. senior team since 2015, said Tuesday regarding what Atlanta must do to beat Howard. “There’s more focus on getting in [dangerous] spots and those situations. He’s another great goalie, so it won’t be easy.”
There has been much optimistic talk from players and coaches about how the team is progressing, and that results will soon come. Larentowicz said this sort of chatter is acceptable for only so long. A home defeat to a winless Colorado team would cast Atlanta’s season in an abysmal light and bring about real concern of a 2018-Toronto FC-style collapse.
An early goal Saturday would calm nerves and boost confidence. Should it not come, the Five Stripes cannot lose the plot. If they overextend themselves or switch off defensively, Colorado can punish them. The Rapids have size at center forward in the 6-foot-3 Kei Kamara, who has scored in each of his past four games. Atlanta’s centerbacks have to be wary of counter attacks. Fouling in their own half or giving away corners may lead to problematic set pieces. Colorado has scored three of its 12 goals this season from dead-ball situations. The club’s goal tally ranks 11th in MLS this season, but the Rapids are fifth in the league with 10.7 expected goals, for those who put stock in such advanced metrics.
“They’re a capable team of getting results, and we understand that,” centerback Michael Parkhurst said Thursday. “They’ve had a rough go of it, but so have we. Who are we to look past anybody? We’re at the bottom of the table as well, so we are not going to do that. We understand what we expect out of this game, and what’s going to be needed to be done in order to [win].”
After training Thursday, de Boer, who earned 112 international caps for the Netherlands, acknowledged Howard has had a great career and that “it’s fantastic that he’s still around.” From one national-team legend to another, de Boer wishes Howard well.
“I hope he has a fantastic last year,” de Boer said, “but not on Saturday.”
The post Atlanta United welcomes Colorado Rapids, Tim Howard farewell tour to town appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.
Original author: Chris Fuhrmeister, Pro Soccer USA
Wayne Rooney helped DC United move clear atop the Eastern Conference in MLS, while LA Galaxy were held to a draw on Wednesday. Rooney’s fifth goal of the season saw DC United overcome the Columbus Crew 1-0 at MAPFRE Stadium. The former Manchester United captain struck approaching the half-hour mark for the game’s only goal. […]
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