By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 24, 2019) US Soccer Players - Chad Marshall's decision to retire from the sport of soccer at the age of 34, in the middle of the Major League Soccer season, couldn't have been an easy one. No player wants to leave his team in the lurch, looking for cover while simultaneously fighting for points towards a championship goal. Marshall's status as a team leader . . .
Real Betis introduce themselves to America
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (May 24, 2019) US Soccer Players - Real Betis arrived in the nation’s capital worn and tired, both physically and mentally. They’d flown across the Atlantic for their first-ever US tour mere hours after the end of a long, difficult season. A 10th-place finish in LA Liga and deep but ultimately unsuccessful runs in the Copa del Rey and Europa League, left players . . .
The Galaxy’s form raises questions
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 22, 2019) US Soccer Players - Through the first two months of the season, the LA Galaxy seemed destined to regain its footing atop the league. The club’s credentials were impressive: a 7-1-1 record, a five-game winning streak, a perfect 6-0-0 mark at home. It finally seemed like the horrors of 2017 were squarely in the rear-view mirror. The turnaround was . . .
The real contenders in MLS? It’s not that simple
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 22, 2019) US Soccer Players - Let's get this bit out of the way first: After 11, 12, 13, or 14 games (Major League Soccer scheduling is a little messy), you are probably what your record says you are. First place teams are good, 4th-place teams aren't too bad, and teams at the bottom of the conference standings are there for legitimate reasons. The potential to . . .
DaMarcus Beasley’s last season
The soccer news starts with DaMarcus Beasley announcing that 2019 will be his last season in pro soccer. Beasley turns 37 on Friday and has been playing professionally since 1999 when he joined MLS as a member of the LA Galaxy. Traded to Chicago the following season, he quickly became a key component of one of the best teams in MLS and the USMNT. By 2004 he was in Europe with stops at PSV, . . .
MLS Week 12: Wondolowski sets goal scoring record
Week 12 of the 2019 season saw Chris Wondolowski make MLS history in San Jose's 4-1 home win over Chicago. Wondolowski scored all four goals, passing Landon Donovan for the all-time leading MLS goal scorer. Wondolowski opened the scoring in the 21st minute, adding goals in the 48th, 74th, and 76th minutes. Aleksandar Katai pulled a goal back for the Fire in the 83rd. "It is a relief now, I'm not . . .
Frank de Boer’s grace period
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 17, 2019) US Soccer Players - The phrase “grace period” gets plenty of run in modern society. It sees use in the technical application like the grace period for interest on a credit card and in a more metaphorical sense. People get grace periods in all sorts of situations for all sorts of reasons. Only the hardest heart could judge performance without granting . . .
Arena’s Revolution plan
Friday's soccer news starts with Bruce Arena talking to the media after taking over as New England's sporting director and head coach. Arena made it clear that the only thing he has to prove is that he can turn the team around over the longterm. New England is currently in last place in the Eastern Conference. “It’s not going to happen in the next two weeks, but I’m confident over the next couple . . .
Peter Vermes on decimated Sporting KC’s CCL hangover
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (May 16, 2019) US Soccer Players - With his trademark flat-top haircut, straightforward manner, and unquestioned authority over technical matters as Sporting Kansas City's longtime coach and sporting director, Peter Vermes carries something of an old-school vibe. The former USMNTer and founding MLS player is presently getting an unwelcome throwback to the league's . . .
Midweek MLS sees Toronto and DC draw
The soccer news starts with midweek MLS games. Toronto and DC United finished 0-0 at BMO Field. Toronto put 13 shots on target to DC's 2 with United goalkeeper Bill Hamid credited with 12 saves. Given the amount of offense, it's no surprise that Toronto was proud of their performance even without it ending up with goals and three points. "Putting the game on our terms, being aggressive, playing . . .
