By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 20, 2018) US Soccer Players - The Video Assistant Referee system, aka instant replay, is coming to the World Cup whether we like it or not. By edict of FIFA, games at the 2018 tournament in Russia will include the controversial review technology that is even now creating waves of confusion and frustration in places like the United States, Germany, and Italy. . . .
Trying to make a run in the East
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 18, 2018) US Soccer Players - Let’s start this discussion about the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer by putting aside three teams: NYCFC, Atlanta United, and Toronto FC. That's the elite of both the Eastern Conference and MLS. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees that those teams belong at the top. Two other teams might deserve inclusion . . .
Toronto FC faces its biggest games
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 13, 2018) US Soccer Players - There's a new challenge in front of Toronto FC, a challenge born from the club's remarkable success and a twist of fate. Don't screw it up. What once was a mote of belief is now a fully formed expectation. Toronto FC plays for the 2018 Concacaf Champions League title as the final favorites. That's what happens when you beat better . . .
What is the MLS business model?
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 11, 2018) US Soccer Players - MLS is adding at least one new name to its group of investor/operators. Per reports from Bloomberg and Steven Goff of the Washington Post, new investors are stepping in to take over a majority share of original franchise DC United. Minority owner Jason Levien will increase his holding and remain the managing owner of the club, while . . .
More problems than solutions to start MLS week 6
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 6, 2018) US Soccer Players - We’ve seen a little bit of many things to start the 2018 MLS season. While the schedule is decidedly uneven, putting some teams well ahead of others both in terms of games played and points earned, teams are filling roles across both conferences. “Surprise,” “meeting expectations,” “underachiever,” and “dramatically improved . . .
Does Minnesota United get enough respect in MLS?
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 4, 2018) US Soccer Players - On Saturday afternoon, Minnesota United lost to Atlanta United at TCF Bank Stadium by a score of 1-0. The Loons fell to Atlanta despite playing up a man for nearly an hour after defender Leandro Gonzalez-Pirez received two yellow cards in the first half, putting the visitors as a significant deficit. Minnesota controlled the balance . . .
El Trafico and the MLS rivalry game
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Mar 30, 2018) US Soccer Players - As a matter of marketing-led tradition, MLS likes to package its myriad rivalries together into a couple of big blowout weekends. The better to leverage the passion in matches between teams who don’t (or shouldn’t) like one another based on history, geography, or something more ineffable. For the league, it's a chance to service . . .
How does a soccer club keep its identity?
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Mar 28, 2018) US Soccer Players - Club identity is a difficult thing to pin down. Even a wordy description of a club’s character is likely to be nebulous and non-specific, especially in areas that go beyond the field. A club’s identity is mostly a function of tactical approach and success. Winning and losing is the simplest measures of any team and a natural place . . .
The Galaxy tries again, this time with Zlatan
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Mar 23, 2018) US Soccer Players - In the pantheon of famous MLS signings, nothing will ever top the LA Galaxy’s 2007 capture of David Beckham. It’s easy to forget, more than a decade on, just what a coup LA’s acquisition of Beckham truly was. It wasn’t just about Beckham's famous right foot. It was the sheer weight of his celebrity. Beckham made waves because he . . .
The MLS version of VAR controversy
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Mar 21, 2018) US Soccer Players - The biggest story from Week 3 of the 2018 MLS season wasn’t an individual player performance or a dramatic finish. Instead, it was the influence of the Video Assistant Referee on games in three different locations. In all three cases, decisions made using VAR heavily influenced the result of the match.. In these early days of video . . .
