By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (Jun 1, 2020) US Soccer Players – It was 30 years ago that the United States was preparing to play in its first World Cup since 1950. Qualifying for Italia ‘90 in November 1989 had been a history-making feat for a nation that had been in the international soccer wilderness for so long. The team, made up largely of recent college grads and a mix of semi-pro and . . .
The changing scope of Liga MX
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 29, 2020) US Soccer Players - Mexico's Liga MX is going through some things. To be fair, every nation is going through some things. Mexican soccer isn't alone. It's just that some of what Mexican soccer is going through it brought upon itself, before the Coronavirus pandemic and the complications it delivered. Liga MX officially abandoned its Clausura . . .
Observations from the Bundesliga’s return to play
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (May 28, 2020) US Soccer Players - The Bundesliga is back, with several matchdays now under its belt heading into this weekend's action. Germany's topflight appears to have adeptly managed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, it's enjoying the lion's share of the global soccer spotlight. Things aren't entirely back to normal, however. The . . .
Mexico at home
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 27, 2020) US Soccer Players - For years, the Mexican National Team has treated the United States like its second home. El Tricolor, after all, has played on American soil regularly for more than three decades in competitions and friendly matches. Tens of thousands of fans turn out to see El Tri play here every year. Just based on ticket prices and television . . .
Staging an atmosphere in the Bundesliga
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 27, 2020) US Soccer Players - Soccer in Germany returning presented unprecedented problems for one of the world's best leagues. The logistics of putting on games requires careful management of players, coaches, and stadium staff to make sure an outbreak of the coronavirus doesn't ruin the whole exercise. Everything about the operation is delicately poised. The . . .
How good was Borussia Dortmund in 1996-97?
By J Hutcherson (May 26, 2020) US Soccer Players - In 1996-97 Borussia Dortmund became the unlikely champions of Europe. At the time, the Champions League was still a new format to answer an old question. Who was the best team in Europe? That now required a group stage. Dortmund took full advantage, shining the light on a club that wasn't as well known outside of Germany and becoming the first . . .
The history of the Hudson River derby
By Clemente Lisi – NEW YORK, NY (May 24, 2020) US Soccer Players – This season marks the fifth year of the Hudson River derby. If not for the pandemic putting the season on hold, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC would be preparing to play each other this coming Sunday at Yankee Stadium. A frozen schedule means looking back at the rivalry's past and it's importance to MLS. If anything, . . .
Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT at the 18-month mark
By Charles Boehm – WASHINGTON, DC (May 22, 2020) US Soccer Players - In early June, Gregg Berhalter's tenure in charge of the USMNT will pass the 18-month mark. In a world without COVID-19 and the disruptions it's unleashed, he and his team would be set to gather for a camp to prepare for the Concacaf Nations League semifinals and final. Those games were on the schedule for June 4 and 7 in . . .
Luchi Gonzalez: “We’re just trying to make it competitive.”
By Jason Davis – WASHINGTON, DC (May 22, 2020) US Soccer Players - Luchi Gonzalez lives on the bright side. Talking to FC Dallas's head coach, even amid a shutdown of the sport he loves, is an exercise in receiving positivity. No one could call the current situation, both in soccer and in society, "good." Yet for Gonzalez, even living in quarantine for the last two-and-a-half months had its . . .
California’s decision is potentially good news for MLS
By Luis Bueno – RIVERSIDE, CA (May 20, 2020) US Soccer Players - Inactivity and what might have been scenarios have dominated the MLS landscape since mid-March. With the league shutting down due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, that is all fans and observers have. Leagues are negotiating with players, facilities, and state and local authorities trying to come up with safe ways to resume. MLS got . . .
