Once again, it's MLS results to start the soccer news with two more games. DC stopped FC Cincinnati's win streak and Portland was unable to find a winner against Orlando City at Providence Park. MLS also announced what next season's Leagues Cup will look like, doubling the size of the tournament in year two. DC United beat FC Cincinnati 4-1 at Nippert Stadium. Lucas Rodriguez scored for DC in the . . .
Atlanta shuts out Houston, Revs win again
The soccer news starts with MLS games on the midweek schedule. Atlanta United shutout Houston 5-0 at home. The Dynamo went down a man in the 6th minute with a red card to Alberth Elis for violent conduct. Darlington Nagbe scored for Atlanta in the 27th minute with Brandon Vasquez making it 2-0 in the 29th. Josef Martinez scored in the 60th and 79th minutes with Julian Gressel adding a goal in the . . .
The friendly situation in MLS
The soccer news starts with what's now the expected response from MLS clubs playing summer friendlies. Play the reserves, play trialists, substitute as needed. After all, there's the league schedule to consider. Colorado went that route in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal in front of a sellout crowd at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids selling out their stadium is a rarity in better times, much . . .
The new MLS playoff problem
By J Hutcherson (Jul 16, 2019) US Soccer Players - Judging good and bad in MLS has long been an issue. The playoffs haven't always helped. From 2002-04, only two teams missed out. It took multiple rounds of expansion to make the playoffs count. In 2010, half the league qualified. The league added two teams and two playoff spots the following season. MLS also couldn't help but tinker. In a nod to . . .
Another round of MLS expansion
The soccer news starts with MLS talking up expansion and naming four cities currently in the mix for the next round. The league confirmed that St Louis and and Charlotte met with MLS at the league's office. St Louis made a "formal presentation" while Charlotte's bid gave the league an update on their situation. "The ownership groups from Charlotte, Las Vegas, Sacramento, St Louis and other . . .
The early MLS Rookie of the Year candidates
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jul 15, 2019) US Soccer Players – MLS is a league that plays through FIFA international dates and major tournaments. Throw in a crowded schedule that includes the US Open Cup, and coaches learn quickly that rookies are instrumental to the success of any team. The need to rotate players makes the league one of the best in the world when it comes to giving young . . .
Bruce Arena’s MLS history lesson
The soccer news starts with New England Revolution coach Bruce Arena asking a question about Audi Field. Why isn't their more references to the history of the club he turned into the league's first dynasty? Considering DC United now controls their environment, it's certainly one worth asking. "I should see Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno in the rafters somewhere," Arena said. "This club had a . . .
MLS Week 19: Comebacks for DC, LAFC, and San Jose
Comebacks were story in week 19 in MLS. All three of Friday's games saw comebacks, with DC, LAFC, and the San Jose Earthquakes getting wins. The schedule concluded with the Red Bulls coming back against NYCFC. DC United came back to draw 2-2 with the New England Revolution at Audi Field to open the weekend schedule on Friday. Teal Bunbury scored for the Revs in the 4th minute with Carles Gil . . .
Concacaf throws a curve with new World Cup qualifying format
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jul 12, 2019) US Soccer Players - As the home to a few huge, powerful nations and a litany of far smaller and less wealthy ones, Concacaf has always faced a large and fairly unique challenge. The confederation's trickiest task is to help its giants grow and prosper in their pursuit of the world's elite while still respecting and elevating the many minnows in . . .
Taking the 2019 US Open Cup seriously
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Jul 12, 2019) US Soccer Players - We've reached that point in the US Open Cup tournament when the trophy is close enough that everyone is taking it seriously. For the Major League Soccer clubs still standing, that means no more reserve-heavy lineups featuring players more likely to suit up for the USL affiliate on a given weekend than play in a topflight league . . .
