Why is it so hard to play simply?

Monday’s soccer news starts with a simple question. Why is it so hard to play simply?

In the 83rd minute of Werder Bremen vs Schalke on Saturday, Schalke scored on a corner that the announcer called “simple football.” It was a solid point. Schalke headed in that corner by paying attention to man marking and catching the Werder Bremen defense ball watching. It was basic stuff. No trickery, shadow runs into the box, or reliance on complicated movement. It also won the Game for Schalke, 2-1 away.

Meanwhile, earlier that day in the Premier League it seemed like Crystal Palace went out of their way to complicate things. Losing 1-0 at home to Southampton, Palace tried to throw everything at an equalizer without ever threatening. Blasted shots from distance? Sure. Over complicated passing movements that ended up with the play moving backwards? Of course. Futility in seeing the best chances as they developed?

That’s how you set a new English first division record for losing your opening five games of the season without scoring a goal. It’s also how you go from a playoff team in MLS to bottom of the table.

ESPN FC’s Jeff Carlisle reports on how MLS is treating injured San Jose Earthquakes player Marvell Wynne. MLSsoccer.com’s Charles Boehm’s review of week 28 in MLS. The Washington Post’s Steven Goff with breaking attendance records in American soccer. Soccer America’s Paul Kennedy on the playoff picture in MLS.

Forbes’ Bobby McMahon with good news on the financial side for Real Madrid. Goal.com’s Ben Hayward on the debut of Atletico Madrid’s Wanda Metropolitano stadium.

Inside World Football’s Andrew Warshaw with more allegations over the actions of the current version of FIFA.

Montreal likely done.. too bad. Such a fun playoff team. The East is brutal. @MLS

— herculez gomez (@herculezg) September 17, 2017

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