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 . . .
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. . . .
It’s Seattle vs Toronto in the 2019 MLS Cup
The soccer news starts with another conference final upset. 4th-place Toronto FC knocked out 2nd-place Atlanta United 2-1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Toronto advances to play at Seattle in the 2019 MLS Cup final on November 10 (3pm ET - ABC). Toronto and Seattle met in the 2016 and 2017 MLS Cups, both held at BM Field. Seattle won in 2016 on penalties after finishing scoreless and Toronto completed . . .
LAFC’s unfinished season
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Oct 30, 2019) US Soccer Players - The greatest team in league history entered the Western Conference final against Seattle. They finished the night as the greatest footnote in league history. LAFC had a magical, dominant, and amazing season now tarnished by the final act. LAFC was no match for the Seattle Sounders, at Banc of California Stadium no less, and watched . . .
There is no David vs Goliath in MLS
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 30, 2019) US Soccer Players - Major League Soccer doesn't have titans. Even the David vs Goliath narrative is an overreach because no MLS team truly merits the label of "Goliath" relative to any other MLS team. The traditional, non-specific designations used so casually in Europe like "big club" and "small club" won't work in a single-entity league. It's not . . .
Seattle upsets LAFC
The soccer news starts with a shock result at Banc of California Stadium. The Seattle Sounders knocked LAFC out of the playoffs, winning the Western Conference final 3-1. Eduard Atuesta put LAFC up from a freekick in the 17th minute. Raul Ruidiaz equalized for Seattle in the 22nd minute. Seattle took the lead through Nicolas Lodeiro in the 26th with Ruidiaz scoring again in the 64th minute. "The . . .
The Western Conference final
The soccer news starts with LAFC hosting the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference final (10pm ET - ESPN) in what many see as a foregone conclusion. One way or another, the best team in MLS will advance. LAFC may have somewhat returned to the MLS mean late in the season, but they had already put the work in. 72 points to win the Supporters Shield, Carlos Vela setting the new single-season . . .
The 2010s for the LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Oct 28, 2019) US Soccer Players – The 2019 MLS season brings to a close a decade where the league not only grew in size, but also in respect. It was also a decade that saw, to date, seven different teams win MLS Cup. It's the result of a league that's not only grown in terms of the number of teams but also one that remains very unpredictable. That's why preseason . . .
Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders aren’t underdogs
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Oct 25, 2019) US Soccer Players - Toronto FC faced the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final for two consecutive seasons in 2017 and 2018. The Sounders prevailed the first time, Toronto FC the second. That quirk of fate ties the two clubs together. That's how history works. Nothing will change the connection between the two clubs in the MLS Cup final record books. . . .
Big game for Pulisic
The soccer news starts in the Champions League with Christian Pulisic setting up the only goal in Chelsea's 1-0 win at Sergino Dest's Ajax. Pulisic subbed on in the 66th minute. Marked by Dest, Pulisic passed to Michy Batshuayi who scored the game's only goal in the 86th minute. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga made two saves to keep the clean sheet. Chelsea tops Group H on the head-to-head . . .
