The soccer news starts with the USMNT vs Mexico in Nashville (8:30pm ET - ESPN). Both teams are using younger players and both are shifting their lineups following Friday's friendlies under interim coaches. That continues the uncertainty for the USMNT as the coaching search continues. For Mexico, this is the first window without a permanent head coach. What USMNT fans should look for is more of . . .
USMNT shows promise, issues for Mexico
Monday's soccer news starts with the USMNT's 2-0 friendly loss to Brazil. It was a game that played out as expected for a young USMNT side facing the vaunted Brazil attack. Had that attack done a better job playing together, it would've been even tougher for the USMNT. Neymar, Douglas Cosa, and Roberto Firmino struggled to give each other space in the final third, making things more difficult . . .
MLS Week 28: Wins for Sporting KC and Portland
Only three games on the weekend calendar with Week 28 of the 2018 MLS season falling during the September international break. The games started with NYCFC coming back to draw 1-1 at home with DC United. Steve Birnbaum put DC up in the 58th minute with David Villa equalizing for NYCFC in the 86th. "It’s a tough environment to play in," DC goalkeeper Bill Hamid said. "The pitch is not very good at . . .
USMNT 0 – Brazil 2
Another young version of the USMNT took the field against Brazil on Friday night at MetLife Stadium. With Brazil starting a competitive lineup including Neymar, Douglas Cosa, and Roberto Firmino the challenge was there for the US defense. Firmino opened the scoring in the 11th minute with Neymar converting a penalty in the 43rd. The USMNT defense did well to keep the score low, with Matt Miazga . . .
Orlando City, FC Dallas, and the MLS reserves problem
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Sep 7, 2018) US Soccer Players - In 2016, Orlando City launched a reserve team called Orlando City B as part of Major League Soccer’s partnership with the USL. The team ostensibly served the same purpose as the rest of the USL’s MLS entries, providing professional minutes to up-and-coming players in the Lions’ system as part of a path to the first team. Results . . .
Preview: USMNT vs Brazil
The soccer news starts with the USMNT vs Brazil friendly tonight at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey (7:30pm ET - FS1). The USMNT is once again trying to make sure young players get opportunities against another tough opponent. Brazil enters the game in 3rd-place in the FIFA Ranking with the USMNT 22nd. This is the first game for the USMNT under general manager Earnie Stewart, the person conducting . . .
Young USMNT wade into deeper water against Brazil and Mexico
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 6, 2018) US Soccer Players - The USMNT won’t play a full competitive match until next summer. The US Soccer Federation’s coaching search drags on at a glacial pace. The current setup is not utilizing the full expanse of the player pool. The USMNT’s youth movement continues this week just the same. It's another fresh-faced roster facing two steep challenges . . .
MLS Power Rankings: Records fall
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Sep 6, 2018) US Soccer Players - MLS has been around for more than 20 years now. That's long enough for the league's record book to matter. This isn't a new league anymore. Records do fall, but they also last. In August, Atlanta’s Josef Martinez is the league’s newest goal king, Seattle set a league record for most consecutive wins, and Real Salt Lake became the . . .
The Nations League era
Thursday's soccer news starts with the beginning of the Nations League era in Europe. UEFA's attempt to make more games count begins today and with it pressure to change the friendly system all over the world. It's no small project, with the league system a new idea in soccer. ESPN's Simon Kuper explains the importance of a global Nations League. Soccer America's Paul Kennedy explains the money . . .
Is 2018 turning out worse than 2017 for the LA Galaxy?
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Sep 5, 2018) US Soccer Players - The LA Galaxy took one on the chin in the club’s first outing of September, falling by 6-2 at Real Salt Lake to open the month. The result does not inspire confidence, nor does it lead to much hope and positivity. Yet the Galaxy is still in the midst of the MLS playoff hunt. The club has more than just a pulse remaining. There is a . . .
