By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Aug 5, 2020) US Soccer Players - LAFC had the stage set at the MLS Is Back tournament. Earlier scares were just that, games that startled but ultimately did not harm the club. Four games in and LAFC had established itself as the class of the tournament and the team to beat. Game five, though, did not go according to plan. Midway through an admittedly bizarre year . . .
Power Rankings: California in control
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jul 29, 2020) US Soccer Players - California is the most exciting state for MLS soccer. That much is clear through the completion of the Round of 16. LAFC has the most goals in the MLS is Back tournament with 15 while San Jose is in 2nd-place with 11. Even the LA Galaxy, unceremoniously crashing out in the group stage, is intriguing due to its many problems. The MLS . . .
The Galaxy faces a familiar situation
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jul 22, 2020) US Soccer Players - If you are not sure how many championships the LA Galaxy has, just ask them. The club is quick to boast how it is the only team in league history to win five MLS Cups, that the Galaxy has been a fixture in Los Angeles since 1996, and that the game's top stars have called and continue to call the Galaxy home. The Galaxy certainly has . . .
Do rivalries still matter at MLS is Back?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jul 15, 2020) US Soccer Players - As the MLS Is Back tournament marches on, one of the most-anticipated matches is just days away. The LA Galaxy and LAFC will renew hostilities when the two play their group match on Saturday. The tournament's supposed blind draw set up this matchup. Because of that, we get at least one LA Galaxy vs LAFC meeting in 2020. The last . . .
Does MLS really need to be back?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jul 8, 2020) US Soccer Players - Major League Soccer has officially returned with the MLS Is Back Tournament underway this week. There are plenty of reminders that this is far from an ideal return to the playing fields. All games will be in Orlando with teams sequestered and only leaving their hotels to play and train. The matches will feature no supporters and start . . .
The present and future of the Concacaf Champions League
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jun 24, 2020) US Soccer Players - Amidst the COVID-19 global pandemic, soccer leagues worldwide are in flux halting operations to try and halt the spread of the potentially deadly virus. In North America, the fallout was as severe as it has been in other places. MLS teams got in two matches apiece before stopping. Only recently, the league announced plans to return. . . .
Is LAFC a tournament team?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jun 17, 2020) US Soccer Players - Like the rest of the world, Major League Soccer halted in its tracks due to the Covid-19 global pandemic just two weeks into the 2020 season. And like much of the rest of the soccer world at least, MLS announced its return. Next month, the league will hold a unique tournament that will help MLS try and salvage something out of this . . .
The Galaxy’s return to play
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Jun 3, 2020) US Soccer Players - The LA Galaxy has been trying desperately to return to the top echelon of MLS. Since winning its fifth MLS Cup in 2014, the Galaxy has meandered about, sometimes as bottom-feeders and other times as pretenders. The days of the Galaxy as a dominant force in the league have gone by the wayside and, for many reasons, might very well be . . .
Mexico at home
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 27, 2020) US Soccer Players - For years, the Mexican National Team has treated the United States like its second home. El Tricolor, after all, has played on American soil regularly for more than three decades in competitions and friendly matches. Tens of thousands of fans turn out to see El Tri play here every year. Just based on ticket prices and television . . .
California’s decision is potentially good news for MLS
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 20, 2020) US Soccer Players - Inactivity and what might have been scenarios have dominated the MLS landscape since mid-March. With the league shutting down due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, that is all fans and observers have. Leagues are negotiating with players, facilities, and state and local authorities trying to come up with safe ways to resume. MLS got . . .
