By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 23, 2020) US Soccer Players - When the San Jose Earthquakes secured the services of Argentine head coach Matias Almeyda in October of 2018, it surprised many in the soccer world. Following a stint in Mexico at the helm of Chivas, Almeyda looked to be in high demand. Despite his unconventional style and penchant for theatrics, Almeyda had carved out a niche as a . . .
Making sense of the San Jose Earthquakes
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 3, 2020) US Soccer Players - In a 2020 already marked by a range of unpleasant global events, Northern California may feel more apocalyptic than most places in North America. Searing heat waves and serious wildfires are exacerbating the ravages of COVID-19 and sustained economic and socio-political angst. The San Jose Earthquakes are among those affected by . . .
The importance of the Cali Clasico
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 13, 2020) US Soccer Players - When the 2020 MLS schedule was first released, players and fans alike circled several games on the calendar. Undoubtedly inside those circles were those teams' rivals. Nothing builds the excitement like playing against teams that fans love to hate. MLS scheduling takes into account these feelings and puts these games together in a . . .
The 6 best regular season games in MLS history
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Apr 13, 2020) US Soccer Players – Our look back at the last quarter-century in MLS continues by highlighting the best regular-season games in league history. For a league that's relatively young, MLS has packed a lot of passion and emotion over a short time. MLS has had its share of superstars from North America as well as across the globe. Some of the best games . . .
The sophomore season coaches in MLS
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Dec 27, 2019) US Soccer Players - Year one under a new head coach is often an exercise in balancing excitement and expectation with the reality on the ground. No coach can remake a team in his image in the short time frame of a single offseason. For coaches who don't step into a job until later in the winter, the challenge is significant. The Major League Soccer . . .
Goal for Gooch
The soccer news starts in England's League One with Lynden Gooch scoring in Sunderland's 5-0 home shutout of Tranmere Rovers. Duncan Watmore opened the scoring in the 24th minute with Christopher Maguire doubling the lead in the 26th. Gooch made it 3-0 in the 39th with Will Grigg scoring in the 83rd. Luke O'Nien finished off the goals in the 90th minute. Gooch subbed out in the 54th. "We have got . . .
The uniqueness of the San Jose Earthquakes
The soccer news starts with the San Jose Earthquakes' situation as their 2019 season concluded on Sunday. Reports had their coach Matias Almeyda considering a move to Liga MX after one season in MLS. Instead, Almeyda confirmed that he will be staying with San Jose. "There's no need any more clarification," Almeyda said during a press conference. "Although the season is finished just yet, we need . . .
The Western Conference playoff bubble
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 27, 2019) US Soccer Players - The thing about bubbles is that they aren't particularly stable. Every bubble rides the edge between existence and the decided lack of existing at all. One moment it's there, the next, it's gone. Sitting on the bubble, in the common parlance of sports, is never a good thing. It means that your chances to qualify for the . . .
Blue-Collar MLS
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (Sep 6, 2019) US Soccer Players - Before we get started with a discussion of the 2019 Major League Soccer teams most worthy of the blue-collar label, a disclaimer. It's just a coincidence that both of these clubs wear blue as their primary color. Now to frame a discussion about what "blue-collar" means when applied to a professional soccer team. It's a term that . . .
The friendly situation in MLS
The soccer news starts with what's now the expected response from MLS clubs playing summer friendlies. Play the reserves, play trialists, substitute as needed. After all, there's the league schedule to consider. Colorado went that route in their 3-0 loss to Arsenal in front of a sellout crowd at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids selling out their stadium is a rarity in better times, much . . .
