By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Feb 10, 2023) US Soccer Players - In two weeks, MLS begins again. Some clubs will be looking to maintain a high standard carried over from last year. Others are hoping to re-establish themselves as contenders after years of struggle. As MLS adds new teams, increases its spending power, and chases the windfalls of professional player development, a handful of . . .
Win for Robinson and Ream’s Fulham, Musah’s Valencia advances in Copa del Rey, goal for Wright in Super Lig
Wednesday's soccer news rounds up the USMNT players in Europe, starting with Tim Ream and Antonee Robinson's Fulham winning 1-0 at Leicester City. Aleksandar Mitrovic scored in the 17th minute with Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno making six saves. Fulham is up to 7th-place in the Premier League table with 28 points from 18 games, tied on points with Liverpool and a point ahead of Brighton with both . . .
The importance of the California Clasico speaks to MLS then and now
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 23, 2022) US Soccer Players - As American soccer rivalries go, there aren't many with more history than the California Clasico. The match-up of the Los Angeles Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes goes back to the earliest days of MLS, a standard bearer for the league. In MLS's early years, Los Angeles versus San Jose was a battle of perennial cup contenders. The . . .
The San Jose Earthquakes choose LuchiBall
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Aug 18, 2022) US Soccer Players - From charismatic imports to highly-rated assistants to safe and familiar veterans, trends come and go in MLS coaching hires. One enduring pattern returned this week. The San Jose Earthquakes officially announced their selection of Luchi Gonzalez as their next head coach on Wednesday. He's the latest in a long line of USMNT staff . . .
The Earthquakes have to fix their defense
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (Apr 20, 2022) US Soccer Players - Over the last several seasons, the San Jose Earthquakes have been many things. One of those is entertaining. The Quakes' offense has been okay to solid, the defense poor to disastrous. That's made for high-scoring, fun, and often exciting matches. That has not exactly been the formula for success, however. San Jose has been unable . . .
Loss for Barcelona, goal for Novakovich
Sergino Dest subbed out in stoppage time for Barcelona's 1-0 home loss to Cadiz in La Liga. Cadiz scored in the 48th minute. Barcelona is in 2nd-place, leading a group of three teams on 60 points with a game in hand. Dest saw yellow in the 70th minute. "We need to react, because it was a very difficult game today," Barcelona coach Xavi said. "They defend very well. We create not so many chances . . .
MLS retirements in 2021
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Dec 20, 2021) US Soccer Players – Decision Day was the end of the line for the 14 teams not moving onto the playoffs. With that, several MLS stars brought their careers to an end. In the case of the San Jose Earthquakes, there was nothing to play for at PayPal Park. Instead, the crowd was there to see star striker Chris Wondolowski score the final goal of his pro . . .
Chris Wondolowski’s new job
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Nov 12, 2021) US Soccer Players - When Chris Wondolowski officially made his retirement official this week, it ended an incredible 17-year professional career as the runaway leader atop the all-time MLS scoring chart. While every player's retirement is fraught with emotion and reflection, his is a story the likes of which we may not see again for a long time, if . . .
Ambition and expectation in the MLS playoff race
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 8, 2021) US Soccer Players - There's a point in every race when competitors off the lead pace have to make a move if they want a chance at victory. In some cases, kicking into high gear is part of the strategy. Giving it everything down the stretch can be a part of the game. It's not a direct comparison with how a playoff race tends to work. Still, every MLS . . .
Konrad De La Fuente moves to Marseille
Wednesday's soccer news starts with USMNT player Konrad de la Fuente completing a transfer from Barcelona to Marseille in France's Ligue 1. Showing the beginnings of a breakthrough last season with Barcelona, he now joins Marseille on a four-year deal. Barcelona announced a €3m transfer fee with Barca retaining a percentage of a future transfer, reported to be 50%. "FC Barcelona publicly expresses . . .
