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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – With a winless start to the season through nine matches, Rapids executive vice president and GM Padraig Smith decided take drastic measures.

With hope of turning the ship in the right direction, he relieved second-year head coach Anthony Hudson of his duties on Wednesday, just 17 months after hiring the former New Zealand manager.

“I think we should have more points on the board now and we’re certainly capable of winning games,” Smith told reporters on Wednesday. “We want to make sure that when we see a slide like this, when we see results going the way they are, you’ve got to take action.”

Hudson went just 8-26-9 in league play during his tenure in Colorado and also went winless in knockout competitions, with the Rapids bowing out early in the Concacaf Champions League and U.S. Open Cup play last season.

But Smith also shoulders some of the blame, having hired Hudson after a “worldwide coaching search” that lasted about four months. Hudson came into the job with little experience successfully managing club football, with the vast majority of his experience coming from managing the New Zealand men’s national team and Bahrain U-23 sides.

With reporters gathered around and cameras rolling, Smith took responsibility for the failed hire.

“I take a massive responsibility in that,” Smith said. “When I look at the overall plan, we’re constantly evaluating it and looking at where we can make changes and what we can improve on.”

During the media session, Smith explained that as a “process-driven individual” he’s willing to look at the mistakes made in the Rapids’ last coaching search and apply the lessons learned as the team undergoes a second head coaching search under his direction.

“There’s no timeline,” Smith said of the search for a new head coach. “We want to do this right and I have complete confidence in the coaching staff.”

He also remains steadfast the search will go well this time around.

“We undertook a very detailed process last time, so that’s laid a foundation,” Smith said. “We’ll take our time. We’ll do it right. We’ll bring the right guy in.”

Smith’s mistakes haven’t been limited to the failed hire of Hudson, however. Under his watch, Hudson was approved to bring in players who haven’t shown an ability to perform in MLS for a variety of reasons.

Additionally, the Irishman with a UEFA financial background has been lauded for his analytical approach and expected ability to build a roster smartly, but Colorado’s highest paid players have oft been the biggest under-performers.

But this past offseason, the Rapids had appeared to right the ship at least in terms of roster approach, bringing in several proven MLS veterans. Hudson’s inability to get results with an improved roster turned up the heat, and his now infamous postgame comments following a 1-0 loss to Atlanta, during which he called his side a “bottom group of players” facing a “massive gap in class,” sealed his fate.

Smith fired back a bit, defending the players while outlining Colorado’s plan for the future.

“I think fundamentally I’m actually very proud of the players we’ve got in that locker room,” Smith said. “What we’re driving for here is we’ve always talked about 2020. We’ve talked about the DP transition [getting Howard and Gashi off the books] and I think this year was meant to be a competitive year, it truly was. The plan was to be playoff competitive in 2019, transition the DPs in 2020 and be the best form of ourselves going into 2021. The results haven’t been there for us and that’s been unacceptable.”

That doesn’t mean there isn’t more room to improve the roster. Smith confirmed prior comments the Rapids are shopping before the MLS primary transfer window closes on May 7.

“We’re involved in discussions with a number of clubs now,” he said. “The window shuts on Tuesday, so, as always, we’re exploring every avenue that’s open to us to try and improve the roster.”

With Colorado’s failed coaching hire now gone, a spotlight has now shined on those who remain with the club to get things right.

“I think fundamentally we need to examine every aspect of what we do here,” Smith said. “I brought in coach Hudson and I take full responsibility for that. I look at the players we’ve brought in and if we’ve made a mistake there, I have to look at why and what we can learn from that. At the end of the day, not every player you’re going to bring in is going to work. That’s one of the fundamentals of sport, it’s unfortunate, but that’s the way it goes.”

But it’s not simply c’est la vie if things go wrong. Smith knows his team will be graded on wins and losses.

“Results are going to drive everything,” he said. “We want to be a perennial playoff team. We feel like we’ve got a bunch of players in that locker room to be playoff competitive this year, we genuinely do.”

The post After firing coach, Colorado Rapids GM Padraig Smith now under pressure appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Philadelphia Union defeated struggling FC Cincinnati 2-0 thanks to Kacper Przybylko and Fafa Picault. MLS newcomers Cincinnati were left without a win in six matches following Wednesday’s trip to Pennsylvania, where the Union moved level atop the Eastern Conference. Neither team could be separated in the first half at Talen Energy Stadium but Philadelphia took […]

The post Philadelphia Union 2 FC Cincinnati 0: Visitors´ winless streak extends to six games appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Philadelphia Union 2 FC Cincinnati 0: Visitors´ winless streak extends to six games appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: Philadelphia Union win Odds: 4/7 @ Bet 365 With the chance to climb to the top of the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia will welcome FC Cincinnati to the Talen Energy Stadium on Thursday. Starting with the hosts, while Philadelphia would have been disappointed to have only picked up a point against Vancouver last time out, Jim […]

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The post Philadelphia Union 4/7 to beat FC Cincinnati in Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The Colorado Rapids fired head coach Anthony Hudson.

Assistant Conor Casey will take over as interim coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Rapids.

“We appreciate Anthony’s commitment to the Rapids organization during his time with the club,” Pádraig Smith, executive vice president and general manager, said in the statement. “This is a pivotal period in the development of our team and it’s in the club’s best interest to make a change now. We still have a lot of season left and we look forward to getting back on track.”

Smith will meet with reporters after the team’s Wednesday’s training session.

Hudson’s firing comes after a 0-7-2 start to the 2019 season that put the Rapids last in the league with two points — four points behind the second-to-last Vancouver Whitecaps. Hudson’s overall MLS coaching record since joining the team in November, 2017, was 8-26-9.

Casey played for the Rapids from 2007-12 and helped them win the MLS Cup in 2010. He was named the Most Valuable Player of that final. He also played for multiple clubs overseas during his career and for Toronto FC, the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew SC in MLS. Casey returned to the Rapids as an assistant coach at the beginning of 2017.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

The post Colorado Rapids coach Anthony Hudson fired appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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. 

https://t.co/SaRxbkCyTr

— 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.

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

— JayRiddle (@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.

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.

“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.

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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