By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 30, 2019) US Soccer Players - MLS Cup is heading back to the West Coast, but in Seattle rather than Los Angeles. LAFC took care of the Galaxy and then Seattle took care of LAFC to set up an unlikely Sounders vs Toronto MLS Cup. Both clubs are playing for their second league title. In a league where only five clubs have won more than once, it's an accomplishment. . . .
Is the 2020 Concacaf Champions League the opportunity for LAFC?
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Nov 6, 2019) US Soccer Players - Truly historic seasons are easy to spot. They come with gaudy numbers and long winning streaks. They seem to buck the odds and cut against the type of bad luck that invariably affects everyone. They are marked by great individual campaigns that reflect on the work of the team as a whole. They always prompt debate, particularly when . . .
Another big result for Chelsea
The soccer news starts with USMNT player Christian Pulisic once again playing a role in an unlikely draw for Chelsea in the Champions League. Chelsea drew 4-4 with Ajax at Stamford Bridge, with Pulisic setting up the penalty that leveled the score at 1-1. From there, a game that had already taken an odd turn took several more with Chelsea eventually finding an equalizer and another point in the . . .
The timing problem in MLS
The soccer news starts with NYCFC's exit from the 2019 MLS playoffs. The Eastern Conference champion was one and done, losing 2-1 to Toronto at CitiField on October 23. That already seems like a long time ago, but timing was part of the problem for NYCFC. Winning the Eastern Conference meant bypassing the opening round of the playoffs. NYCFC didn't play from Decision Day on October 6 to the . . .
The revamped playoffs gave us an underdog MLS Cup
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Nov 4, 2019) US Soccer Players – Were these the best MLS Cup Playoffs in league history? It's always easy to lean to the present for hyperbole. In this case, however, it may prove true. Better players, stronger coaching, and a revamped format all certainly helped. The one-and-done playoff format contributed to a greater sense of urgency. The home-field advantage . . .
Bayern Munich four points back
The soccer news starts with the kind of crisis only reserved for the elitist of clubs. Bayern Munich still isn't in 1st-place in the Bundesliga. It's an interesting turn of events over the opening ten games for the defending champions. Bayern is on a seven-title winning streak, expecting to take their 30th championship this season. No other team in Germany has hit double-digits in lifting that . . .
Fortuna Dusseldorf wins Bundesliga derby
The roundup of USMNT players in Europe and Mexico starts with a Bundesliga derby. Alfredo Morales won the 38th minute penalty that set Fortuna Dusseldorf on its way to a 2-0 home shutout of local rivals Cologne. Zack Steffen made one save to keep the clean sheet. Rouwen Hennings converted the penalty and Erik Thommy scored in the 61st. "I'm so happy," Morales said.… "After the game, celebrating a . . .
The unpredictable MLS Cup
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Nov 1, 2019) US Soccer Players - Not that long ago, we considered the possibility of a Seattle Sounders versus Toronto FC matchup in the 2019 MLS Cup final in this very space. At the time, that possibility seemed remote. Neither team held favored status heading into their respective conference finals. The club they'd face were easy picks as the league's clear best. . . .
Stoke City in the Championship
The soccer news starts in the Championship. Cameron Carter-Vickers will have a new manager with Stoke City dismissing Nathan Jones along with the club's assistant manager and first team coach. Jones had been with the club since January, 2019. Stoke is in 23rd-place in the Championship, tied on points with last-place Barnsley. Back-to-back losses followed back-to-back wins in October. Stoke City . . .
Berhalter names all-MLS pre-camp squad
US Soccer announced on Thursday that they're calling in 20 MLS players for a pre-camp in advance of the November international window. The MLS players will train in Bradenton, Florida from November 2-9 with the November camp roster announcement set for November 6 with camp beginning on the 10. "We have the opportunity to take advantage of the MLS post-season window to start preparations for the . . .
