The soccer news starts with a reminder about the bracket for the knockout round of the 2019 Concacaf Champions League. MLS is the only league that can potentially take all of the semifinal slots. Given the history of the CCL, that might be an unlikely scenario but it's possible and worth considering. Sporting Kansas City showed in the last round that it's certainly possible for an MLS team to . . .
Houston advances, Toronto out of CCL
The soccer news starts with Houston becoming the first MLS team to advance and Toronto FC the first MLS team to exit the 2019 Concacaf Champions League. The Dynamo came back at home in the second-leg against Guastotoya to win 2-1, 3-1 on aggregate in the round of 16. Guastatoya scored in the 72nd minute to level the series. Mauro Manotas responded with goals in the 77th and 85th to send Houston to . . .
Houston wins, Toronto loses in Champions League
The 2019 Concacaf Champions League round of 16 first-legs opened with mixed results for MLS teams. Houston shutout Guastatoya on the road, but Toronto FC's 4-0 loss at Independiente took some of the shine off of the Dynamo's result. Houston went to Guatemala to open their round of 16 series, coming up with a late goal from a familiar face. DaMarcus Beasley scored in the 84th minute to give . . .
The problems playing for the US Open Cup
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 28, 2018) US Soccer Players - With Wednesday’s win over the Philadelphia Union, the Houston Dynamo are the 2018 US Open Cup champions. Their victory caps the latest version of the oldest and perhaps most widely loved annual event in American soccer. It’s also a useful time to take stock as the tournament turns the page on its 105th birthday. USMNT legend . . .
Houston wins the US Open Cup
The soccer news starts with a new US Open Cup champion. The Houston Dynamo beat Philadelphia 3-0 at home to lift the Cup and take the spot in the Concacaf Champions League. Mauro Manotas scored in the 4th and 25th minutes with Philadelphia giving up an own-goal in the 65th. Joe Willis made five saves to keep the clean sheet for Houston. "We haven’t had the best season, and I’ll say it again and I . . .
Playing for the other trophy in MLS
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Aug 10, 2018) US Soccer Players - For the first time since 2009, the US Open Cup will have a first-time winner. One is a previous two-time runner-up, while the other is in the final for the first time. The Philadelphia Union are the returning finalist of the pair. Philadelphia knocked off the Chicago Fire 3-0 at Talen Energy Stadium on Tuesday night, led by two . . .
Philadelphia and Houston advance in the US Open Cup
The soccer news starts with the US Open Cup semifinals. Philadelphia and Houston advanced, with the final set for September 26 at BBVA Compass Stadium. The semifinals opened with Philadelphia shutting out Chicago 3-0 at home. In a game dominated by the Union, Cory Burke scored in the 59th minute and doubled the lead in the 77th. Alejandro Bedoya assisted on both goals. CJ Sapong finished off the . . .
What’s next for Orlando City?
If you want to part ways with a coach in MLS, dropping the news on a Friday when the attention is on the World Cup is certainly a strategy. That was the Orlando City scenario, announcing that ever popular parting of the ways with Jason Kreis and assistants CJ Brown and Miles Joseph out. The move wasn't exactly shocking. Orlando is currently 6th-place in the table, tied on 19 points with 7th-place . . .
The uniqueness of San Jose vs Houston
By Clemente Lisi – SAN JOSE, CA (Apr 16, 2018) US Soccer Players – MLS is loaded with rivalries. Some are intra-city, others regional. For example, the newest one to take the league by storm – LA Galaxy vs LAFC – is certain to entertain given how intense the first edition of “El Trafico” proved to be. Then there’s the league’s unique business structure, relocation, and expansion that adds an extra . . .
MLS announces 2018 game ball, Beasley re-signs
Look, it's far too easy to pick apart a press release announcing a new soccer ball. MLS opens Friday's soccer news with just that, debuting their new adidas NATIVO soccer ball for 2018. So we'll just let the press release do its magic. “Soccer is a global sport that transcends beyond borders,” senior director for adidas soccer Ernesto Bruce said. “The new design of the 2018 MLS Official Match . . .
