The soccer news starts with another quirk of the MLS schedule, too many games over a short period of time. MLS is normally defensive of its scheduling, pointing out the unique constraints and issues in programming the 23-team league. When it was a smaller league, shared stadiums were the problem. Now, it's logistics complicated by special issues. That can make the schedule seem almost personal for . . .
The MLS transfer window closes, does anybody care?
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (May 2, 2018) US Soccer Players - The effects of Targeted Allocation Money aka TAM on MLS in 2018 are clear and profound. Using the new salary budget mechanism, clubs across Major League Soccer have invested heavily in new talent, largely from abroad. That's pushed the quality of the competition to new heights. Especially on the attacking end of the field, MLS is a . . .
Trying to make a run in the East
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Apr 18, 2018) US Soccer Players - Let’s start this discussion about the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer by putting aside three teams: NYCFC, Atlanta United, and Toronto FC. That's the elite of both the Eastern Conference and MLS. You'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who disagrees that those teams belong at the top. Two other teams might deserve inclusion . . .
Will New England’s approach change youth soccer?
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Apr 13, 2018) US Soccer Players - The New England Revolution’s academy is not generally known as one of the pacesetters in MLS or US youth soccer. To date, the MLS team has signed four Homegrown Players in total. The Revs’ youth sides rarely keep pace results-wise with elite academy programs like FC Dallas, the LA Galaxy, and New York Red Bulls. However, this . . .
MLS Week 2: Another win for LAFC, three points for Revs
It's two wins in a row to start the 2018 MLS regular season for expansion team LAFC, beating Real Salt Lake 5-1 away. Joao Plata put RSL up in the 20th minute with Diego Rossi equalizing for LAFC in the 30th. Latif Blessing scored for LAFC in the 33rd with Benny Feilhaber adding a goal in the 47th. Rossi scored again in the 81st with Carlos Vela assisting in the 81st. Rossi assisted on Vela's goal . . .
MLS players pushing for trades
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Jan 19, 2018) US Soccer Players - The MLS offseason drips with intrigue over international signings in a manner previously unseen in its more than two decades of existence. Rumors abound, a function of a new influx of cash infiltrating the league through big money ownership and initiatives created to expand the power of the salary budget. While tracking the . . .
The new MLS coaches in 2018
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Jan 3, 2018) US Soccer Players - It's the start of 2018, and it might already be crunch time for the new coaching hires in MLS. There's no time like the present for pressure, with clubs already making major moves. MLS teams turned over their sideline bosses at a greater rate than ever before in 2017. The expectations are high for those new hires. Regular season . . .
New England hires Brad Friedel as coach
Former USMNT goalkeeper and TV pundit Brad Friedel is now the coach of the New England Revolution. Friedel holds a UEFA Pro license and coached the USMNT U-19 squad. New England announced the hire on Thursday. Friedel brings with him assistant coaches Mike Lapper and Marcelo Neveleff. "My staff and I are delighted and honored to have been hired by the New England Revolution," Friedel said. "I . . .
Playing to win in DC, New England, and Philadelphia
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Nov 3, 2017) US Soccer Players - We're in the midst of the 2017 MLS Cup playoffs. The best teams in the league battle it out for supremacy on fields from Cascadia to New York City. Meanwhile, a quieter, much less fun process is unfolding in all of the cities left out of the postseason party. In places like Washington DC, Foxborough, and Chester, the painful march . . .
Replacing an MLS coach
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON DC (Sep 22 2017) US Soccer Players - At least two MLS team and perhaps more will enter the offseason on the hunt for new head coaches. The New England Revolution’s dismissal of Jay Heaps opens up another job this winter to go along with the Colorado Rapids vacancy. That one is already the subject of rumors linking at least five different men with the position formerly . . .
