Looking for Soccer News?

Three Houston Dynamo goals in the first half, including two own goals – all propelled by Alberth Elis passing – gave the visitors an early 3-0 lead over the Colorado Rapids Saturday night. Elis bagged one of his own to open the second half and extend the lead to 4-0 before Kei Kamara pulled one back in a 4-1 loss for the Rapids at home.

Here are three takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 4-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo:

Left on an island

Dillon Serna had a bright start to the 2019 season, embracing and solidifying the left back role for Colorado. But following an average performance in last week’s 2-1 loss at FC Dallas, the 25-year-old seemed to regress further, unable to hand the larger, more physical Elis.

It prompted Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson to pull Serna from the match in the 57th minute, opting for Kellyn Acosta.

Time will tell whether the move will be long term for Colorado, but Hudson saw improvement with Acosta in that role Saturday.

“Kellyn did well. His first couple of defensive situations he had to deal with, I think he dealt with well,” Hudson said postgame. “It’s obviously a position he’s played in the past. He hasn’t played there for a while, but we know the qualities that he has. He’s just an athlete and he can get up and down the line, and he’s very good in wide areas, and we know at that stage in the game he would give us a threat going forward. I thought he did well. I thought he was very positive. I thought he was bright.”

Cobra Kei

Lost in an embarrassing home loss for Colorado was a big individual achievement for Colorado Rapids striker Kei Kamara. With his converted penalty kick in the 81st minute, Kamara moved into a tie with Ante Razov for fifth all-time in number of MLS goals scored (114).

Perhaps more impressive about Kamara’s number is that he’s continued to produce in stops at eight different MLS teams, with a short stint in Europe sandwiched in-between.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” Hudson said of Kamara’s accomplishment. “We’re incredibly pleased and proud for him. But he’s more disappointed in the performance, which tells what type of person he is. We need to keep getting him into position to score so I was pleased he got a goal tonight.”

A House Doesn’t Make a Home

The Rapids’ home form has been abysmal thus far to open the season, with just two points from three home matches. In a league where travel and away games can be brutal, it’s critical for any MLS team with playoff aspirations to win home games. The Rapids just aren’t doing that.

Colorado could try to recoup points on the road, but that’s a tall order as well given the Rapids only earned seven points from road games last season

Adding to their woes is that in each of those three home matches, Colorado has gone down a man with a red card.

The 4-1 loss was Colorado’s most embarrassing performance thus far in 2019 and Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett said it best.

“We cannot let a team come into our house and do what [Houston] did today.”

The post Kei Kamara makes history, other takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 4-1 loss to Houston appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Carlos Vela inspired Los Angeles FC to a big MLS win, while Krisztian Nemeth also scored a hat-trick for Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. Leaders of the Western Conference, Los Angeles recorded a resounding 5-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. Vela opened the scoring in the eighth minute when San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega […]

The post MLS Review: Vela hat-trick lifts LA, Sporting thrash Montreal appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Vela hat-trick lifts LA, Sporting thrash Montreal appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Seeking their first win of the season, the Colorado Rapids instead lost their second consecutive game following Saturday night’s 4-1 home loss against the Houston Dynamo.

Propelled by the standout play of midfielder Alberth Elis, the Dynamo got an early head start on the Rapids with four straight goals to start the match, including three in the first half.

“The biggest problem for us is the start of the game again,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said. “We didn’t deal with their dangerous player, Elis.”

The visitors scored early with Elis sending in a key ball on the counterattack to Memo Rodríguez, who buried the effort to give Houston a 1-0 lead in the 4th minute.

Houston doubled the lead in the 15th minute as Elis sent in another dangerous ball, crossing the face of Colorado’s goal and deflecting off Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg to put the score at 2-0.

The Dynamo weren’t finished, adding a third goal in the 34th on another Elis cross, which was knocked in for another own goal, this time by Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry. Despite being outshot 8-3 and outpossessed by Colorado, Houston took its 3-0 lead into the half.

With the Rapids leaking goals on the left side, Hudson made the decision to swap out Dillon Serna at left back for Kellyn Acosta off the bench.

“Kellyn did well,” Hudson said of the move. “His first couple of defensive situations, he played in well. He’s just an athlete and can get up and down the line. He took a bit of a knock at the end, which affected the rest of his game.”

But Elis continued to dominate the match, adding a fourth goal for Houston in the 67th minute on a through ball from Mauro Manotas and extending the lead to 4-0.

Colorado pulled a goal back when a former Rapid, Maynor Figueroa, was called for a handball in Houston’s box in the 80th minute. Kei Kamara converted the penalty for the Rapids, moving into a tie for 5th all-time for career MLS goals (114) and making the score 4-1.

“It’s an unbelievable achievement,” Hudson said of the accomplishment. “We’re incredibly pleased and proud for him. But he’s more disappointed in the performance, which tells what type of person he is. We need to keep getting him into position to score so I was pleased he got a goal tonight.”

Eight minutes later, the Rapids went down a man when Tommy Smith was issued a red card for violent conduct. It marked the third straight match in which the Rapids have gone down to 10-men.

“We definitely need to figure it out,” Hudson said of the Rapids’ disciplinary issues. “We’ve been in some situations where we’ve seen other players getting different outcomes. On our side, irrespective of what other teams get away with, we still can’t do what we’ve done.”

With the win, Houston remains undefeated on the season through four matches. Colorado has yet to secure a win in as many games.

The Dynamo will return to action April 13th at home against San Jose, while Colorado travels to Orlando April 6th .

The post Houston Dynamo’s Alberth Elis bosses Colorado Rapids’ defense in 4-1 road win appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Alejandro Pozuelo produced a masterclass of skill on his debut to inspire Toronto’s 4-0 demolition of New York City in MLS on Friday. Pozuelo scored twice – both incredible chips – in his first appearance as Toronto preserved its 100 per cent record after the opening three matches of the season. Toronto led 1-0 at […]

The post Toronto 4 New York City 0: Two-goal Pozuelo enjoys stunning debut appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Toronto 4 New York City 0: Two-goal Pozuelo enjoys stunning debut appeared first on Soccer News.

DENVER – English Premier League club Arsenal will face the Colorado Rapids on July 15 (7 p.m. MDT) in a summer friendly at Dick’s Sporting Good Park, the two clubs jointly announced Thursday afternoon.

“We are excited to be hosting one of Europe’s most iconic teams in Arsenal,” said Rapids executive vice president and general manager Pádraig Smith in a team release. “They are one of the top clubs in the world and we’re looking forward to testing ourselves against them on the field and providing sports fans in Colorado with the opportunity to be part of this outstanding matchup.”

The Gunners’ last U.S. tour took place in 2016 which included a 3-1 win over Chivas Guadalajara in Carson, Calif. and a 2-1 win over the MLS All-Stars in the MLS All-Star game. This summer’s match with Colorado kicks off a multi-city and team tour for Arsenal which will include International Champions Cup matches against Bayern Munich, AS Roma and Real Madrid, which are taking place in Los Angeles, Charlotte and Washington D.C. respectively.

“The match against Colorado Rapids in Commerce City is a great way to kick off our summer tour to the United States. We of course have very close links to the Rapids through our mutual ownership and we are looking forward to playing each other in a match which will provide both teams with a competitive challenge, in front of many American Arsenal supporters,” said Arsenal managing director Vinai Venkatesham.

For Colorado, it will mark the second consecutive season with a scheduled international friendly, having won 5-4 on penalties over South American side Boca Juniors last July.

Both the Rapids and Arsenal share ownership under American businessman and billionaire Stan Kroenke, but this summer’s match will mark the first meeting between the two clubs.

Despite no prior meetings between the two clubs, two of the Rapids’ veterans have played against the English giants – Kei Kamara played against Arsenal as a starter for Norwich City in 2013, while Rapids captain Tim Howard faced the North London club numerous times during his time in the EPL (2003-16) playing for both Manchester United and Everton.

Arsenal’s visit marks the first trip to Colorado in the club’s 133-year history.

“We are obviously overjoyed Arsenal has elected to include Denver in their summer preseason plans,” said Drew Wiltjer, president of Arsenal America Denver Chapter, the Denver Gooners. “There is a fantastic soccer community here in Denver and we relish the chance to showcase that on an international stage. To our friends and family from all over the world who will be making the trip in July, we are eager to share the character and beauty of Colorado with you.”

The post Arsenal to play Colorado Rapids this summer as part of U.S. preseason tour appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

It was an abbreviated schedule in Week 4 with only 10 of Major League Soccer’s 24 teams competing during the FIFA international window. But there was still plenty of movement in the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings.

The biggest movers in Week 4 were FC Cincinnati, which jumped five spots after extending an unbeaten streak to three games with their first MLS road, a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The Philadelphia Union made a plus-four jump after a convincing 3-0 win over Columbus Crew SC.

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’s writers Dylan Butler, Robert Jonas and Joe Tansey contributed to this report

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 4: FC Cincinnati cracks the top 10 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

FC Cincinnati continued their solid start to life in MLS with a 2-0 victory away to winless New England Revolution on Sunday, moving them up to second in the Eastern Conference. The Revolution were hoping to get their season kick-started after two defeats and a draw in their first three games left them bottom of […]

The post New England Revolution 0 FC Cincinnati 2: Saief-inspired visitors up to second appeared first on Soccer News.

The post New England Revolution 0 FC Cincinnati 2: Saief-inspired visitors up to second appeared first on Soccer News.

A slow start and waves of possession by FC Dallas led to a first half goal from Michael Barrios led to the hosts entering halftime with a 1-0 lead over the visiting Colorado Rapids. But a 69th minute equalizer from Rapids centerback Tommy Smith leveled the match at 1-1 as Colorado looked poised to gain a road point. The Rapids’ efforts were thwarted, however, as a late goal by Ryan Hollingshead in the 82nd minute salvaged a 2-1 win for Dallas.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 loss to FC Dallas.

Shinyashiki hits the fan

Due to the absence of Diego Rubio due to international duty, Andre Shinyashiki, the Rapids’ early MLS Rookie of the Year candidate made his first MLS start on Saturday, and in large part looked like a comfortable and confident part of the Rapids’ attack, despite only serving a reserve role thus far.

Despite a lethargic start to the match for Colorado, Shinyashiki was able to create for the Rapids including this on-target effort in the 21st minute which would’ve put Colorado ahead early. He followed that up with another on-target effort four minutes later.

Of the Rapids four on-target opportunities, Shinyashiki accounted for half.

“I think it was a good performance although we didn’t get the result we wanted,” Shinyashiki said postgame. “The team played well for long stretches of the game. We gave up two goals which makes it hard for us especially on an away game. But overall the team did well, and we should build from it.”

Rapids on the mend

Saturday’s game was positive in that it saw two players that have been out since preseason with injuries make their 2019 regular season debuts for Colorado.

Centerback Tommy Smith (knee) made his return to the starting XI for the Rapids and had a tangible impact on the game with what would be Colorado’s lone goal of the match in the 69th minute. Defensively, Smith put in a solid effort with six clearances and four recoveries, to go along with a tackle high up the pitch in the 72nd minute.

“It’s great to be back out there, but obviously very disappointed with the result of the match,” Smith said of the performance, adding, “I knew the ball was in and I was 99% confident it had crossed the line. To be honest I’d give up any goal that I’ve scored to get three points because it’s so disheartening after. We know we started quite slowly today but in the second half we got on top and when we got the equalizer. It felt like we were going to be the team to go on and win but it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth it didn’t happen for us.”

The Rapids also gained an attacking option with the return of Sam Nicholson (back) who substituted into the match in the 81st minute. Nicholson had a shot blocked in extra time which would have potentially leveled the match.

Time to Panic?

The short answer is, no. In a lengthy 34-game MLS season, it’s still early days for the Colorado Rapids and other clubs looking to stake their claim at a playoff spot.

Colorado’s fanbase is concerned, and perhaps rightfully so, given the Rapids’ historic performances over the past few seasons.

Two main concerns right now are the Rapids’ home form and late game lapses.

In two home matches, in which they went down a man and failed to secure wins, dropping a potential four points in the process. Given the structure of MLS in general, and the fact that Colorado only won once away last season, home points will be crucial to any goal of making the playoffs for Anthony Hudson’s team.

In the past two matches against Sporting KC and FC Dallas, Colorado has dropped a potential three points by giving up late goals. It’s a concern given the similarity to how the team performed early on last season. But with lessons to be learned and players returning from injury, hopefully it’s an issue that can be corrected.

If Colorado wins its home match against third-placed Houston next week, it would do well to calm the nerves of those invested in the club. But another loss or failure to gain all three points at home will only raise the volume of criticisms.

The post Tommy Smith’s return and other takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 loss at FC Dallas appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Los Angeles FC moved top of the Western Conference in MLS after a dramatic win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Walker Zimmerman scored a stunning 92nd-minute winner to see LA edge a 10-man Real Salt Lake 2-1 at the Banc of California Stadium. The result saw Bob Bradley’s side move onto 10 points through […]

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

Los Angeles FC moved top of the Western Conference in MLS after a dramatic win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Walker Zimmerman scored a stunning 92nd-minute winner to see LA edge a 10-man Real Salt Lake 2-1 at the Banc of California Stadium. The result saw Bob Bradley’s side move onto 10 points through […]

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

Last winter, he was announced as one of the most interesting signings in the league. When Toronto signed Gregory van der Wiel, he was joining the current champions of MLS Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup, but nothing in the end worked out as well as the two sides had hoped for. Toronto […]

The post Van der Wiel and Toronto part ways appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Van der Wiel and Toronto part ways appeared first on Soccer News.

After being traded from his hometown FC Dallas in July 2018, Kellyn Acosta is finally getting acclimated to life in Colorado.

That includes adjusting from life in downtown compared to the spread out suburbs in the Dallas Fort-Worth area. Acosta wants to continue learning about his new home, planning cities to visit within the state.

“It’s different,” Acosta told Pro Soccer USA during a phone interview.  “I grew up in the suburbs and did all my stuff in the suburbs and now I’m in downtown. Finding a parking spot is a little bit tough. Every little thing that you don’t think about is a lot tougher living her in downtown. Knowing the area, trying to find spots to go because I had my go-to spots in Frisco to eat, to shop, to do whatever. Now, I ask around; where should I go, what should I do. I’m gonna go here, now I need the maps to get to and from places. That’s a challenge, but it’s exciting. It’s been cool getting to know Denver and traveling around.”

He will have some more time to explore after signing an extension with the Colorado Rapids in February, locking up a three-year contract alongside Diego Rubio and Keegan Rosenberry. Under EVP and General Manager Padraig Smith, the Rapids have acquired new pieces in hopes of revamping the team that was second to last in the Western Conference. Acosta said he believes in Smith’s vision, which led him to agree to a new deal.

“They gave me the opportunity to be here and they have complete belief in me,” Acosta said. “The way they structured the team, it gave me a positive feeling for the future. This is an environment that has been growing and I want to be part of the future of it.”

Part of the change Smith wants to bring is the signing of homegrown players. Smith signed midfielder Cole Bassett to an HG deal last season and added Sam Raben and Matt Hundley this past offseason. Acosta is used to being around homegrowns, being apart of the FC Dallas academy. He was a model for those players in the academy and hopes to continue that with the Rapids.

“My story can be an example to those guys, for guys like Cole, coming through the academy and playing on the youth national team,” Acosta said. “The sky’s the limit. I can help them in many ways because I’ve been in their situation. I’ve been in their shoes. I know what it takes. I know it’s tough and hard and it’s a battle everyday, just to get on the bench and it’s even a harder balance to get on the field. I’m trying to help those guys as much as possible, I’m always here and it helps when you have a guy like Tim here where he’s played at the highest level for so many years. I guess I’m an easier guy to talk to, where I’m kind of closer in age. Times have changed, but like I said, I’m just trying to use my story to help benefit those guys in the long run.”

Acosta has been growing the chemistry with his new teammates, who have had some early moments to come together. The team came back to tie Portland twice down a man in the snow for a 3-3 draw. A gritty performance against Sporting Kansas City saw them take the lead first before allowing a late Johnny Russell free kick for a 1-1 result. 

“It helps when you have guys on your team that are very personable,” Acosta said. “They’re easy to get along with. Coming in, I knew the quality that Kei, Diego, Nico, Benny, and Keegan bring to the table. For me, my biggest thing was for us to be successful, I need to connect with those guys right away. Whether it was getting to know them off the field, knowing what their habits are on the field, knowing where they want the ball.”

“I’ve been trying to adjust my game so I can bring out the best of myself and bring out the best in them. You lump it up to the big boy Kei, get it to Benny’s feet, get Diego in front of goal, help Keegan defend all those things. As the season goes on, we’ll get more chemistry and get more acclimated with each other and it will be a great partnership in the making.”

The Rapids last playoff appearance came in 2016 under Pablo Mastroeni. Acosta wants to help change the culture, as the Rapids have been cellar dwellers during last two seasons. He doesn’t want the Rapids to surprise people. He wants them to be competitive week in and week out.

“We’re changing how people view us as a team,” Acosta said. “We don’t want to be viewed as a team that you don’t know what’s gonna happen with us, either we’re gonna be good or bad. We’re going to be a team that’s going to be consistently good. That’s obviously going to take playing well during the season. We want to change the way how people judge us and right now, we can defiantly do better now but like I said, we’re trying change how people view us.”

The post Kellyn Acosta hoping to change perception of Rapids across MLS appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.