By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Dec 6, 2018) US Soccer Players - Only two teams are left standing in what has been an entertaining and memorable 2018 MLS season. Atlanta United will host the Portland Timbers as one team will lock down immortality while the other will rue the day for years to come. The final will culminate a month-long march that has had moments of drama and surprise. While only a . . .
The Galaxy’s director of soccer
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Dec 5, 2018) US Soccer Players - The LA Galaxy has had some major acquisitions in its history. David Beckham helped transform not only the club but the entire league during his six-year stay. Landon Donovan became the face of the franchise, helping the Galaxy win four MLS Cups from 2005-2014. Bruce Arena built powerful teams during his eight-year stint. The Galaxy’s . . .
Pareja’s chance with Club Tijuana
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Nov 28, 2018) US Soccer Players - In Mexico, a much-rumored and not-at-all secret coaching move became official this week. No, it is not Gerardo “Tata” Martino taking over El Tri. Instead, it's a move that could have more impact than that one. Club Tijuana reached north and plucked Oscar Pareja away from FC Dallas and MLS. With it, the Liga MX club lured away one of . . .
Why did Mexico go to Argentina?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Nov 21, 2018) US Soccer Players - For too long, Mexico has chosen to play friendly matches against lesser teams on American soil. Thus it seemed like a step forward when Mexico headed down to South America to play a pair of friendlies against Argentina. Now that the two games have come and gone, it seems more of a missed and a bit misguided opportunity than . . .
Another Galaxy rebuild needs to focus on designated players
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Nov 14, 2018) US Soccer Players - During the LA Galaxy’s successful cup-filled run from 2009 through 2014, the club had one constant on the field - a dominant player to build around. The club had a deep and talented roster, but the main building block was Landon Donovan. Forming rosters is always challenging but it made it less so for the Galaxy knowing that Donovan . . .
Year one for LAFC
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Nov 7, 2018) US Soccer Players - Normally, a season in which a team loses its regular-season finale and a knockout-round match within a span of five days would be a failure. In most instances, that would certainly classify as one. Especially since the regular season finale was for the conference title and a playoff top seed. 2018 is far from a failure for LAFC even . . .
MLS Power Rankings: The contenders come in hot
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Nov 1, 2018) US Soccer Players - It’s finally playoff time, when MLS games carry an extraordinary amount of weight compared to the regular season. While teams have a vast amount of leeway during the regular season, now the margin of error is nonexistent. It's the stretch run that turns teams into playoff threats. The top three teams in this month’s power rankings . . .
The Galaxy’s demise
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 31, 2018) US Soccer Players - In early September, the LA Galaxy was well on its way to another disastrous season. The club had just limped away from Rio Tinto Stadium, victims of a 6-2 thrashing at the hands of Real Salt Lake, a result that extended its winless skid to six games. The early-summer turnaround appeared gone, and the team seemed to have hit rock . . .
Will we see a playoff El Trafico?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 24, 2018) US Soccer Players - The final weekend of Major League Soccer’s 2018 season is near and both Los Angeles teams are in the midst of the playoff race. LAFC has already qualified, poised for a final regular season game that will determine the Western Conference champion. The LA Galaxy meanwhile needs to just beat Houston and the club will secure a . . .
Should MLS consider the Copa Libertadores?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 17, 2018) US Soccer Players - Since its inception, MLS has tried to become a stronger league. They've loosened the constraints of single-entity, spent more on players, and increased the number of teams. That's widened and diversified the level of competition found within the league. MLS is a far better league now than it was even a decade ago, but the work is far . . .
