Wednesday's soccer news starts in the Concacaf Champions League with LAFC advancing to the quarterfinals 4-2 on aggregate over Alajuelense after losing the second-leg 2-1 at home. Alajuelense took the lead on the night from an 8th minute penalty, making it 2-0 in the 51st. LAFC's Carlos Vela pulled a goal back in the 81st minute. "We are happy to be around further in the competition, which was . . .
LAFC puts the focus on player development with Red&Gold Football
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Mar 15, 2023) US Soccer Players - While not everything about Southern California is perfect, for the most part, there are reasons it's high on the list of America's most desirable places to live. That's extra true if playing soccer is your particular professional vocation. The weather, the lifestyle, and the potential to leverage the area's status as a pop culture . . .
MLS tactics early in the 2023 season
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Mar 13, 2023) US Soccer Players – If there's a common trend when looking at MLS clubs finding success early in the 2023 season, it could be the two tactical formations already standing out. The 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 have proven to be part of the formula in both conferences so far. It is obviously very early, in addition to the small sample size. Formations are largely . . .
Europa League opening leg draws for Union Berlin and Arsenal, CCL win for LAFC
Friday's soccer news starts in the Europa League round of 16 first-legs, where Jordan Pefok subbed on in the 63rd minute of Union Berlin's 3-3 home draw with Union St-Gilloise. Down a goal from the 28th, Union Berlin's Josip Juranovic equalized in the 42nd. Union St Gilloise scored in the 58th. Union Berlin got its second equalizer when Robin Knoche scored from the rebound of his penalty shot in . . .
LAFC is the latest defending MLS Cup champion to try to add a Concacaf Champions League title
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Mar 8, 2023) US Soccer Players - In 2022, the Seattle Sounders became the first Major League Soccer team to win the Concacaf Champions League. The achievement ended 13 years of Liga MX dominance in the competition, turning the Champions League from a Sisyphean exercise for American and Canadian clubs into a real chance at continental glory. If Seattle could do . . .
Chicago and LAFC as examples of squad building in MLS, Turner in goal for Arsenal’s FA Cup win
Tuesday's soccer news starts with MLS teams roster building in early January, specifically what's happening with the Chicago Fire and LAFC. Why these two out of the 29 teams in the league? For Chicago, it's a question of what might've worked last season and for LAFC it's maintaining what did work in 2022. Chicago's situation starts with the defense. Gaga Slonina's move to Chelsea leaves them . . .
Serie A wins for Dest’s AC Milan and McKennie’s Juventus
Thursday's soccer news starts with the return of the USMNT players in Serie A, where Sergino Dest subbed on in the 84th minute for AC Milan's 2-1 win at Salernitana. Rafael Leao scored for Milan in the 10th and Sandro Tonali made it 2-0 in the 15th. Salernitana pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute. "It was definitely a complicated game, but I didn't expect an easy ride," Milan coach Stefano . . .
Six of the most intriguing occasions on the 2023 MLS schedule
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Dec 22, 2022) US Soccer Players - Major League Soccer's 2023 regular season schedule is now set, and supporters of all 29 teams can firm up their plans for the matchdays ahead. It's not hard to predict that perennially entertaining matchups like Seattle vs Portland, Toronto vs Montreal, and New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC will continue to be destination . . .
Another step for Cherundolo’s LAFC or Wolff’s Austin in the Western Conference final
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 28, 2022) US Soccer Players - When LAFC hosts Austin FC on Sunday in Los Angeles with Major League Soccer's Western Conference title and a berth in the MLS Cup final on the line, there will be plenty of captivating story lines. To start, Austin FC is attempting to do something only one modern MLS club has achieved, winning a championship in just its second year . . .
Geography, payroll, and history in the latest LA derby
By Luis Bueno - RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 19, 2022) US Soccer Players - For the second time in four years, one Los Angeles-based Major League Soccer club's season will end at the hands of the other. In a nearly identical scenario to 2019, Supporters' Shield holders LAFC will host the LA Galaxy in a Western Conference semifinal Thursday at Banc of California Stadium. Last time, it was LAFC who ousted . . .
