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Ryan Fraser Rejects Short-Term Contract Extension at Bournemouth

KANSAS CITY, Kan. — Tommy Smith scored in the 85th minute and the Colorado Rapids secured a 3-2 victory over Sporting Kansas City Saturday.

Gerso Fernandes notched the first goal for Sporting Kansas City (10-14-7) in the third minute on a shot 20 yards out from the edge of the box. Smith put Sporting Kansas City on top 2-0 with an own goal in the 14th minute.

Kei Kamara put Colorado (11-15-6) on the scoreboard in the 42nd minute on a shot 17 yards out from the edge of the box, assisted by Jack Price.

Diego Rubio tied it at 2-2 for Colorado in the 76th minute with a shot 16 yards away from the center of the box, assisted by Smith.

Smith sealed the victory for Colorado in the 85th minute on a header 19 yards out from the edge of the box, assisted by Price.

[See image gallery at appserver-927ee6c5.c.pantheon-dmz.internal]

The Rapids outshot Sporting Kansas City 19 to 10, with eight shots on goal to two for Sporting Kansas City.
Colorado drew six corner kicks, committed 14 fouls and was given four yellow cards. Sporting Kansas City drew six corner kicks, committed 11 fouls and was given one yellow cards and one red card.

Sporting Kansas City’s next match is Wednesday on the road at Minnesota United, and the Rapids next play Sunday at Dallas.

The post Colorado Rapids take down Sporting Kansas City 3-2 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Original author: The Associated Press

Kimani: How Makwatta's AFC Leopards exit affected younger players

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his red-hot form after leading LA Galaxy to victory as stuttering Los Angeles FC drew again, while Atlanta United star Josef Martinez was carried off on a stretcher. Ibrahimovic scored his 27th goal of the season to lead the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over visiting Montreal Impact on Saturday. Former Manchester […]

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

Simpore continues fine scoring run as Dinamo-BSUPC pip Dnepr Mogilev

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his red-hot form after leading LA Galaxy to victory as stuttering Los Angeles FC drew again, while Atlanta United star Josef Martinez was carried off on a stretcher. Ibrahimovic scored his 27th goal of the season to lead the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over visiting Montreal Impact on Saturday. Former Manchester […]

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

Steve Bruce Provides Update on Allan Saint-Maximin's Newcastle Future

Zlatan Ibrahimovic continued his red-hot form after leading LA Galaxy to victory as stuttering Los Angeles FC drew again, while Atlanta United star Josef Martinez was carried off on a stretcher. Ibrahimovic scored his 27th goal of the season to lead the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over visiting Montreal Impact on Saturday. Former Manchester […]

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Ibrahimovic leads Galaxy and LAFC stutter again, Martinez´s streak ends due to injury appeared first on Soccer News.

Ronaldo benched as frustrating WC continues

Atlanta United head coach Frank de Boer fears star forward Josef Martinez suffered a “serious” injury in the defending MLS champions’ win over San Jose Earthquakes. Martinez was carried off on the stretcher after hurting his knee as Atlanta defeated the Earthquakes 3-1 on Saturday – ending his MLS record 15-match scoring streak. The Venezuela international […]

The post De Boer fears ´serious´ injury after Atlanta´s Martinez is carried off on stretcher appeared first on Soccer News.

The post De Boer fears ´serious´ injury after Atlanta´s Martinez is carried off on stretcher appeared first on Soccer News.

Follow live: Portugal face Morocco in World Cup quarterfinal matchup

Major League Soccer is approaching the end of the regular season and during late October and early November we will learn who will win the MLS Cup for the 2019 season. But then, in March 2020 a new franchise will join the competition, as Inter Miami are set to become the latest addition to the […]

The post Santiago Solari could go to Inter Miami appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Santiago Solari could go to Inter Miami appeared first on Soccer News.

Phil Foden reveals how Lionel Messi has influenced him

Competition: MLS Market: Philadelphia Union to score over 1.5 goals Odds: 5/4 @ Bet 365 With their spot in the play-offs all but confirmed, a high-flying Philadelphia will make the trip to New Jersey on Sunday night. Starting with the hosts, putting in yet another worrying display in their 4-2 hammering against Seattle last weekend, the pressure is […]

The post Philadelphia Union 5/4 to score over 1.5 goals against New York Red Bulls in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Philadelphia Union 5/4 to score over 1.5 goals against New York Red Bulls in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Mexicans abroad: Gimenez & Guardado score, Memo Ochoa player of the month

David Beckham said one of his biggest goals at Inter Miami was to bring a big star from European football over to Major League Soccer and now it looks like that is very close to happening. According to Independent, David Silva will join Inter Miami in the summer of 2020! They are claiming that the […]

The post David Silva to join Inter Miami next summer appeared first on Soccer News.

The post David Silva to join Inter Miami next summer appeared first on Soccer News.

Angry fans boost Man City to shrink title gap after Premier League allegations

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In the early 2000’s, Robin Fraser and Peter Vermes shared the field as players and the Colorado-Kansas City rivalry was one of the marquee match-ups in Major League Soccer.

Nearly two decades later, they’ll share it once more — now as managers — this Saturday when Sporting KC hosts the Colorado Rapids in a fight for positioning in the Western Conference.

“At the time [the rivalry] was all about proximity,” Fraser recalls. “It’s not that close but [Kansas City] was the closest thing to Colorado when the league started. There were tough games, close games, playoff games.”

A lot has changed since then. Both are now head coaches of their respective clubs; Fraser now four games into his head coaching tenure with Colorado and Vermes a constant fixture at SKC for a decade. The rivalries have also changed. Colorado now claims Real Salt Lake as its biggest rival while SKC also claims bigger rivals in RSL and Houston.

One thing that hasn’t changed is a mutual respect between Vermes and Fraser.

“I know Robin really well,” said Vermes. “He’s a great guy. He knows the game. He’s a serious guy and I have a lot of respect for him.”

Likewise, Fraser was complimentary of his colleague.

“Peter has done a good job with that team,” he said. “One thing you know is, you 100 percent expect, is for them to be well organized.”

Vermes and SKC aren’t taking this one lightly, either. Colorado has taken nine out of a possible 12 points in the games under Fraser and has averaged two goals a game in each of the four games since his hiring.

“Colorado is playing well. We need to get points, we’re playing at home, so we need to give everything we have for the game,” said Vermes. “[Fraser] is really good at what he does and is slowly putting his mark on the team and getting a chance to evaluate players. They’re going to have to show him if they’re going to be around for another year.”

Evaluation will indeed be a major part of Fraser’s process as the team looks towards an important rebuild this off-season, which Rapids GM and vice president of operations Padraig Smith has billed publicly as one of the most important in franchise history.

“You’re assessing everything, really,” Fraser explained. “Decision making, ability, technical execution, adaptability to different asks in terms of what the team is doing, and just see how they fare and all these different scenarios.”

Both teams still have an outside shot at the playoffs if they win out and receive help, making Saturday’s game all the more important. A single point currently separates SKC (37 points) and Colorado (36 points) in the Western Conference standings.

“Whether you agree or not, the games at the end take on a different life,” said Vermes. “They’re more like playoff games than regular season games towards the end of the season. That’s what these games are now.”

Maybe there’s still a little luster left on that old school rivalry, after all. 

The post Old faces of Colorado-Kansas City rivalry sharing the pitch again as managers appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Original author: Marco Cummings, Pro Soccer USA

USMNT advance to the Nations League final after defeating Honduras 1-0

Josef Martinez’s incredible form continued for Atlanta United, while New York Red Bulls are on track to reach the MLS play-offs. Martinez scored for the 15th consecutive MLS game, netting a brace in Atlanta’s 2-0 win away to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday. Coming off back-to-back losses, reigning champions Atlanta needed until just before the hour-mark […]

The post MLS Review: Martinez extends scoring streak to 15 games, Red Bulls win appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Martinez extends scoring streak to 15 games, Red Bulls win appeared first on Soccer News.

Obama, King, LeBron speak out as American sport takes powerful stance on racial prejudice

Cruz Azul defeated Mexican rivals Tigres UANL 2-1 in the Leagues Cup final to lift the trophy. In the inaugural edition of the interleague competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, Cruz Azul triumphed in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Two goals in as many minutes from Yoshimar Yotun and Jonathan Rodriguez inspired six-time CONCACAF Champions […]

The post Tigres UANL 1-2 Cruz Azul: Yotun and Rodriguez inspire Leagues Cup glory appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Tigres UANL 1-2 Cruz Azul: Yotun and Rodriguez inspire Leagues Cup glory appeared first on Soccer News.

Loss to City hints at trouble at PSG amid Poch's Man Utd link

Cruz Azul defeated Mexican rivals Tigres UANL 2-1 in the Leagues Cup final to lift the trophy. In the inaugural edition of the interleague competition between MLS and Liga MX clubs, Cruz Azul triumphed in Las Vegas on Wednesday. Two goals in as many minutes from Yoshimar Yotun and Jonathan Rodriguez inspired six-time CONCACAF Champions […]

The post Tigres UANL 1-2 Cruz Azul: Yotun and Rodriguez inspire Leagues Cup glory appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Tigres UANL 1-2 Cruz Azul: Yotun and Rodriguez inspire Leagues Cup glory appeared first on Soccer News.

Europa Conference League knockout playoff TV guide: How to watch each fixture

Swansea City boss Steve Cooper focused on setting up red-hot Andre Ayew for more as Luton clash beckons

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Vela and Josef Martinez have set themselves apart from the rest of the talent in Major League Soccer. 

The trio of goal-scorers have occupied the top spots in our MLS Player Rankings for most of the season, and they are now locked into a battle for the Golden Boot. 

Vela seemed like the runaway winner, but Ibrahimovic is within two and Martinez is four back with a handful of games left. 

Ibrahimovic left the biggest mark on Week 28 in the LA Galaxy’s thumping over Sporting Kansas City, but both Vela and Martinez found the back of the net as well.

Our MLS Player Rankings take into account a player’s form over the last four games, with the most-recent performance carrying the most weight. 

20. Miles Robinson, D, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 13

May 5, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) moves the ball during the match against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

May 5, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) moves the ball during the match against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. (Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)

Atlanta United’s defense has had a few shaky weeks with the concession of six goals to Philadelphia and Columbus. 

Saturday’s home loss to the Crew was the more surprising of the two results given how poorly Caleb Porter’s team has played this season. 

Before the two-game losing streak, Miles Robinson and Co. put up three clean sheets in four games. They need to revert back to that form in Week 29 against FC Cincinnati and San Jose to secure a home playoff match. 

19. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 14 

Aug 24, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Carles Gil (22) passes the ball against the Chicago Fire at Gillette Stadium. (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

Carles Gil dished out his 13th and 14th assists in New England’s 3-3 draw with Orlando.

The pair of handouts were a welcome sight for the Spaniard, who went two games without an assist, a rare drought in his debut MLS season. 

From July 17 to August 24, the 26-year-old had an assist in six of seven games. That form will be needed down the stretch for the Revs to secure a postseason berth. 

18. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 9 

Jul 20, 2019; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Sebastian Saucedo (23) and Minnesota United defender Ike Opara (3) battle for the ball in the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. (Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports)

In three September games, Ike Opara and the Minnesota United defense have conceded a trio of goals. 

On Sunday versus Real Salt Lake, the Loons held the Claret-and-Cobalt to five shots on target in a 3-1 victory

The Loons rank third in goals against in the Western Conference, where they are third behind LAFC and Seattle.

17. Mark-Anthony Kaye, M, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked 

Apr 17, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles FC midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye (14) passes the ball against the Vancouver Whitecaps during the second half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Mark-Anthony Kaye dished out four key passes and had the shot that helped create Carlos Vela’s goal in LAFC’s 1-1 draw at Philadelphia. 

The Canadian midfielder also recorded four tackles, a clearance and an interception against the second-place side in the Eastern Conference. 

On the season, Kaye has a pass completion rate of 83.9 percent and is averaging 2.2 tackles, 1.7 key passes and 1.3 interceptions. 

16. Luis Diaz, M, Columbus Crew SC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 14, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Luis Diaz (18) celebrates his goal in the second half against the Atlanta United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

The acquisition of Luis Diaz flew under the radar because of the Crew’s struggles this season, but he has turned into one of the better midseason signings. 

The 20-year-old Costa Rican has two goals and an assist in his last three games, including a strike in the Crew’s road upset of Atlanta United. 

In 10 contests, the midfielder has two goals and three assists. 

15. Mauro Manotas, F, Houston Dynamo

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 14, 2019; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Houston Dynamo forward Mauro Manotas (9) celebrates his goal against Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) (not pictured) during the second half at BC Place. (Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports)

Mauro Manotas added to his second-highest scoring season in MLS with a strike in each of Houston’s two Week 28 games. 

The Honduran forward, who should be poised for a move in the offseason, found the back of the net against Minnesota and Vancouver. 

Eight of Manotas’ 13 goals have occurred against Western Conference opposition. 

14. Darwin Quintero, M, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 15, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Darwin Quintero (25) controls the ball against Real Salt Lake during the second half at Allianz Field. (Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports)

Darwin Quintero earned his second straight 10-goal season with a brace Sunday versus RSL. 

The 31-year-old Colombian scored in the 20th and 51st minutes to help Adrian Heath’s side rebound from a midweek loss to Houston.

The Loons need Quintero to continue scoring in a three-game stretch versus Portland, Sporting KC and LAFC in order for the club to host a postseason game at Allianz Field. 

13. Keaton Parks, M, New York City FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 14, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC midfielder Keaton Parks (55) plays the ball against San Jose Earthquakes defender Marcos Lopez (27) during the first half at Yankee Stadium. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

Keaton Parks has not received the love he deserves. 

The New York City FC on-loan midfielder rose into the spotlight with his first MLS goal Saturday in a 3-1 win over San Jose, and he has quietly been a rock in the center of the park. 

If Parks continues to thrive for Dome Torrent’s side, he may command a spot in Gregg Berhalter’s U.S. men’s national team.

12. Frederic Brillant, D, D.C. United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Aug 11, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Uriel Antuna (18) leaps in front of D.C. United defender Jalen Robinson (20) and D.C. United defender Frederic Brillant (13) to head the ball in the first half at Audi Field. D.C. United won 2-1. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Two clean sheets have helped D.C. United move four points above the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference. 

Frederic Brillant has turned in a pair of solid showings against Montreal and Portland. 

In the 1-0 victory over the Timbers, Brillant and the D.C. defense limited the home side to four shots on goal of the 23 attempted. 

11. Sebastian Lletget, M, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Sep 15, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget (17) reacts after a goal during the second half against Sporting Kansas City at StubHub Center. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

In his first game back from USMNT camp, Sebastian Lletget exploded for two goals and an assist in the LA Galaxy’s 7-2 rout of Sporting Kansas City. 

The midfielder’s brace occurred two minutes apart during a 16-minute stretch in which the Galaxy poured in four goals. 

The Galaxy will not score seven goals each week, but if they can continue to put pressure on opposing defenses, they will ease any concerns about their playoff hopes. 

10. Nani, M, Orlando City SC

Sep 14, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando City forward Nani (17) kicks the ball during the first half against the New England Revolution at Exploria Stadium. (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

From June 26-August 31, Nani recorded one goal for Orlando City.

In the last two games, he has three goals and an assist, but the increase in production was not good enough to power the Lions to victory. 

Orlando sits in a tough spot, four points below the playoff line with three games to play, so it needs to win out and some help to claw back into the top seven. 

9. Alexandru Mitrita, M, New York City FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jul 20, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; New York City FC midfielder Alexandru Mitrita (28) controls the ball in the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

Alexandru Mitrita has helped fill the scoring void left by the injured Heber. 

The 24-year-old Designated Player scored once in both of New York City FC’s victories in Week 28, and now has three strikes in the last four matches. 

With Heber out until at least Decision Day, the Pigeons need Mitrita to continue scoring in order to lock up the No. 1 seed. 

8. Jordan Morris, F, Seattle Sounders

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Aug 10, 2019; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders forward Jordan Morris (13) pursues the ball against the New England Revolution in the second half at CenturyLink Field. The teams played to a 3-3 tie. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

Jordan Morris has secured the Comeback Player of the Year with his September start. 

Morris, who missed all of 2018 with an injury, bagged his ninth goal and handed out his seventh assist in a 4-2 win over the New York Red Bulls Sunday. 

Since the start of August, the U.S. international has experienced an uptick in form that includes a goal and assist in two of his last three games. 

7. Chris Wondolowski, F, San Jose Earthquakes

Previous Ranking: 15 

Aug 31, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) reacts after scoring a goal against the Orlando City FC during the first half at Avaya Stadium. (Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports)

While we’ve been fawning over the flashy scorers in MLS, Chris Wondolowski has brought his lunch pail and blue-collar mentality to continue to find the back of the net. 

Wondolowski moved his season total up to 14 with the opening goal in San Jose’s loss to NYCFC on Saturday. 

In the last four matches, the 36-year-old has four tallies to get up to his fifth-highest scoring total in MLS at 14. 

6. Kai Wagner, D, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: 12 

Jul 20, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) in action against the Chicago Fire at Talen Energy Stadium. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

Kai Wagner did what few defenders in MLS have done all season: frustrate Carlos Vela.

Vela still scored in the 1-1 draw at Talen Energy Stadium, but it occurred off a rebound in the box, not a moment of individual brilliance. 

Wagner leads defenders in assists with eight and has become one of the lock-down left backs in the league, something the Union will benefit from in their hunt for the No. 2 seed in the East. 

5. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: 8

Aug 31, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko (23) takes a shot during the first half against the Atlanta United at Talen Energy Stadium. (Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Kacper Przybylko scored for the third straight game and fifth time in six games. 

The 14-goal scorer struck the back of the net in the third minute versus LAFC, a game in which the Union proved they could play with MLS’ best. 

Next up for Przybylko is a three-game road swing against the Red Bulls, Earthquakes and Crew. 

4. Gustavo Bou, F, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 4 

Aug 31, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution forward Gustavo Bou (7) reacts after scoring against the Toronto FC during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)

Gustavo Bou is now up to seven goals in 10 games. 

The New England forward netted one of his team’s three goals in the draw against Orlando City. 

While other forwards have scored in bunches, Bou has been Mr. Consistent, which is exactly what the Revs needed out of their big-money signing. 

3. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 5

Sep 14, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) celebrates with forward Diego Rossi (9) after scoring a goal against the Philadelphia Union during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

Even though he spent most of Saturday night trying to get away from Wagner, Vela still impacted the game. 

The 30-year-old knocked in his 28th goal right before halftime to double his scoring total from a year ago. 

Vela is in possession of a five-game scoring streak that dates back to August 11. He and his LAFC teammates can clinch the Supporters’ Shield with a win over Toronto FC Saturday. 

2. Josef Martinez, F, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 2

Sep 14, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) celebrates his goal with midfielder Pity Martinez (10) in the first half against the Columbus Crew at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

Speaking of scoring streaks, Josef Martinez is now up to 14 consecutive games with a goal.

The Venezuelan striker bagged Atlanta United’s only goal in a 3-1 defeat to the Columbus Crew Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

In the last four matches, Martinez has deposited four goals into the net on six shots on target. 

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: 1 

Jul 4, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; LA Galaxy forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic (9) and Toronto FC midfielder Richie Laryea (22) battle for the ball in the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park. The Gakaxy defeated Tornto FC 2-0. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)

There is a real chance Zlatan Ibrahimovic steals the Golden Boot away from Vela. 

The towering Swede produced his fourth multi-goal performance in six games Sunday by notching a hat trick versus Sporting KC. 

Since August 14, Ibrahimovic has scored 10 goals to move two goals behind Vela with four games remaining. 

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 28: All hail Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Original author: Joe Tansey, Pro Soccer USA

'I've seen Henderson save them!' - Solskjaer 'disappointed' by Man Utd's failure to prevent Milan's last-gasp equaliser

Competition: MLS Market: Both teams to score Odds: 3/5 @ Bet 365 In what could be an extremely lively encounter in the early hours of Thursday morning, Seattle will welcome Dallas to CenturyLink Field. Starting with the hosts, while fans around Washington will know that any chance of a late charge for the Western title is firmly off […]

The post Both teams to score at Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas 3/5 for Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Both teams to score at Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas 3/5 for Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Bayern Munich close to €80m capture of Saul Niguez

France's next chapter begins with two wins and so far, so good for Deschamps

With the MLS regular season rapidly winding down, some teams are starting to separate themselves at the top of the table heading into the home stretch.

That is also reflected in the Pro Soccer USA’s Power Rankings following Week 28, with Los Angeles Football Club, New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union all unchanged in the top three spots.

But then it gets fun. The next 12 spots, and 19 of the final 21 overall, have shuffled. Some teams, like Toronto FC, coming off a dramatic 3-2 win over the Colorado Rapids, and the LA Galaxy, following a 7-2 trouncing of Sporting Kansas City, have made giant leaps forward. Others (see: FC Dallas) have fallen quite a bit.

The Major League Soccer Power Rankings are created by averaging the rankings submitted by a committee of Pro Soccer USA’s editors and writers.

(1) Los Angeles Football Club (19-4-7, 64 points): It’s now four straight matches without a win — the longest stretch of a remarkable season. After consecutive road draws at Orlando City SC and the Philadelphia Union, is it time to worry LAFC has lost its magic? (2) New York City FC (16-5-9, 57 points): Three games, a shorthanded roster and seven points. It was quite a week for NYCFC, which are now five points clear atop the East with four games to play. (3) Philadelphia Union (15-8-7, 52 points): For a second straight game, the Union made some noise with a positive home result, following an emphatic win over Atlanta United with a draw against LAFC. (5) Minnesota United FC (14-10-6, 48 points): Darwin Quintero struck for a brace and Ethan Finlay added a late insurance goal in a 3-1 win over Real Salt Lake that moved the Loons into third place in the West. (7) Seattle Sounders FC (14-9-7, 49 points): It was a fast start and a strong finish for the Sounders, who beat the New York Red Bulls 4-2 at CenturyLink Field to move into second place int he West. (4) Atlanta United (15-11-3, 48 points): The Five Stripes took the lead through Josef Martinez, but they looked listless in conceding three unanswered goals in a 3-1 loss to Columbus. (14) Toronto FC (12-10-9, 45 points): The biggest movers of the week had a big double-game week, earning a 1-1 draw at East-leading NYCFC and defeating Colorado 3-2 at BMO Field to move to fourth in the East. (13) D.C. United (12-10-9, 45 points): It was ugly, but Ben Olsen’s team doesn’t really care about aesthetics at this point of the season. They’ll gladly take the three points in rainy Portland, courtesy of an own goal. (15) LA Galaxy (14-13-3, 45 points): Zlatan Ibrahimovic proclaimed himself to be the best player in MLS history and it’s hard to argue with a guy who just scored a hat trick in a match that catapulted his team above the playoff line in the West. (6) San Jose Earthquakes (13-12-5, 44 points): Chris Wondolowski gave the Quakes the early lead, but they conceded twice in quick succession in a 2-1 loss to NYCFC. It was Matias Almeyda’s club’s fifth loss in their last seven games. (9) Real Salt Lake (14-12-4, 46 points): A big win over the Earthquakes was followed by a loss at Minnesota United. RSL are fourth in the West, three points behind second-place Seattle, but just three points above the playoff line. (8) Portland Timbers (13-12-4, 43 points): Luck was not in the Timbers’ favor Sunday. Gio Savarese’s club, without injured key attackers Brian Fernandez and Sebastian Blanco, twice hit the woodwork and Bill Tuiloma scored an own goal in a 1-0 loss to D.C. United. (11) New England Revolution (10-10-10, 40 points): The Revs are three points above the playoff line in the East, but will rue blowing a two-goal halftime lead and dropping a pair of valuable points in a 3-3 draw with Orlando City SC. (12) New York Red Bulls (12-13-5, 41 points): The Red Bulls battled back from an early two-goal deficit, but conceded twice late in a 4-2 loss to the Seattle Sounders, their third in a row that dropped them to sixth in the East. (10) FC Dallas (12-11-7, 43 points): FC Dallas conceded four goals before halftime in a loss at Chicago that, coupled with other results, has them below the playoff line on a tiebreaker with four games remaining. (16) Colorado Rapids (10-15-6, 36 points): The three-match winning streak came to an end Sunday, though not without a fight. The Rapids erased an early two-goal deficit and probably should have led 3-2 if not for Kei Kamara’s saved penalty kick. (19) Orlando City SC (9-13-9, 36 points): Nani put his team on his shoulders, scoring a brace and, along with a Dom Dwyer strike, rallied from a two-goal deficit to earn a 3-3 draw against New England. A great rally, but truth be told the Lions needed all three points. (20) Chicago Fire (9-12-10, 37 points): The Fire’s playoff hopes are not doused yet as, led by CJ Sapong’s brace, they blasted FC Dallas at home Saturday. But there is no margin for error going forward. (21) Columbus Crew SC (9-15-7, 34 points): Gyasi Zardes and Luis Diaz responded to an early Josef Martinez goal and an own goal by Miles Robinson put the finishing touches on a stunning 3-1 win over Atlanta that keeps Crew SC’s flickering playoff hopes still alive. (18) Sporting Kansas City (10-13-7, 37 points): A three-match winning streak has turned into consecutive defeats and it feels like the 7-2 loss at the LA Galaxy just might have been the death knell for Sporting. (17) Montreal Impact (11-16-4, 37 points): Perhaps worse than a five-goal loss at playoff-hopeful LA Galaxy is a 1-0 defeat at home to an FC Cincinnati team long eliminated from playoff contention. (23) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (7-15-7, 30 points): The Whitecaps have also been eliminated from playoff contention, but that didn’t stop them from battling until the end and claiming all three points in a 2-1 win over the Dynamo courtesy of a Fredy Montero 90th-minute goal. (22) Houston Dynamo (10-16-4, 34 points): Mathematically still alive, albeit barely, the Dynamo rallied to level thanks to Mauro Manotas, but left BC Place with nothing but frustration after conceding Montero’s winner. (24) FC Cincinnati (6-21-3, 21 points): Ron Jans has waited a long time, but his first win as FC Cincinnati coach came in Montreal Saturday thanks to Allan Cruz’s first-minute goal.

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Chris Fuhrmeister, Robert Jonas and Joe Tansey contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 28: Toronto FC, LA Galaxy surge, FC Dallas falls appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Original author: Dylan Butler, Pro Soccer USA

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