By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 2, 2019) US Soccer Players – Thierry Henry is back in MLS. This time, it's with a suit and tie. Named the new head coach of the Montreal Impact just last month, his hiring is about injecting some newfound energy and optimism to a team that has lacked both for much of the past decade. For Henry, the Montreal job is a second chance at coaching under relatively . . .
The USMNT in 2019
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 25, 2019) US Soccer Players – It has been quite a year for the United States. After losing to Mexico in the Gold Cup final over the summer, they ultimately did what was expected of them this Fall in the Concacaf Nations League. The recent wins against Canada and Cuba gave the USMNT confidence going into 2020 and allowed for younger players to get much-needed . . .
Nashville and Inter Miami in the expansion draft
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 18, 2019) US Soccer Players – Moments after the Seattle Sounders lifted MLS Cup, that was also the official start to the offseason. The upcoming Expansion Draft will be the focal point once again this month, a process that culminates with the SuperDraft in January. In this case, it's Nashville SC and Inter Miami that are looking to build competitive rosters . . .
5 things from MLS in 2019
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 11, 2019) US Soccer Players – This is the time of year where the MLS champion, and congratulations to the Seattle Sounders, becomes the center of a debate over whether they are in the conversation for the best team in league history. It's also perhaps the first time in a decade that the post-playoff debate isn't about who's the best ever. MLS revamped the . . .
The revamped playoffs gave us an underdog MLS Cup
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 4, 2019) US Soccer Players – Were these the best MLS Cup Playoffs in league history? It's always easy to lean to the present for hyperbole. In this case, however, it may prove true. Better players, stronger coaching, and a revamped format all certainly helped. The one-and-done playoff format contributed to a greater sense of urgency. The home-field advantage . . .
The 2010s for the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 28, 2019) US Soccer Players – The 2019 MLS season brings to a close a decade where the league not only grew in size, but also in respect. It was also a decade that saw, to date, seven different teams win MLS Cup. It's the result of a league that's not only grown in terms of the number of teams but also one that remains very unpredictable. That's why preseason . . .
Changing tactics in the MLS playoffs
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 21, 2019) US Soccer Players – The MLS Cup Playoffs have brought with it drama and excitement in what is now a single-elimination tournament. That also means a newfound urgency and with it new tactics. This fall has brought with it a set of tactical trends that differs from the regular season. It's the type of thing to expect from do-or-die games at this level. . . .
NYCFC and the value of soccer-specificity
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 14, 2019) US Soccer Players – Playoff fever has certainly gripped New York. With the brisk fall weather this month comes another season where baseball fans hope their beloved Yankees can win yet another World Series. At the same time, both NYCFC and the Red Bulls are in the playoffs. While the intersecting of baseball and soccer is rare, it’s not entirely . . .
The USMNT in the Nations League
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 7, 2019) US Soccer Players – The October international window is interesting for the USMNT. The United States prepares to take on Cuba and Canada in a pair of games that feel like friendlies, but count for something thanks to the Nations League. As the team prepares for these games, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter has to examine what the new competition means for . . .
Canada’s deadline
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Sep 30, 2019) US Soccer Players – Canada's National Team is at a crossroads. It's been here many times before over the past two decades. Wins is what this team needs as it embarks on a pair of high-stakes games against the United States. The Nations Cup, which resumes in October, has made all games meaningful. It represents another chance for Canada to gain . . .
