By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 31, 2022) US Soccer Players – All eyes over the past few weeks have been on the MLS Cup playoffs. Meanwhile, for the 14 teams that did not make the postseason, this is a time for reflection, revamping, and rebuilding. It’s these three Rs that highlight the offseason for half the teams in MLS that came up short during the regular season. In a league known for . . .
Stars and systems in MLS
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jul 14, 2022) US Soccer Players - Almost exactly four years after he'd arrived as the showcase attacking acquisition for the long-awaited move into the then-new stadium, DC United unveiled Wayne Rooney as its new head coach. Both then and now, the Black-and-Red hovered near the bottom of the MLS standings, in need of inspiration. What's different is that July . . .
MLS and the nation’s capital
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Jun 24, 2022) US Soccer Players - One week after FIFA opted not to put the national capital region on its list of 2026 World Cup sites, Major League Soccer turned up at Audi Field on Thursday to present a consolation prize of sorts. DC United's home stadium, commissioner Don Garber officially announced, will host the 2023 All-Star Game, the event's third trip to . . .
DC United tries an early season coaching change
By J Hutcherson (Apr 20, 2022) US Soccer Players - While some of us might consider the four-game losing streak a regular part of an MLS season, DC United decided to view it differently. The club announced on Wednesday morning that Hernan Losada is no longer their coach, replaced with assistant coach Chad Ashton on an interim basis. Some reports have that interim basis lasting for the rest of the . . .
Three points for Austin at DC United
Monday's soccer news starts with one example of the kind of situation we should expect to see in the MLS tables. With games played yet to hit double-digits, a few points can remake the standings. Austin's win at DC United highlighted that, keeping them in 2nd-place in a conference where three points now separate 2nd from 8th. Austin has played well enough through their seven games to no longer . . .
DC United changes its plans
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Jan 28, 2022) US Soccer Players - Every team in MLS has a plan. It's the nature of the business, of putting together a team that can climb the table and make the playoffs. And, if everything goes just right, compete for a championship. Planning is a crucial part of the process because while every club would like to sit back and let the trophies come their way, . . .
After a painful loss, questions get louder for DC United
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 27, 2021) US Soccer Players - When the moment came, DC United didn't respond. As harsh as that sounds, the club put in its worst performance of the season in a crucial game with an Eastern Conference playoff berth on the line. Saturday's 6-0 loss in the Bronx against NYCFC not only prevented United from gaining important points towards making the playoffs, but . . .
Has the coaching cult of personality arrived in MLS?
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (May 7, 2021) US Soccer Players - Gabriel Heinze's team was losing, miles from home, and there was nothing more he could do about it. Atlanta United's Concacaf Champions League dream was evaporating. The Philadelphia Union frittered away the minutes in their quarterfinal second-leg match at Subaru Park, up 3-1 on aggregate thanks to their stunning three-goal away . . .
Mixed results for new MLS coaches
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Apr 21, 2021) US Soccer Players - The start of the 2021 MLS season took place over three days this past weekend, pitting 26 teams against one another in 13 games. Only one team, Real Salt Lake, awaits its turn to get its campaign underway. An odd number of teams this season means there will always be a team sitting out a given round of matches. Unlike several of . . .
DC United step onto the scales as new era unfolds
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Apr 8, 2021) US Soccer Players - Asked for an update on the course of preseason, Hernan Losada did not waste time nor mince words. "There's still a lot of work to do," said DC United's new head coach on Tuesday, speaking to media for the first time in several weeks. "I have to say that I didn't expect this progression after five weeks of preseason, not only on . . .
