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The Colorado Rapids lost their second-straight match, this time on the road, falling to the San Jose Earthquakes, 3-1. The Quakes took a 2-0 lead into halftime on an own goal by Lalas Abubakar (2’) and another from Vako (34’). Shea Salinas added a third goal for the hosts in the 83rd minute, but Diego Rubio scored for Colorado five minutes later to avoid the shutout.  

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 3-1 loss to San Jose:

Coffee Talk

Saturday’s match was arguably one of the worst outings for Rapids defender Keegan Rosenberry while wearing Burgundy. Rosenberry was caught narrow on the Quake’s second goal, unable to deal with an Allen Iverson-type crossover by Vako and was simply outpaced and out-dribbled by Shea Salinas on San Jose’s third goal.

To his credit, Rosenberry raised his hand and took his fair share of responsibility postgame.

“Credit to them, they were good individual efforts,” Rosenberry said of the goals by Vako and Salinas. “I certainly held my hand up on both, I think I can do better just staying on my feet and not overcommitting on shot fakes and what not. I think that any of us would say that before we give credit to an attack like that. I felt like we limited them to only a certain number of good chances and they took them on the day.”

Conor Casey has never been one to throw players under the bus in his public comments, but was unhappy with the Rapids’ defensive performance.

“Well we gave up three goals, so not good,” said Casey. “Plain and simple. Can’t get scored on away 2-0 and expect to still be able to get something out against a team like this.”

Ill-fated Irwin

It’s been hard times for the former Rapids No. 1 choice goalkeeper as Clint Irwin’s last win as a starting goalkeeper came back in March of 2018, a 3-1 win over RSL as a member of TFC.

Saturday marked Irwin’s second start since his return to Colorado this season, his first coming in a 1-1 draw with the Philadelphia Union. With Tim Howard out with a strained right calf, Irwin earned another shot at the starting job in Colorado, if only briefly.

On Saturday against San Jose, Irwin faced 17 shots (4 on target), making two saves. He arguably did more work in just a half of play last week against NYCFC, making five saves against six on-target efforts. But Irwin was largely in no man’s land against a constant barrage of San Jose counterattacks.

“He was good,” Casey said of Irwin’s performance. “I thought he was solid. Made some saves for us. He was good in distribution. You get scored on three goals, obviously you’re not going to be pleased, but I thought it was good.”

The loss doesn’t fall on Irwin, who was scored with an own goal, and two possible goal of the week candidates, but instead, continued bad luck for the 30-year-old.

Has momentum run out?

As the Rapids earned their first win under interim head coach Conor Casey and continued to rack up points, it looked as though the team might have miraculously pulled itself from the doldrums and gained a fighting chance at one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference.

But momentum has slowed once again with Colorado having earned just two points during a current four-game winless streak. The two-goal deficit (nearly three, if not for Rubio’s late goal) marked the worst loss so far of the Casey era.

With a solid body of work to now go off of, it now begs the question as to whether or not the Rapids have finally been figured out league-wide. San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda seemed to have good insight and a plan going into this match.

“We knew were facing a difficult opponent,” said Almeyda. “We found out that the match could be played how it was. By fortune and a great game, we were able to take the advantage through combinations and control. From there, the match became different. By controlling the match, being alert on counter attacks, they [Colorado Rapids] can do damage in their aerial play, but we had that under control.”

Once again firmly at the bottom of the West, it will take another strong, if not unprecedented, run of form to rekindle even a sniff of the postseason for Colorado.

The post Rosenberry’s wakeup call and other takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 3-1 loss to San Jose appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Lassi Lappalainen impressed on debut as Montreal Impact thrashed Philadelphia Union in MLS on Saturday, while LA Galaxy were well beaten. Braces from Lappalainen and Orji Okwonkwo saw Montreal crush Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia 4-0 in Quebec. Zachary Brault-Guillard’s beautiful pass set up Lappalainen for the opener after just four minutes, before a powerful finish […]

The post MLS Review: Lappalainen leads Montreal on debut, Galaxy thrashed appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Lappalainen leads Montreal on debut, Galaxy thrashed appeared first on Soccer News.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes weren’t as prolific with their shooting as in past games, but that didn’t matter much in a comprehensive 3-1 win over the visiting Colorado Rapids.

The Avaya Stadium announced crowd of 17,762 were treated to an entertaining performance by the Quakes. An own goal by the Rapids less than two minutes into the game and a miraculous effort from Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili gave the Quakes a two-goal halftime lead that was never in danger. Shea Salinas, a second half substitute, capped off the scoring with an individual play to ice the game late before Diego Rubio pulled one back for Colorado.

“As a collective group, we are feeling confident,” Salinas said. “I think it’s a testament to how hard guys are working. It’s impressive.”

After trailing in their previous two games, it was important for the Earthquakes to enjoy an early lead, especially against a team like the Rapids that they were expected to beat.

“We talked about that before the game,” midfielder Tommy Thompson said. “We had to be awake from the first minute, and that translated to on the field. Guys were pushing the envelope, and it was great to see.”

On the other bench, the view was more of frustration, as Colorado slumped to its fourth straight game without a win. On the night, the hosts out shot the visitors 17-11, and in possession the Quakes dominated 66.3% to 33.7%.

“It came down to individual battles,” Rapids coach Conor Casey said. “They won their individual battles tonight, and we did not.”

Last year, it was the Earthquakes that often fell short on the stats sheet and ultimately the scoreboard, so the transformation on display during their recent run of success has been a revelation to those outside San Jose, but not to the guys who call Avaya Stadium home. 

“In the past, if someone lost the ball, guys were throwing their arms in the air,” Salinas said. “Now, there’s none of that. When one guy loses the ball, the other ten bust their butts to get back for him. It’s a collective team spirit that we have to make each other better, and that shows in our play. We’re fighting for each other, and it’s making a big difference.”

The only real disappointment of the night came when Colorado scored late to deny San Jose the shutout. It was definitely not the way the Earthquakes and head coach Matias Almeyda wanted to see the game end, but it also will provide the team motivation moving forward.

“No, no, when you are scored on it’s because your opponent had a virtue, and I respect an opponent’s virtues,” Almeyda said. “If I analyze the game well, there are times I liked and times I didn’t. This just lets me know we have to keep on improving.”

Playing the guys that have brought the team to this point, Almeyda sent out the same starting XI that dominated the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend, and it paid dividends right from the opening whistle.

A turnover by the Rapids in the first minute was quickly turned into a counterattack by the Quakes, and they were off to the races. Florian Jungwirth got things started with a long diagonal pass right to the feet of Tommy Thompson on the right sideline. The homegrown midfielder turned and drove toward goal, dishing the ball off to Cristian Espinoza making an overlapping run. Espinoza, tops in assists for San Jose, sent a low cross through the box intended for Chris Wondolowski, but defender Lalas Abubakar turned the ball into his own net to put the Earthquakes up 1-0 just 74 seconds into the game.

Wondolowski, who was denied an easy tap-in by the own-goal, had his first attempt at reaching goal No. 10 of the season when he collected a pass at the top of the area in the 14th minute. The Quakes captain touched the ball to his left and rifled a shot that missed the target and caused a bit of a stir as it crashed into the stadium’s outdoor bar. A similar attempt from Magnus Eriksson in the 19th minute also sailed over the crossbar, but no beverages were endangered.

And then it was Vako’s turn, and the Quakes most effective player of the last month made his effort count. After collecting a pass from Nick Lima 25 yards from goal, the Georgian attacker did what he does best: throw defenders off balance. He cut to his left, then to his right, both times shaking off defenders before curling a perfect shot to the far post. Goalkeeper Clint Irwin could do nothing, and the ball settled into the back of the net to give San Jose a 2-0 lead.

Vako was definitely feeling it, and in the Earthquakes’ next possession into the attacking third, he again showed off his dribbling brilliance. This time, the midfielder settled for a longer shot and his effort glided just over the target.

The half ended with the Quakes up 2-0 and looking like the better team on both sides of the ball. The early mistake to give up the own goal seemed to take any wind the Rapids had in their sails, and perhaps they were lucky not to be down even more.

“It broke down in individual defending and energy,” Casey said. “The first half was not good enough, and when you make mistakes, you’re going to get punished, and we did.”

The second half started slowly for both teams. The Quakes settled into a comfortable routine and the Rapids kept their focus on defending deep. Colorado’s Andre Shinyashiki entered the game as a substitute for veteran forward Kei Kamara, but the MLS Rookie of the Year hopeful was limited in his effect.

Vako danced into the area in the 58th minute before settling the ball onto his stronger right foot. The midfielder crushed a shot from a short distance that flew right at Irwin, who made the stop.

It was the end of the evening for Wondolowski in the 60th minute, and the Earthquakes lone representative on the MLS All-Star team subbed out for Danny Hoesen. Wondolowski will join the rest of the league’s best in Orlando for Wednesday night’s showcase against La Liga giant Atletico Madrid.

Vako exited the game to his own standing ovation in the 79th minute, when Almeyda brought in an extra defender with Marcos Lopez securing the left side of the formation. Vako finished the night with a goal in his third consecutive game and six goals in his last seven games.

Espinoza had a good try at making it three goals for San Jose. He rocketed a ball from 25 yards out that rattled the post in the 82nd minute. Salinas didn’t miss his opportunity, putting on a Vako-esque display dribbling in from the left and carrying the ball through the Colorado defense before wrong-footing Irwin with a shot to the back post. It was the sixth goal of the season for Salinas, extending his personal best record.

“Yeah, I don’t really know what the difference is this year,” Salinas said. “A lot of it is how we play. My starting points are higher up the field, which makes a difference. Vako’s scoring a ton of goals, and I’m pushing to compete with him and keep pushing him forward.”

The Rapids did strike late to ruin goalkeeper Daniel Vega’s quest for a clean sheet. Rubio found the back of the net on a deflected shot that the Quakes ‘keeper desperately tried to save, but the ball lobbed over his head and outstretched gloves.

The result extended the Quakes winning streak to four games, which they last accomplished in August 2015. San Jose returns to action next Saturday at Avaya Stadium when they host the Columbus Crew.

The post San Jose Earthquakes extend winning streak with comfortable 3-1 win over Colorado Rapids appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes are the talk of MLS, having put their early season struggle behind them and cemented their name in the Western Conference playoffs conversation.

The Quakes are 5-1-0 in their last six matches, and at Avaya Stadium, where they host the Colorado Rapids Saturday night (kickoff at 7:00 p.m.), they’ve gone unbeaten in eight straight games (7-0-1).

The Rapids, meanwhile, are winless in three games this month, and are languishing alongside the Vancouver Whitecaps at the bottom of the table. Colorado has fared better, however, away from their Rocky Mountain home of late, sporting a four-game unbeaten streak on the road (1-0-3) since the start of May.

The Earthquakes are taking nothing for granted this weekend, knowing that the Rapids, like themselves, are playing with a renewed confidence that wasn’t apparent at the beginning of the season. Matias Almeyda and his coaching staff have urged their players throughout the week to be ready for a resolute opponent in Colorado.

“We’ve discussed the match and that the team we’re facing is similar to ours,” Almeyda said. “They are a team that started the season poorly but have improved, very similar to our situation. We need to have the same respect for every opponent. Just as I treat every person the same, every opponent, for me, is an equal.”

The Quakes’ three game winning streak includes two straight wins on the road, the first time the team has accomplished that since August 2015, that featured a combined 64 shots taken — an MLS record for consecutive games. The intensity of the team’s approach to games, which entails harassing opponents on the ball with man-making defending and quickly transitioning into attack when they win back possession, has afforded the offense numerous scoring opportunities.

“We had like 90 shots in the last three games, so why stop that,” defender Florian Jungwirth said this week, though he was slightly off with his numbers.

During the Earthquakes recent six game run, they’ve taken 20 or more shots in five of them: the lone sub-20 shot game was three weeks ago at Avaya Stadium against Real Salt Lake. A somewhat sluggish Quakes side managed only 12 shots that night, finally getting a goal from Danny Hoesen deep in stoppage time to eke out a 1-0 victory. Everyone with San Jose is hoping for a much more complete performance against the Rapids.

“We expect they will sit back a bit, so we need to have a lot of patience,” Jungwirth added. “I think it’s tough to compare both games, especially in the RSL game we were really tired because it was our fourth game in ten days. If RSL was our first game in that 10 day stretch I think it would have been a different one.”

The Earthquakes’ schedule has lightened up a bit in recent weeks, and the extra time between games has been beneficial. This week in particular, not having to travel and getting to practice on their own training field every day, has been an advantage, and the players know the added time in familiar environs will pay dividends against the Rapids.

“We have not had a long week in a while,” defender Harold Cummings said. “It gives us time to prepare for a match. The coach is making the modifications that need to be made for this match.”

Cummings missed over a month of the season while on international duty with Panama in the Concacaf Gold Cup, but he looked like he hadn’t missed a beat when he partnered with Jungwirth in the center of defense in last week’s impressive 3-1 win at Vancouver. Cummings replaced Guram Kashia in the lineup against the Whitecaps because the Georgian centerback was back in his home country working to secure his U.S. Green Card, which would open up an international roster slot. That process is still ongoing — Kashia has not yet rejoined the team — so Cummings is expected to start again against Colorado.

Almeyda will still have the rest of the squad to choose from in setting his starting eleven on Saturday, with defender Marcos Lopez back from suspension and added to the mix. The four-man attacking corps of Valeri “Vako” Qazaishvili, Chris Wondolowski, Magnus Eriksson, and Cristian Espinoza — all who either scored or delivered an assist in the Whitecaps win — will again lead the attack, and the Quakes game plan will emphasize their ability to break down the Rapids, even if the visitors show up in a defensive shell at Avaya Stadium.

“Of course, when a team tries to play, tries to open up a bit, it’s benefiting us more because we can use our speed and our dribbling on top,” Jungwirth said, “but I’m convinced that we will find the pockets in between, get Vako and Cristian outside against the one-on-one they need.”

The Quakes may not take another 32 shots on Saturday, as they did against the LA Galaxy and Vancouver the past two weekends, but they will get their chances. And if they can find their finishing touch too, then there’s no reason to believe they won’t walk away with all three points on the night.

Match Information:

When: July 27, 7:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Where: Avaya Stadium, San Jose
Broadcast: Telemundo 48, KNBR 1050
Live Stream: ESPN+
Earthquakes injury/suspended report: Out: Anibal Godoy (abdomen surgery)

The post Red hot San Jose Earthquakes look to roll Colorado Rapids appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Competition: MLS Market: New York Red Bulls win and over 1.5 goals Odds: 21/20 @ Bet 365 Still dreaming of making a late push for the Eastern title, the Red Bulls will welcome a struggling Columbus Crew to New Jersey in the early hours of Sunday morning. Starting with the hosts, coming off the back of a 1-0 […]

The post New York Red Bulls 21/20 to beat Columbus Crew and over 1.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS clash appeared first on Soccer News.

The post New York Red Bulls 21/20 to beat Columbus Crew and over 1.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS clash appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: New England Revolution win and over 1.5 goals Odds: 5/6 @ Bet 365 Looking to shore up their spot in the play-offs, a high-flying New England will welcome Orlando City to the Gillette Stadium in the early hours of Thursday. Starting with the hosts, putting in another dominant display in their 2-0 win away at […]

The post New England Revolution to beat Orlando City and over 1.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post New England Revolution to beat Orlando City and over 1.5 goals in Sunday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Supporters’ Shield leaders Los Angeles FC put their derby disappointment aside to overcome Atlanta United 4-3 in a thrilling MLS clash on Friday. LAFC succumbed to a Zlatan Ibrahimovic hat-trick in last week’s loss to city rivals LA Galaxy, however, Bob Bradley’s high-flying side bounced back. Four unanswered goals from Adama Diomande, Diego Rossi, Carlos […]

The post MLS Review: LAFC bounce back from derby defeat in seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: LAFC bounce back from derby defeat in seven-goal thriller appeared first on Soccer News.

Inter Miami, the MLS team backed by David Beckham, have confirmed Matias Pellegrini and Julian Carranza as their first signings. Pellegrini joins from Estudiantes as a Young Designated Player, while Carranza arrives from Banfield. Both 19-year-old Argentina youth internationals will return to their respective clubs on loan until January. They are the first players to […]

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The post Beckham´s Inter Miami make first two signings appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: Both teams to score Odds: 4/7 @ Bet 365 In what has been labeled the glamour tie of this weekend’s MLS fixtures, defending champions Atlanta United will make the trip to Western leaders LAFC in the early hours of Saturday morning. Starting with the hosts, after suffering a 3-2 loss away at LA Galaxy last […]

The post Both teams to score at Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United 4/7 for Saturday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Both teams to score at Los Angeles FC vs Atlanta United 4/7 for Saturday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Another week in the books with more spicy rivalry matches. A week after the Hudson River Derby was decided, El Trafico took center stage, which was followed by a Cascadia Cup showdown two days later.

How do these matches affect the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings in Week 20? Despite the home defeat, LAFC remain atop the rankings, while the LA Galaxy climbed three spots into the top 10.

The Portland Timbers knocked off the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field and moved up two rungs to No. 7. We also have a new basement dweller with the Chicago Fire earning that dubious honor after Columbus Crew SC snapped a 10-match winless streak with a 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact.

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

Pro Soccer USA writer Dylan Butler contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 20: LA Galaxy climb 3 spots after El Trafico win appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The New England Revolution’s unbeaten streak has been on our radar for a few weeks. 

The praise has trickled in for Bruce Arena’s team, and it broke out in a major way in Week 20, when they downed Vancouver and FC Cincinnati by multiple goals. 

New England’s impressive attacking performance led us to add two of its players to the top 10 of the Pro Soccer USA MLS Player Rankings, and two more in the bottom half. 

The presence of four Revs in the Week 20 edition of the Player Rankings match totals only achieved by Los Angeles FC’s talented contingent.

Speaking of LAFC, it still has three players in the top 20, with one attempting to gain his top spot back.

The MLS Player Rankings take into account a player’s form over the last four games, with the most recent showing holding a bit more weight.

20. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union

Previous Ranking: 6

Jul 20, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko (23) controls the ball against Chicago Fire defender Jorge Luis Corrales (25) during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports)

After scoring on five occasions in a four-game stretch out of the Concacaf Gold Cup break, Kacper Przybylko failed to score in each of his last two contests. 

Although Philadelphia defeated Chicago Saturday, the 26-year-old striker was unable to attempt a shot for the second straight game. 

In Week 21, Przybylko and the Union will go for the season double over the Montreal Impact. 

19. Brian White, F, New York Red Bulls

Previous Ranking: 20 

Brian White continued to take advantage of his opportunity in the New York Red Bulls lineup with a goal Sunday against Orlando City.

What a goal!

Brian White provided the Red Bulls a 1-0 lead at halftime after this beautifully weighted ball from Kaku. #ORLvRBNY pic.twitter.com/6onEX6RWUH

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2019

The 23-year-old Duke product is up to seven tallies in his second MLS season, and has provided Chris Armas with a viable backup option to Bradley Wright-Phillips when the star striker is ready to start a consistent run of games. 

White has been incredibly efficient with the chances he gets with his seven goals coming on nine shots on target.

18. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 7

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)

Ike Opara and the Minnesota United defense held Real Salt Lake to three shots on goal in their 1-1 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium.

However, the Loons could not pick up three points in a game in which they led for 13 minutes, and the equalizer came from an unusual source in Marcelo Silva. 

The Loons have a chance to earn their second shutout in three games at home in Week 21 against a struggling Vancouver side. 

17. Adama Diomande, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 10

Jul 19, 2019; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Adama Diomande (99) moves the ball while LA Galaxy defender Daniel Steres (5) defends during the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

Adama Diomande took a backseat to the superstars in the scoring column during El Trafico Friday night. 

The 29-year-old forward handed out four key passes in the 3-2 loss, but he saw his two-game scoring streak come to an end without a shot on goal. 

Diomande and the Los Angeles FC strike force face another difficult task in Week 21, with Atlanta United coming to Banc of California Stadium Friday night.

16. Antonio Delamea, D, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

There was a stretch at the start of the season in which we didn’t think any defensive-minded player from New England would qualify for this list. 

Antonio Delamea with a header from Carles Gil to put the #NERevs up 2-0#CINvNE pic.twitter.com/nlstYP0g75

— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) July 21, 2019

But after two clean sheets and a goal in Week 20, Antonio Delamea is one of four Revs on this list, and one of two debutantes. 

Delamea was a part of a defensive unit that held the Whitecaps without a shot on goal Wednesday and shut out FC Cincinnati on the road Sunday,  despite giving up seven attempts on target. 

15. Jonathan Lewis, M, Colorado Rapids

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

May 29, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Colorado Rapids forward Jonathan Lewis (11) runs the ball past Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner (27) during the second half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Since he was traded from New York City FC to Colorado, Jonathan Lewis has made an impact in many ways for the Rapids. 

In the two games since he returned from the Gold Cup, Lewis has a goal and an assist, including the handout he produced on the lone goal scored by Conor Casey’s side in the 2-1 loss to his former club Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

In 400 minutes for the Rapids, Lewis has three goals and an assist. 

14. Gustavo Bou, F, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Gustavo Bou announced his presence in MLS with a screaming shot into the back of the net Wednesday in New England’s blowout win over Vancouver. 

Gustavo Bou scores a stunner on his MLS debut! #NEvVAN pic.twitter.com/BuXFsBAgW8

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2019

After scoring his first MLS goal, Bou dished out his first assist in the league Sunday at Nippert Stadium.

With Bou and an in-form Teal Bunbury up top and Carles Gil playing at an All-Star level behind them, the Revs could make their spot above the red line a permanent one.

13. Heber, F, New York City FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Heber scored in back-to-back league games for NYCFC for the second time this season in Weeks 19 and 20.

The Brazilian forward notched his first tally in the Hudson River Derby a week ago and extended that scoring run into Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Colorado. 

Off the chest! Héber ties the game up, 1-1, just before the half. #NYCFConYES pic.twitter.com/TxYnlJOFYt

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) July 21, 2019

In his last four games, which were separated by a three-match injury layoff, Heber has five goals and an assist. 

12. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, D, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jul 17, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (5) dribbles the ball against the Houston Dynamo in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

The Atlanta United defense took advantage of home cooking in Week 20 by producing a pair of shutouts against Houston and D.C. United. 

In the midweek 5-0 thumping of the 10-man Dynamo, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez won six aerials and completed 91 percent of his 111 passes. 

That form continued Sunday, when the 27-year-old made four tackles and two interceptions while holding Ben Olsen’s team to three shots on target.

11. Jozy Altidore, F, Toronto FC

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Jozy Altidore is another of the U.S. Men’s National Team players who has come back to MLS from international duty and shined. 

I mean, c’mon now. That’s just silly @JozyAltidore | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/LWfgGE7qgZ

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 18, 2019

With a goal in each of Toronto FC’s matches in Week 20, Altidore eclipsed his goal total from an injury-ravished 2018 season. 

When he has been on the field, Altidore has been a difference-maker for the Reds, with eight goals in 12 games. 

10. Diego Rossi, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 3

Jun 28, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) controls the ball against Colorado Rapids defender Sam Vines (13) in the first half at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Just like Diomande, Diego Rossi was unable to provide an impact in attack as part of LAFC’s three-pronged forward lineup in El Trafico.

The 21-year-old attempted three shots, but all of them went off target in his club’s third league defeat of the season.

Friday also marked the end of Rossi’s three-game scoring run in which two of the goals came in road games.

9. Maxi Moralez, M, New York City FC

Previous Ranking: 5

Jul 14, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York City FC midfielder Maximiliano Moralez (10) dribbles the ball against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena. (Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports)

Maxi Moralez handed out his 13th assist of the campaign on Heber’s equalizing goal at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. 

The Argentinian playmaker also dished out seven key passes in NYCFC’s fourth road victory of 2019.

If NYCFC wants to climb up the Eastern Conference table with its games in hand, Moralez needs to continue packing a punch in and around the penalty area. 

8. Mason Toye, F, Minnesota United

Previous Ranking: 4

May 29, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) blocks a shot attempt by Minnesota United forward Mason Toye (23) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports)

Mason Toye was unable to find the back of the net Saturday, but he did chip in an assist on Minnesota United’s lone goal at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The 20-year-old New Jersey native, who has scored on each of his four shots on goal, has provided a goal or an assist in five straight league matches. 

7. Brian Fernandez, F, Portland Timbers

Previous Ranking: 18

Brian Fernandez made an instant mark on the Cascadia Cup by depositing a pair of goals into the back of the net in Portland’s 2-1 win over Seattle. 

The 24-year-old Argentinian opened the scoring and then answered Seattle’s lone tally almost immediately to put the Timbers back in the lead for good.

It had to be him.

7th goal in MLS, first goal in #SEAvPOR. Brian Fernandez gives @TimbersFC the lead! pic.twitter.com/wRIkBXyyCq

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 22, 2019

The scorer of eight goals should make his way up the Golden Boot chart with Portland settling into a long stretch of home contests at Providence Park.

6. Teal Bunbury, F, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 8

Bunbury has been one of the most consistent forwards in MLS over the last month with four goals in his last five games. 

FOUR?! #NEvVAN pic.twitter.com/1zBpxJJpod

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2019

The 29-year-old extended his scoring streak to four games with a strike in the Revs’ win over Vancouver Wednesday. 

Bunbury’s form will help the Revs moving forward, but it will also be interesting to see how he fits around Bou, who is expected to receive the most opportunities of the striker corps in New England.

5. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

Previous Ranking: 15

An argument can be made that Gil is the most underrated player in MLS this season. 

The 26-year-old moved his 2019 totals up to seven goals and eight assists with a goal and an assist in each of the Revs’ matches in Week 20.

Carles Gil puts it away! #NEvVAN pic.twitter.com/k1GQrjchgZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2019

Gil should be in the running for Player of the Month in July with three goals and three assists over four games for the surging Revs. 

4. Vako, F, San Jose Earthquakes

Previous Ranking: 11

Vako has produced one of the most active two-game stretches of any player in MLS over the last two weeks.

In games against the LA Galaxy and Vancouver, Vako totaled nine shots on goal off 22 total shots, two goals and an assist.

Someone should probably mark this guy…

VAKO ON A HOT STREAK! #VamosSJ | #VANvSJ pic.twitter.com/b835sJZ3mM

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 21, 2019

The Republic of Georgia international is currently on pace to break his MLS highs in goals, assists and shots on goal. 

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, F, LA Galaxy

Previous Ranking: Not Ranked

Entering El Trafico, Zlatan Ibrahimovic hadn’t scored in three of his last four games. 

He broke out of that slump in a major way by netting the second hat-trick of his MLS career. The other came against Orlando City SC in July, 2018.

Best #LAGalaxy goal of the season?

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 22, 2019

The three-goal performance marked the 10th time Ibrahimovic scored multiple goals in a game for the LA Galaxy.

2. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC

Previous Ranking: 2 

Carlos Vela may have lost the individual battle to Ibrahimovic Friday night, but he still walked away with two goals. 

#CaptainVela STRIKES FIRST

20 goals in 20 games for @11carlosV!#GALvLAFC pic.twitter.com/knGsoXVzFM

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 20, 2019

The brace was a consolation from a night in which Bob Bradley’s team was outplayed in most facets of the match at Dignity Health Sports Park. 

In the process of scoring twice in El Trafico, Vela became the fastest player to score 20 goals in MLS history.

1. Josef Martinez, F, Atlanta United

Previous Ranking: 1 

Jul 21, 2019; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta United forward Josef Martinez (7) celebrates after a goal against D.C. United in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports)

Josef Martinez’s Week 20 highlight reel was dominated by his ugly penalty miss in which he exaggerated his typical pause in his run up to taking a penalty.

Martinez still scored three goals against Houston and D.C. to move within five goals of Vela in the Golden Boot race. 

If he continues to score at this clip, the Venezuelan forward could challenge Vela for the honor of MLS’ top scorer. 

The post MLS Week 20 Player Rankings: New England Revolution dominate list with four players appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – As the sun beats down on the training field at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Sam Vines needs to take a breather before speaking with the media.

It’s a visible sign of how hard the 20-year-old defender has been working this season.

“We had a hard session today,” Vines told Pro Soccer USA following a recent session. “We’re here to compete, we’re here to win. We want to win the game.”

Vines has not just broken into a regular starting role with the first team, but solidified a left back position with which the Colorado Rapids have experimented to find an answer for all season. Vines has featured in all five of Colorado’s wins thus far, starting in four.

All of those wins have come under interim head coach Conor Casey, who’s witnessed Vines’ professional development first hand.

“He’s taken the position and he’s run with it,” Casey said of Vines’ performances at left back. “He’s getting even better experience now being able to start week in and week out and be able to get into the rhythm of being a professional and competing against guys like Carlos Vela.”

Ironically, the door to the position opened up to the young homegrown because of an injury to teammate Deklan Wynne, a favorite under former head coach Anthony Hudson. Vines himself was held out earlier this year due to a quad injury he has sustained in preseason.

Now healthy, getting a regular run of games is what Vines cites as the defining factor behind his improvement.

“Playing a lot more games has boosted my confidence a lot,” Vines explained. “I’ve been fortunate to play enough games this season to feel confident and like a part of the squad.”

Aside from the misfortune of injury, this past offseason had been the most productive of his young career. Vines put on muscle as part of a weight-training regimen, and both he and Rapids teammate Cole Bassett trained with recently promoted German Bundesliga club SC Freiburg last November.

“It was a good experience going overseas,” Vines said. “They have a lot of weight training and sometimes train twice a day, especially in the preseason. The language was a bit of a barrier, but it was good because Cole and I were together the whole time and stayed in the same hotel room.”

Fittingly, the duo will be roommates yet again when they head to Orlando to participate in the sixth edition of the MLS Homegrown Game next Tuesday.

It will mark the second time in which a pair of Rapids homegrowns have featured in the same Homegrown Game. Dillon Serna and Shane O’Neill represented Colorado in 2015.

It’s a sign of the growth and strength of not just the Rapids Development Academy, but of soccer in the U.S. as a whole. Casey, a Colorado native who played five seasons for the Rapids, remembers a time when infrastructure and resources weren’t readily available for developing players like they currently are for today’s homegrowns.

“When I was a kid, it was: You’d have to know somebody that knew somebody to be able to get into even possibly train with the team,” Casey said. “The fact that kids like Sam, like Cole Bassett, Seb [Anderson] can come in and they can train every day here, we have that connection with their coaches where we can track them, keep an eye on them and then bring them pretty seamlessly into the first team. I mean, it’s totally different the way that football’s evolved in America with the academies.”

As a Coloradan who battled his way through the professional ranks before eventually playing for his hometown team, Casey is an original homegrown of sorts. But so is Monument, Colo., native and former Rapids defender Bobby Burling, who also has taken time to mentor Vines.

“Bobby and all the other guys I was training with since I was 14 years old have given me advice and wanted me to do well,” Vines said. “He tells me to keep my head down and keep working hard. Especially when you’re an academy guy, you’ve got to work twice as hard.”

The relationship between Burling and Vines started as a bit of ribbing over a longstanding local high school rivalry between Burling’s alma mater, Lewis-Palmer, and Vines’ Pine Creek.

“I always told him I never lost to Pine Creek,” Burling jokes. “But Sam was always a good kid and I always thought he had potential. At ages 15 and 16, I was playing more basketball than soccer. I think getting the shot to prove yourself as a professional at that age now is mind blowing to myself. I think if [MLS] can become a development league, we’ll be looked at differently.”

Arguably the toughest challenge Vines has faced this season was marking MLS Golden Boot frontrunner Carlos Vela. It was a test he passed with flying colors, as the Rapids shutdown Vela and a potent Los Angeles FC attack in a 1-0 win.

Next week, the MLS homegrowns are set to face another formidable task in the Chivas Guadalajara under-20s. It’s another opportunity Vines is looking forward to.

“It’s obviously exciting, especially with all the homegrowns from around the league and to be able to go down there with Cole,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity to go down there, get some minutes, have fun and maybe catch a glimpse of the All-Star Game.”

Vines’ coach will be one of the many tuning in.

“I’ll be watching it, for sure,” Casey said. “I mean, they’ve, they’ve earned it. So, it’s really cool. It’s good for them, it’ll be a good experience. And you know, they’re young pros, and they’re showing well, so it’s bright future for them.”

The post How Sam Vines has grown into a crucial piece of the Colorado Rapids’ future appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The Major League Soccer weekend was highlighted by a pair of Western Conference rivalries, one that quickly moved itself up the derby power rankings and another that has been around for decades and has captured our hearts in MLS over the past 10 years. 

El Trafico and the Cascadia Cup may have different qualities, but at the core, they have the same values. Both rivalries feature two teams that don’t like each other, and it’s clear all four teams involved are not afraid to get into it with each other on the field. 

Friday’s meeting between the LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC was only the fourth clash between the two sides, but it had the feel of a game that’s existed for much longer.

Zlatan Ibrahimović stoked the fire in the buildup by pronouncing his abilities being better than golden boot leader and MVP favorite Carlos Vela. 

Ibrahimović then went out on the field and backed up his talk with a hat trick in a 3-2 Galaxy win, in which his team simply outplayed the best team in the league for long stretches. 

Zlatan Ibrahimović on LAFC’s Carlos Vela: “You did one mistake, you compare him to me. That was your biggest mistake.” #LAGalaxy #LAvLAFC pic.twitter.com/Rr3ILeBmvw

— Adam Serrano (@AdamSerrano) July 20, 2019

The Swedish superstar received the spotlight for mostly good reasons, but an ugly elbow on Mohamed El-Munir could add another layer to the rivalry. 

New York Red Bulls defender Amro Tarek revealed on social media Sunday night that El-Munir is going to have facial surgery because of the injury suffered from the elbow.

This is just unbelievable!!! ElMounir is going to have a surgery tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/XQnT8xEC5K

— Amro Tarek (@AmroAbdelAziz) July 22, 2019

The play was far from the only ugly challenge made by players on both sides, but it will be the one that receives the most attention because of who was involved. 

Even before the severity of El-Munir’s injury was revealed, Carlos Vela added fuel to the rematch that can’t come soon enough on August 25 by hitting back at Ibrahimović’s claims of being the best player in MLS.

Vela addresses the Zlatan comparisons.

“Look, to compare me to Zlatan overall is an insult to him. But right now, in terms of stats and regardless of age. I’m better than Zlatan.” #LAvLAFC #MLS #ElTrafico pic.twitter.com/fyc9aisKNP

— Fut Mex Nation (@FutMexNation) July 20, 2019

The win moved the Galaxy within nine points of LAFC for the top spot in the Western Conference, and more importantly, it was their second win compared to LAFC’s zero in El Tráfico. The other two meetings were draws. 

The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers displayed the same fire at CenturyLink Field Sunday night, and the 2-1 Timbers victory ended with a confrontation between Román Torres — possibly No. 1 in the “players you don’t want to get in a fight with” rankings — and Steve Clark. 

The postgame scenes after the Timbers win in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/kyynDhclnU

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) July 22, 2019

The emotion poured over after the Sounders failed to rescue a point at home following a pair of tallies from Brian Fernández, who answered Seattle’s lone goal within two minutes for the game-winner in the 51st minute. 

Fernández’s ability in front of the goal adds an extra element to a rivalry that has long been known as one of the best in MLS. 

Portland’s club-record signing has been on fire since coming to MLS from Liga MX side Necaxa, and he could be the difference-maker that continues to help the Timbers pull away in big games, like Sunday. 

The next chapter of the storied series comes August 23 at the start of rivalry week, which is the league’s weekend-long showcase of the best grudge matches it has to offer. 

There will be plenty of other rivalry games scattered throughout the schedule in the next month, but after Week 20, we’ve started the countdown clock to August 21, when rivalry week begins with two of the oldest showdowns in the league, the Atlantic Cup and Cali Clasico.

Goals of the week 

Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC 

I mean, c’mon now. That’s just silly @JozyAltidore | #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/LWfgGE7qgZ

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) July 18, 2019

Gustavo Bou, New England Revolution

Gustavo Bou scores a stunner on his MLS debut! #NEvVAN pic.twitter.com/BuXFsBAgW8

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 18, 2019

Marco Fabián, Philadelphia Union

Oh okay, we see you @MarcoFabian_10! pic.twitter.com/E1kGDc7mFf

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 20, 2019

Zlatan Ibrahimović, LA Galaxy

FERRARI.

@Ibra_official with a BANGER! #LAvLAFC pic.twitter.com/v6NWYeytLR

— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 20, 2019

Penalty miss of the season

Josef Martínez, Atlanta United

Martinez exaggerated his typical penalty run-up and paid the price for it with a miss in a crucial Eastern Conference clash with D.C. United. The Five Stripes pulled a victory out of in the dying minutes.

Unorthodox way to take a penalty pic.twitter.com/5EMoib7YAp

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 22, 2019

Road warriors

Every single week, managers across MLS make it known how difficult it is to win on the road due to the travel conditions and other factors. 

In Week 20, the Houston Dynamo, FC Dallas, New York City FC, San Jose Earthquakes, New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, Portland Timbers and D.C. United took three points from their travels. 

D.C.’s victory was the only one that occurred in midweek, knocking off FC Cincinnati on Thursday. The expansion side also fell at Nippert Stadium to the Revs on Sunday. 

The midweek effect

The road results correlate a bit to the possible fatigue some teams were dealing with over the weekend. 

Of the 12 sides that played on Wednesday or Thursday, Atlanta United and New England were the only ones to take six points from Week 20.

The Five Stripes played both of their games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, while the Revs won at home and then defeated FC Cincinnati on the road. 

The Vancouver Whitecaps, who had to do the most travel in Week 20 from New England on Wednesday to back home on Saturday, were one of two teams to not pick up any points from two games. FC Cincinnati was the other. 

In total, four franchises earned results from two games, with Portland and the Columbus Crew each picking up a win and a draw. The Timbers drew at home with Orlando City on Thursday before beating Seattle, while the Crew eked out a draw with the Chicago Fire before taking down the Montreal Impact at home. 

Playoff Race Stock Up, Stock Down

With the playoff races in each conference taking over more of the spotlight each week, we’re going to dedicate Stock Up, Stock Down to the competition for the top seven spots in the East and West.

Stock up: New England Revolution

The addition of Bou was yet another boost to the streaking-hot Revs, who did what they were supposed to do in Week 20 and beat two of the worst teams in MLS. 

Bruce Arena’s team extended its unbeaten run to 10 games, and it moved into seventh place in the East over Toronto with Sunday’s win over FC Cincinnati.

Teal Bunbury has been on fire in front of goal, Carles Gil is playing near a best-XI level and Bou brings another dimension to the attack, but it is the defense that has turned in the biggest reversal of form.

April 24 – May 8: 4 games, 18 goals against (4.50 GAA)

May 11 – Present: 10 games, 8 goals against (O.80 GAA)

This team continues to improve and continues to address areas of weakness, but holy hell is that some sort of turnaround defensively. #NERevs

— Jeff Lemieux (@jeff_lemieux) July 22, 2019

Stock down: Montreal and Toronto 

The two teams New England is in direct competition with for the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds in the East fell flat on Saturday to open the door for the Revs. Orlando City, another playoff rival, could not take advantage, dropping three points at home on Sunday. 

Toronto FC’s home defeat to Houston was the most stunning result of the weekend because of how poor the Reds defense looked, especially on the third goal scored by Mauro Manotas. 

Go on then

Striker takes on 4 defenders for the cool finish. pic.twitter.com/W259RbvNxZ

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 21, 2019

Greg Vanney’s team has two clean sheets since May 15, one of which was against Montreal in Week 19, but there is some good news in terms of schedule relief. 

Toronto has FC Cincinnati coming to town in Week 21, which should allow it to rebound before a massive meeting with the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 3. 

The Impact suffered their fourth straight loss on Saturday on the road in Columbus, and in the process dropped down to sixth place. 

Remí Garde’s side plays three of its next five games on the road, which makes Saturday’s clash with Philadelphia a must-win to generate momentum in the fight for the final playoff places. 

Stock up: FC Dallas

Jul 20, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; FC Dallas forward Dominique Badji (14) celebrates with FC Dallas midfielder Michael Barrios (21) after scoring a goal during the first half against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park. (Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)

FC Dallas picked up its third road win of the season in a crucial spot against a surging Sporting Kansas City side at Children’s Mercy Park.

By holding onto its spot in the standings, Luchi Gonzalez’s team fended off one of the potential contenders for the final few spots in the West. 

There are seven points between FC Dallas in sixth and Sporting KC in 10th. Now the focus for the Texan team turns to a clash with seventh-place Real Salt Lake on Saturday. 

If FC Dallas can come out on top of that game, it will create some much-needed breathing room with the Timbers poised to make a move into the top seven. 

Stock down: Sporting Kansas City

Jul 20, 2019; Kansas City, KS, USA; Sporting Kansas City forward Gerso Fernandes (12) takes the ball away from FC Dallas forward Dominique Badji (14) during the first half at Children’s Mercy Park. (Peter G. Aiken/USA TODAY Sports)

Saturday was the perfect time for Sporting KC to prove it was for real in the playoff race after victories over Chicago and Vancouver.

Instead of earning its third straight win, Peter Vermes’ side fell Children’s Mercy Park for the fourth time this season, sending its home record to 4-4-3. 

That number simply isn’t good enough with the Timbers about to play an extended run of games at Providence Park, Houston boasting a 7-1-3 mark at BBVA Compass Stadium and RSL sitting at 7-2-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium.

The post MLS Week 20 Rewind: Rivalries take center stage in LA, Cascadia appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Atlanta United scored twice in the final minutes to beat DC United 2-0 as the defending MLS champions moved second in the Eastern Conference. Gonzalo Martinez came off the bench to break the deadlock in the 89th minute before Josef Martinez sealed the victory in stoppage time on Sunday. Playing in the absence of former […]

The post MLS Review: Atlanta beat Rooney-less DC United at the death appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Atlanta beat Rooney-less DC United at the death appeared first on Soccer News.