By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Mar 14, 2022) US Soccer Players – As the English like to say, the various domestic leagues across Europe are reaching the business end of the competition. As the long winter gives way to spring, there are plenty of trophies to win, table positions to climb, and relegation to avoid. The spring is the time when titles races heat up and clubs, even ones who can't win . . .
NYCFC with one point from two games
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Mar 7, 2022) US Soccer Players – Only three teams have ever won back-to-back league championships. That short list is DC United in 1996 and '97, Houston in 2006 and '07, and the LA Galaxy in 2011 and '12. It's no surprise in the league that doesn't like dynasties. It should also not be all that shocking that those three teams are among the best in MLS history. It's . . .
MLS has half the field in the 2022 Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Feb 28, 2022) US Soccer Players – Many are already picking Seattle as an easy favorite in the race for MLS Cup. They have all of the makings of a legit contender, even in a league where several teams have spent more this offseason. Part of that may be another competition where the Sounders are an easy pick, Concacaf's Champions League. They're one of the four Major . . .
22 for MLS in 2022
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Feb 22, 2022) US Soccer Players – Season 27 of the MLS era officially begins this Saturday with a busy schedule of games. That starts with the Philadelphia Union hosting Minnesota United at 1pm ET, the first of 14 games this weekend to kick off the 2022 season. That also includes Charlotte FC's visit to DC United for their first-ever match on Saturday at 6pm ET. . . .
Expectations for the new MLS Designated Players in 2022
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Feb 14, 2022) US Soccer Players – It's the eve of another Major League Soccer season, and with it, the standard speculation over the offseason moves. As usual, Designated Players will get lots of the focus. It's been that way since 2007 when MLS came up with that label for players who exceed the salary cap. DPs carry big expectations due to the superstars that . . .
The Rapids change for 2022
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Feb 7, 2022) US Soccer Players – MLS teams are in preseason earlier than ever, getting the training in and rosters in shape for the February 26 start date. 2022 was always going to be an odd year once FIFA moved the World Cup to November and December. It's given teams less time to consider their options, not that it's stopping any of them from making moves. For the . . .
Nashville in the West and Charlotte in the East
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 31, 2022) US Soccer Players – With Charlotte FC joining MLS for its debut season, the total number of teams in the league is now at 28. That creates an even split between the conferences. With Charlotte joining the Eastern Conference, Nashville SC moves back to the Western Conference. That type of realignment is not out of the ordinary in MLS during the . . .
The USMNT keeps the Columbus advantage
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 24, 2022) US Soccer Players – When the United States defeated Mexico in World Cup Qualifying, the 2-0 win was very familiar. What wasn't familiar was the venue. Instead of Columbus, the US won in another Ohio city with a rabid fan base and MLS franchise. Cincinnati's TQL Stadium proved to be a wonderful place for such a key match. The US, however, returns to . . .
The 4-3-3 in MLS
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 18, 2022) US Soccer Players – Major League Soccer is getting plenty of attention in recent weeks. The annual SuperDraft introduced a group of players who could follow recent examples of draft picks turning into key contributors. Ricardo Pepi and Daryl Dike are off to Europe in high-profile moves, adding to the wealth of American talent already there. Another . . .
Getting the SuperDraft right always counts in MLS
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jan 10, 2022) US Soccer Players – The annual MLS SuperDraft that takes place on Tuesday will mark the unofficial start to the 2022 season. Once again, an expansion side will get the top spot with Charlotte FC making the #1 pick. For Charlotte, it's a chance to add a key player to their roster as the new franchise looks to compete in their debut season. Charlotte . . .
