By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Aug 3, 2022) US Soccer Players - With just under three months remaining in the regular season, each conference seems to have made things easier for anybody putting together a power ranking. LAFC stays in place and Philadelphia replaces the Red Bulls in 2nd, with no clear conference advantage in our top ten. 1. LAFC (1 in July) Since Giorgio Chiellini and Gareth . . .
MLS Power Rankings: LAFC stays put, Red Bulls move up, Philadelphia drops to 3rd
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (July 6, 2022) US Soccer Players - Summer is officially here, days are longer and warmer, and MLS is getting more intense and meaningful. To add to the excitement, several clubs will welcome new and, in many cases, high-price additions to the fold this month. The likes of Hector Herrera, Lorenzo Insigne, Cucho Hernandez, Giorgio Chiellini, and Gareth Bale are among . . .
Once again in 2022, LAFC raises its game
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 29, 2022) US Soccer Players - LAFC sits in 1st-place both in the Western Conference and Supporters' Shield standings as the calendar approaches July. The summer months, then, would be a time for the club to continue working with its pieces in place and trying to maximize the potential it has within its roster. Instead, LAFC raised the ante quite a bit. That . . .
After an Open Cup exit, what’s next for the LA Galaxy?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 22, 2022) US Soccer Players - Sitting in the Galaxy's trophy display at StubHub Center are five MLS Cups and two US Open Cups. The problem for the most successful club in MLS history is that the last title came in 2014. That's also the last time the Galaxy played for a trophy, a major issue for a club that has been to nine MLS Cup finals. It looked like that . . .
LAFC focuses on defense and raises the level of difficulty in the West
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 15, 2022) US Soccer Players - Big-name players coming to Major League Soccer, particularly to Los Angeles, are not uncommon. Every season seems to add to a list that includes icons of the game. It's no surprise that these big names have normally been attacking players. Goals and goalscorers, after all, sell tickets and create a buzz. LAFC is trying to make a . . .
Mexico’s MLS options
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 8, 2022) US Soccer Players - After getting an early start with a 2-1 win over Nigeria on May 28, Mexico faced two CONMEBOL teams in international friendlies. El Tri was no match for Uruguay on June 2, losing 3-0 in Glendale, Arizona. They played out a scoreless draw against Ecuador on Sunday in Chicago. Concacaf teams will now turn their attention to the Nations . . .
MLS Power Rankings: The June break
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (June 1, 2022) US Soccer Players - As is commonplace during the summer now as the league has evolved, Major League Soccer will mostly take a break during the June international window. That break is great for some teams. For others, it could disrupt their momentum. So while the USMNT and the rest of Concacaf play friendlies and start the Nations League, MLS teams will . . .
Another version of the LA rivalry
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 25, 2022) US Soccer Players - In the evolution of all things Los Angeles soccer, the LA Galaxy vs LAFC rivalry has progressed nicely. Four years in, and the teams have already put on show after show. Each time they play, there's the feeling that more than bragging rights are on the line. One or the other would like to make it clear that they are the soccer kings . . .
Austin FC modifies the MLS blueprint
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 19, 2022) US Soccer Players - Expansion into Major League Soccer used to mean years of losses and frustration. Teams like Toronto FC and Real Salt Lake took their fair share of lumps before being consistently competitive. Same with the Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps. With few exceptions, expansion teams were built to fail early on. That was until . . .
Defense may no longer be the issue for the Galaxy
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 11, 2022) US Soccer Players - Since the club's inception, the LA Galaxy promised to field a roster of stars. From Cobi Jones and Luis Hernandez to Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Robbie Keane, the team has traditionally delivered on that promise. This year's roster is no different as it features Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez, Mexico's all-time leading scorer, . . .
