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For the first time in a month, the MLS Player Rankings are back. 

Since our last rankings, Major League Soccer took an international break, had a brief Week 16 schedule and Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday matches in Week 17 to welcome us back to domestic play.

Since so much has changed since out last list, we’ve given everyone a fresh slate to work with. 

The majority of the players in the rankings this week were the best Week 17 had to offer, as well as some of the stars of the first half of the 2019 campaign. 

Once action gets rolling again in MLS, which it will in a fast way in Week 18, we’ll go back to using the sample size of the last four performances to determine the top 20, but we thought it wouldn’t be fair to apply that this week because of the large gap of time between games for some players. 

20. Kacper Przybylko, F, Philadelphia Union 

Even though the Philadelphia Union only got one point out of two games in Week 17, Kacper Przybylko rediscovered some form in front of the net. 

The German-born Polish striker scored his fifth and sixth goals of the season against New England and New York City FC. 

This goal tho. #DOOP | #Golazo pic.twitter.com/FZIr0ewtrA

— Philadelphia Union (@PhilaUnion) June 30, 2019

Saturday’s strike at Yankee Stadium was the better of the two. Przybylko struck his shot on the volley after a lovely backheel assist from Jamiro Monteiro. 

19. Carles Gil, M, New England Revolution

May 25, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution midfielder Carles Gil (22) controls the ball away from D.C. United midfielder Russell Canouse (4) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. (Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports)

In two games against Philadelphia and Houston in Week 17, Carles Gil handed out 13 key passes and picked up an assist on Brandon Bye’s opener on Wednesday. 

The 26-year-old Spaniard has been one of the more active attackers in the Eastern Conference this season, but hasn’t received enough headlines because of how miserable the Revs looked at the end of the Brad Friedel-era. 

Gil is averaging 2.9 key passes and 1.6 shots per game in his first MLS season. 

18. Hassani Dotson, D, Minnesota United

Hassani Dotson has been one of the recent revelations of the MLS campaign. 

The No. 31 overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft has scored in two of his last three games, including a rocket of a shot that produced the second of seven Loons goals on Saturday against FC Cincinnati.

HASSANI DOTSON WITH A ROCKET pic.twitter.com/q92ILQDUjR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 29, 2019

Dotson’s played well with Romain Metanire on international duty with Madagascar, and once Metanire gets back, the Loons will have a terrific stable of fullbacks at their disposal. 

17. Brian White, F, New York Red Bulls

Aug 29, 2018; Harrison, NJ, USA; New York Red Bulls forward Brian White (42) chases the ball during the second half against the Houston Dynamo at Red Bull Arena. (Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports)

Brian White stepped up in a massive way for the New York Red Bulls while Bradley Wright-Phillips was out injured. 

White, who scored one of three Red Bulls goals against Chicago on Friday, has three goals in his last four starts and has a team-high five goals and two assists on the season.

White’s progression is similar to a few others in the Red Bulls organization who plied their trade with New York Red Bulls II before climbing up the ladder and achieving success in MLS. 

16. Tommy Thompson, D, San Jose Earthquakes

San Jose manager Matias Almeyda deserves all sorts of credit for the wonders he’s worked with the Earthquakes, but the one decision that has caught our eyes the most is moving Tommy Thompson to the back line.

TOMMY THOMPSON MADE THIS ONE HAPPEN!

3-0 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA! #BeatLA | @SutterHealth pic.twitter.com/npwjiPUblt

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) June 30, 2019

The 23-year-old only made 14 appearances under Mikael Stahre a year ago, but now he’s carved his spot into the starting lineup by playing in 15 games in the first four months of the season. 

Thompson added an extra touch to his season resume on Saturday by scoring in the Cali Clasico win over the LA Galaxy.

15. Sam Vines, D, Colorado Rapids

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

One of the stranger results of the season occurred on Friday, when the Colorado Rapids shut out Los Angeles FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. 

Left back Sam Vines was one of the many defensive pieces that helped Conor Casey’s side pull of its best result of the season. 

In the 1-0 win, Vines made six clearances, three tackles and an interception and helped hold LAFC to three shots on target. 

14. Alejandro Pozuelo, M, Toronto FC 

With his brace against Atlanta United on Wednesday, Alejandro Pozuelo moved his season totals up to seven goals and eight assists. 

Pozuelo’s first goal came off a nice cross from the left wing sent in by Jacob Shaffleburg, and the second was a game-winning penalty kick in stoppage time.

Perfect pass, perfect header. @Pozuelo_10 makes it 2-2! #TORvATL pic.twitter.com/zgoTYq7a4V

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 27, 2019

Six of Pozuelo’s seven goals have come through two-goal performances, with the other two coming against Minnesota United and NYCFC. 

13. Sam Johnson, F, Real Salt Lake

One of the more underrated signings in MLS over the offseason picked up his first brace in a Real Salt Lake shirt Saturday night.

Sam Johnson bagged a pair of goals in the rivalry match with Sporting Kansas City to increase his total to three goals in the last four games. 

It's a classic poacher's goal for Sam Johnson, lurking at the back post! #RSLvSKC pic.twitter.com/7afzOE58ER

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 30, 2019

Johnson and his RSL teammates are one point out of the playoff places in the Western Conference ahead of a midweek matchup with the Columbus Crew. 

12. Nani, M, Orlando City SC

Orlando City forward Nani (17) walks on the field prior to the game against the Vancouver Whitecaps at Orlando City Stadium. (Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports)

Nani reached another milestone in an Orlando City shirt by earning his first two-assist game since joining the Lions. 

The Portuguese winger played a hand in both of the goals netted by James O’Connor side in it 2-0 win over the Columbus Crew.

The former Manchester United star has eight goals and six assists in 15 matches. 

11. Miles Robinson, D, Atlanta United

May 19, 2019; Harrison, NJ, USA; Atlanta United defender Miles Robinson (12) heads the ball during the first half against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)

Even though Atlanta United gave up three goals in Week 17, they still boast the best defense in the Eastern Conference. 

Miles Robinson and co. have let in 15 goals, which is the best in the East by four tallies. 

The Five Stripes have the second-best defensive mark in MLS behind LAFC and they are one of four teams that have conceded fewer than 20 strikes. 

10. Valentin Castellanos, M, New York City FC 

Say what you want about the antics of Valentin Castellanos on Saturday night, but he was the most effective and lively attacker in NYCFC’s 4-2 win over the Philadelphia Union.

Castellanos played a key role in earning the pair of penalties that led to the first two NYCFC strikes, which were netted by Maxi Moralez. 

Four goals made in Argentina #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/WnOY18wTyJ

— New York City FC (@NYCFC) June 30, 2019

The 20-year-old Argentinian finished off NYCFC’s victory with a pair of second-half strikers against a frustrated Union side to bring the Pigeons within six points of first place in the East. 

9. Diego Chara, M, Portland Timbers

Jun 30, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal (19) is defended by Portland Timbers defender Julio Cascante (18) and midfielder Diego Chara (21) during the first half at Providence Park. (Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

When you struggle to find words to describe how well a defensive midfielder is playing, that means he’s been performing at a high level for a long time. 

Diego Chara produced another masterclass showing in the middle of the park for the Timbers in their 1-0 win over FC Dallas on Sunday night.

The tenacious Colombian made six tackles, two clearances, completed 86.8 percent of his 53 passes and even handed out a pair of key passes in attack. 

8. Wayne Rooney, F, D.C. United

Wayne Rooney delivered one of the defining moments of the season with his stunning half-field volley last Wednesday night against Orlando City. 

We are not worthy, @WayneRooney! pic.twitter.com/oFPyGOXHSl

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 27, 2019

Rooney also scored a late penalty on Saturday to hand the Black-and-Red a valuable point at home against Toronto FC. 

Saturday’s goal secured the second 10-goal season for the English legend in MLS. He needs three more tallies to top his output from a year ago. 

7. Justin Meram, M, Atlanta United

Justin Meram produced one of the top goals in a week filled with Goal of the Year candidates. 

The 30-year-old produced a brace in his second start for Atlanta United, a 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact.

JUSTIN. MERAM. EVERYBODY.

What a way to score your first goal for #ATLUTD, @JustinMeram pic.twitter.com/sEubeIcCq1

— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) June 29, 2019

In fact, the goals were the first two of the season for Meram, who was traded from Columbus to Atlanta in May. 

6. Jan Gregus, M, Minnesota United

May 25, 2019; Saint Paul, MN, Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota United midfielder Jan Gregus (8) celebrates a victory over the Houston Dynamo after a match at Allianz Field. (Nick Wosika-USA TODAY Sports)

Jan Gregus was one the many Minnesota United players benefitting from FC Cincinnati’s wretched defending on Saturday. 

The Slovakian provided an assist on three of the seven goals tallied by Adrian Heath’s team in the rout at Allianz Field. 

Before Saturday, Gregus’ other four assists came sparingly, with the last one coming on May 25. 

5. Ike Opara, D, Minnesota United

In his 163rd MLS regular-season game, Ike Opara recorded the first brace of his career. 

The center back, who has never scored more than three goals in a single season, was the only player to bag multiple goals for the Loons in their thrashing of MLS’ expansion side FC Cincinnati. 

There's the opener!@ikeopara gets the touch on it and @MNUFC lead. #MINvCIN pic.twitter.com/9yguifpAqm

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 29, 2019

In 15 games this season, Opara has scored on each of the three shots on goal he’s recorded, and with one more goal, he will have a new career high in strikes. 

4. Vako, M, San Jose Earthquakes

Vako turned in a pair of splendid attacking performances for the Quakes in Week 17 by scoring three goals.

The Republic of Georgia international opened his account for the week with a pair of tallies in Wednesday’s win over Houston. 

Vako with the early strike for #Quakes74! #SJvHOU pic.twitter.com/aybih4Bs8U

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 27, 2019

He followed that performance up with a goal against the Galaxy, which helped him earn MLS Player of the Week honors. 

3. Carlos Vela, F, Los Angeles FC 

May 24, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Carlos Vela (10) celebrates a goal by midfielder Latif Blessing (7) during the first half against the Montreal Impact at Banc of California Stadium. (Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports)

The king of the MLS Player Rankings has been dethroned for at least one week. 

Carlos Vela, who had his second double-digit goal and assist season locked up before the Concacaf Gold Cup break, failed to contribute to a goal in LAFC’s shutout loss to Colorado. 

Friday marked the first time since May 4 that Vela failed to play a role in a single LAFC goal. 

2. Maxi Moralez, M, New York City FC 

While we’ve been busy engulfing ourselves in international competitions, Maxi Moralez has surged up the MLS assist chart to first place. 

Moralez brought his assist total up to 11 on Saturday, when he scored twice and assisted on the other two NYCFC goals. 

9 – Maxi Moralez finished with nine goals+assists in #MLS play in the month of June, four more than any other player. Soaring. #OptaPerformersOfTheMonth #ForTheCity pic.twitter.com/sgDzz7Iy35

— OptaJack (@OptaJack) July 1, 2019

Saturday’s performance came after Moralez produced one goal and three assists against FC Cincinnati on June 6. 

1. Brian Fernandez, F, Portland Timbers 

Brian Fernandez has scored six goals in five league games for the Portland Timbers. 

Fernandez’s strike against FC Dallas, which was the lone goal of the contest, came off a thunderous shot from right outside the top of the penalty area. 

"Of course it's him!"

Brian Fernandez is on an unstoppable tear. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/IdvCaip70z

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 1, 2019

The goal against FC Dallas helped Fernandez break MLS history as the first player to score in five consecutive games to start his career. 

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 17: Fernandez, Moralez top list thanks to incredible form appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Sparks are sure to fly this Thursday when the Colorado Rapids play host to the visiting New England Revolution – and it won’t just be from the postgame fireworks.

The Fourth of July match will mark the return to Colorado for Revolution left back Edgar Castillo, who was traded to New England as part of a three-team deal which landed forward Diego Rubio in Colorado.

It was a signature move for Rapids executive vice president of operations and GM Padraig Smith, who looked to bring in proven MLS talent while lowering the overall age profile of Colorado’s roster. But it was an emotional one for fans, who had grown to embrace Castillo, and for the New Mexico native himself, who had expressed a desire to stay.

“I have love for Colorado,” Castillo told media following Monday’s training in Foxboro. “I had a great time being there for a year. Now, I’m on this side and I have to give it my all here, representing the Revolution.”

It’s easy to see why Castillo enjoyed his time in Colorado. Despite the team’s struggles and failure to make the playoffs, he experienced a breakout debut to MLS, starting all but six of the Rapids matches last season while contributing three goals and five assists.

In Colorado, Castillo was well loved by teammates as well, voted Player’s Player of the Year in the team’s end of season banquet last year. As a result, his anticipated Rapids reunion has been a welcome one.

“No, no, no,” he responded on the subject of whether or not there’s been trash talking leading up to this week’s match.  “I’ve got a couple of boys there; Timmy [Howard], Jack Price. It’s going to be a good game, and I’m looking forward to going back.”

While it was good times in Colorado for the 32-year-old, his days in New England have been different. The Revs started slow out the gate, going 2-8-2 before the eventual firing of manager Brad Friedel.

The team has struggled, but so has Castillo, who has tallied just two assists in 12 matches offensively. Defensively, he’s also been outplayed by both opponents and his younger competition at left back, including a performance which led to an early benching in a 1-1 draw with D.C. United.

Things have changed for both Colorado and New England of late since their respective coaching changes, however. Both clubs are currently riding unbeaten streaks with New England unbeaten in its last six matches and Colorado’s unbeaten streak now at eight games.

Castillo has kept an eye on Conor Casey’s resurrection of the Rapids and drew some parallels to the change in team environment New England has likewise experienced under Bruce Arena.

“[Conor Casey] is a great guy. He’s a calm guy,” Castillo explained. “That’s what you need in the locker room, like we have [in New England]. A lot of things changed here, so we feel much better. That’s how it is. That’s how they get all the results they’ve been having.”

Castillo is one to give credit where credit is due. But when the whistle blows for kickoff, the focus will be on getting a win against his former team.

“That’s good for them, but now it’s for us now going there and getting three points.”

The post Edgar Castillo looking forward to Rapids reunion as resurging Revolution visits Colorado appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Competition: MLS Market: Carlos Vela to score anytime Odds: 5/6 @ Bet 365 With their sights firmly set on clinching the Western title outright this year, LAFC will travel to Children’s Mercy Park in the early hours of Thursday. Starting with the hosts, putting in another lackluster display in their 2-0 loss away at Real Salt Lake last […]

The post Carlos Vela to score anytime against Sporting KC 5/6 in Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Carlos Vela to score anytime against Sporting KC 5/6 in Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: New York City FC win and over 1.5 goals Odds: 10/11 @ Bet 365 Looking to mount a charge up the Eastern Conference, NYCFC will welcome Seattle Sounders to Yankee Stadium in the early hours of Thursday. Starting with the hosts, putting in yet another eye-catching display and picking up an empathic 4-2 win at […]

The post New York City FC to beat Seattle Sounders and over 1.5 goals 10/11 in Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The post New York City FC to beat Seattle Sounders and over 1.5 goals 10/11 in Thursday’s MLS matchup appeared first on Soccer News.

The San Jose Earthquakes and Colorado Rapids walked away from Week 17 with statement victories that could propel them toward playoff positions. 

Just two months ago, the thought of San Jose and Colorado in the playoffs would have been snickered at by many involved with both clubs, but they have produced stunning, 180-degree turns in a short amount of time. 

Matías Almeyda has made his mark on the Quakes and built them into one of the most aesthetically pleasing sides in Major League Soccer. 

That was on display once again in Saturday’s 3-0 Cali Clasico victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, in which Vako starred in attack once again. 

With three goals and one assist in two Week 17 games against Houston and the Galaxy, Vako played a role in four of the five goals scored by the Quakes,. 

Jun 29, 2019; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Vako Kazaishvili (11) celebrates after a win against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium. (Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports)

The attacking awakening from the Republic of Georgia international is a welcome sight after he produced one goal and one assist before the Concacaf Gold Cup break. 

Since April 20, the Quakes have earned points in all but one of their 11 games and enter July on a six-game unbeaten run. 

Part of the success has to do with the scoring form of Vako and Chris Wondolowski, but Almeyda’s tactical decisions must be praised as well. 

Carving out a spot for Tommy Thompson at right back has done wonders for the American’s career, and he earned the extra reward of a goal on Saturday night. 

Colorado interim manager Conor Casey, who needs to have the “interim” tag removed, has the Rapids on a seven-game unbeaten run, and they have won three out of their past four games. 

Jun 28, 2019; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids interim head coach Conor Casey celebrates with forward Kei Kamara (23) and defender Sam Vines (13) after a match against the Los Angeles FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

Friday’s weather-delayed victory over Los Angeles FC confirmed the work Casey is doing in Colorado to clean up the mess left by Anthony Hudson.

Casey has gotten the best out of a roster that underperformed during the Hudson era, and his team has been able to win in a variety ways. 

On Friday, the Rapids’ lone goal came from Danny Wilson off a set piece. It was one of the team’s two shots on target.

Under Casey, the Rapids have earned a trio of 1-0 victories, scored three times in a pair of wins and fought to road draws in Philadelphia and Vancouver. 

Colorado’s turnaround in form has led the team up to 11th in the Western Conference, ahead of Sporting Kansas City and five points back of the final playoff position. 

While Casey is working wonders in Colorado, FC Cincinnati interim manager Yoann Damet is struggling to get results with the expansion side. 

FC Cincinnati’s defense was once again in disarray in the 7-1 thumping it received from Minnesota United on Saturday in front of a national audience. 

During its six-game losing streak, the expansion side has been outscored 24-5, with two of its tallies being own goals scored by New York City FC. 

Some of FC Cincinnati’s struggles can be linked to injuries and international absences, but the players on the field and the manager have to be held accountable for the brutal showing at Allianz Field, which allowed the Loons to break out of a three-game losing skid. 

Minnesota’s 7-1 win was the most shocking result because of the disparity in score, but the victories earned by San Jose and Colorado could be the most important from Week 17 when we look back on it in a few weeks and months. 

With MLS back in full swing, there were plenty of other talking points that caught our attention. 

Goals of the weekend

Justin Meram, Atlanta United

ARE YOU KIDDING, @JUSTINMERAM?

WHAT A GOAL.#UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/4eTrCZrNwL

— FOX Sports South (@FOXSportsSouth) June 29, 2019

Hassani Dotson, Minnesota United

HASSANI DOTSON WITH A ROCKET pic.twitter.com/q92ILQDUjR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 29, 2019

Late drama

Three teams scored goals in the 90th minute or later on Saturday, with two of them being game-winners. 

New England’s Teal Bunbury scored the first late game-winner of the night by knocking in a slow-rolling pass from Cristian Penilla past Houston’s Joe Willis. 

Teal Bunbury with the late go ahead goal! #NERevs take the lead! #NEvHOU pic.twitter.com/bjLtmTGtMk

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 30, 2019

The other game-winner came from Seattle’s Kelvin Leerdam, who saved three points for the Sounders with his right boot after a controversial call took away a strike from 16-year-old Daniel Leyva. 

AT THE DEATH! Kelvin Leerdam with the winner!!!#SEAvVAN pic.twitter.com/9VJuNhRJ51

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 30, 2019

DC United benefited from a VAR ruling to set up their game-tying goal, which was scored from the spot by Wayne Rooney. 

I’ll have one of those beer showers please! @dcunited pic.twitter.com/RAYZpO5Toq

— James Majewski (@jmajewski_) June 30, 2019

Official outrage

Once again, the MLS referees took center stage in a few key moments, and some of the top players across the league didn’t hold back with their criticism of key events in their respective matches. 

Alejandro Bedoya, who was called for a penalty in the second half of Philadelphia’s game with NYCFC, was quick to lash out on Twitter on Saturday night. 

Absolute joke of a penalty call that changed the complexion of the match.
You’d think I had hit him with an uppercut. #BroadwayIsDownTheRoad https://t.co/mIxWjaum4B

— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) June 30, 2019

Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore took time out from Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals preparation to defend his teammates for a call the Reds did not receive against DC United. 

MLS refs are some of the worst in the world. Absolutely horrible. https://t.co/XDBeERVlwQ

— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) June 30, 2019

Levya’s gorgeous goal for the Sounders was also called off after VAR ruled Vancouver goalkeeper Zac MacMath was fouled in the box. 

DANNY LEYVA GOAL. FROM DISTANCE.

SEA 1 | VAN 0 #SEAvVAN pic.twitter.com/y3PP7p866E

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) June 30, 2019

Brian Fernández, he literally scores whenever he wants

With his goal against FC Dallas on Sunday night, Portland’s Brian Fernández set a league record for the most consecutive games with a goal to start his MLS career. 

Brian Fernandez of the Portland Timbers #RCTID has scored for a fifth consecutive game to open his #MLS career, setting the league record.
Fernandez has now scored in each of his first seven games with the Timbers over all competitions, also the all-time league mark.#PORvDAL

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) July 1, 2019

Fernández now has six goals in five games. To put that into more context, 11 of the 24 teams in MLS have a leading scorer with six or fewer goals, and those players have had much more time to score on an MLS field than Fernández this season. 

Stock up, stock down

Stock way up: Diego Chará

Jun 30, 2019; Portland, OR, USA; FC Dallas midfielder Paxton Pomykal (19) is defended by Portland Timbers defender Julio Cascante (18) and midfielder Diego Chara (21) during the first half at Providence Park. (Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

While Fernández has been busy lightning nets on fire, Diego Chará has been up to his old tricks stifling opposing attackers. 

The Colombian, who is still somehow one of the most underappreciated players on a league-wide level, turned in his best performance of the season in the Week 17 nightcap at Providence Park.

With the attack firing on all cylinders and Chará in incredible form, it is going to be hard to stop the Timbers train from steaming up the Western Conference. 

Stock way down: Columbus Crew

Jun 29, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Crew SC midfielder David Guzman (right) looks for a call against Orlando City SC midfielder Oriol Rosell (20) during the second half at MAPFRE Stadium. (Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports)

Yikes. Just yikes. 

If it weren’t for FC Cincinnati’s utter competence this season, we’d be talking more about how much of a letdown the Columbus Crew have been in Caleb Porter’s first season. 

The Crew dropped a 2-0 result at home to Orlando City on Saturday to fall to 5-11-2 on the season and 4-5-2 at home. Only FC Cincinnati, Orlando and the Crew have home records below .500 in MLS. 

Since April 6, the Crew have four points from 12 games with losing streaks of two, three and five games. 

It’s not getting any easier for the Crew with Zack Steffen off to Manchester City and Gyasi Zardes and Wil Trapp likely out for two more games due to international duty. 

Stock up: The Bruce Arena Revs

Jun 26, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Revolution head coach Bruce Arena reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Gillette Stadium. (Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports)

New England got four points out of two home games in Week 17, but it is trending in the right direction with Bruce Arena righting the ship.

The Revs battled until the end on Saturday to knock off Houston and extend their unbeaten run to six games. 

With Arena turning the team around and three points separating them from the last playoff spot in the East, the Revs have a real chance to resurrect their season by sneaking into the postseason. 

Stock down: DC’s home form 

Jun 29, 2019; Washington, DC, USA; D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodriguez (11) leaps to pass the ball as Toronto FC midfielder Jay Chapman (14) defends in the first half at Audi Field. The game finished a 1-1 draw. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

DC United just finished a four-game home stand at Audi Field with one win and three draws. 

In an Eastern Conference where the margins are so incredibly thin, the Black-and-Red did themselves no favors by settling for draws with Chicago, San Jose and Toronto, the last of which occurred on Saturday. 

At the end of the season, poor runs of form like this get remembered as the difference-makers in the standings. A win on Saturday would have put United in first place ahead of the Union, who suffered their own let down against New York City FC.

Stock down: Sergio Santos

Jun 8, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Union forward Sergio Santos (17) and New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan (6) battle for the ball during the first half at Talen Energy Stadium. (Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports)

Sergio Santos came into the Union this offseason with plenty of intrigue because of his scoring prowess in South America. 

The Brazilian has one goal in his past eight games, and even more concerning is the one shot on goal he’s managed during that stretch.

With Andrew Wooten set to enter the squad on July 9, Santos’ playing time could evaporate, if it doesn’t already in two games against Orlando this week. 

The post MLS Week 17 Weekend Review: Quakes, Rapids earn statement victories appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Brian Fernandez broke an MLS record to lead the Portland Timbers to a 1-0 win over Dallas on Sunday. Fernandez scored for the fifth straight game to begin his MLS career, setting the record for the longest such streak. The Argentinian only joined Portland in May and has six goals in five MLS games and […]

The post Portland Timbers 1 Dallas 0: Fernandez scores again to break MLS record appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Portland Timbers 1 Dallas 0: Fernandez scores again to break MLS record appeared first on Soccer News.

Wayne Rooney says Louis van Gaal is the best coach he has worked with in his career, rather than Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson. Rooney and Ferguson did not always have the smoothest relationship at Old Trafford, although the striker became the world’s most expensive teenager when the Scot signed him for United in 2004. […]

The post Rooney snubs Ferguson: Van Gaal the best coach I worked with appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Rooney snubs Ferguson: Van Gaal the best coach I worked with appeared first on Soccer News.

LA Galaxy were well beaten in the California Clasico in MLS on Saturday, while Minnesota United thrashed Cincinnati 7-1. Looking to capitalise on Los Angeles FC’s shock loss to the Colorado Rapids, Galaxy went down to the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 at Stanford Stadium. Valeri Qazaishvili’s 20-yard strike gave San Jose an 11th-minute lead and […]

The post MLS Review: Galaxy lose California Clasico, Minnesota thrash Cincinnati appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Galaxy lose California Clasico, Minnesota thrash Cincinnati appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: Wayne Rooney to score anytime Odds: 4/5 @ Bet 365 Still with their sights set on clinching the Western Conference outright this season, Wayne Rooney’s DC United will welcome Toronto to Audi Field on Sunday. Starting with the hosts, with Wayne Rooney scoring the only goal from inside his own half to help DC United […]

The post Wayne Rooney 4/5 to score anytime against Toronto in Sunday’s MLS battle appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Wayne Rooney 4/5 to score anytime against Toronto in Sunday’s MLS battle appeared first on Soccer News.

Competition: MLS Market: Both teams to score Odds: 4/5 @ Bet 365 Two sides who have a growing reputation for their high-scoring encounters, a struggling Seattle will welcome Vancouver to CenturyLink Field on Sunday. Starting with the hosts, after crashing out of the US Open Cup at the hands of Portland earlier in the month, Seattle are a […]

The post Both teams to score at Seattle Sounders vs Vancouver Whitecaps 4/5 for Sunday’s MLS clash appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Both teams to score at Seattle Sounders vs Vancouver Whitecaps 4/5 for Sunday’s MLS clash appeared first on Soccer News.

Los Angeles FC’s unbeaten run was ended with a shock loss to the Colorado Rapids in MLS, while the New York Red Bulls enjoyed a win on Friday. Leaders of the Western Conference, LAFC had their 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions come to an end with a 1-0 loss to the struggling Rapids in […]

The post MLS Review: Rapids end Los Angeles FC´s unbeaten run appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Rapids end Los Angeles FC´s unbeaten run appeared first on Soccer News.

Los Angeles FC’s unbeaten run was ended with a shock loss to the Colorado Rapids in MLS, while the New York Red Bulls enjoyed a win on Friday. Leaders of the Western Conference, LAFC had their 10-match unbeaten streak in all competitions come to an end with a 1-0 loss to the struggling Rapids in […]

The post MLS Review: Rapids end Los Angeles FC´s unbeaten run appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Rapids end Los Angeles FC´s unbeaten run appeared first on Soccer News.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Following a 27-day Gold Cup break, lead leaders LAFC made the trip to face a hot Colorado Rapids team as both sides looked to extend their unbeaten runs.

By night’s end, Colorado earned the 1-0 win by virtue of a second half goal from centerback Danny Wilson, handing the visitors their second loss of 2019. The result extended Colorado’s unbeaten streak to seven games, while LAFC’s unbeaten run ended at eight games.

“Just a great performance,” said Rapids interim head coach Conor Casey. “We were going against a really great team tonight and they showed their resiliency.”

Facing the league-leading offense with 39 goals scored and led by MLS Golden Boot leader Carlos Vela, Colorado opted for a defensive look with Jack Price and Danny Wilson starting deep in the midfield to shield the backline.

“We took a good look at LA and we saw that teams would start the game compact and when they spread out, they would get hurt. We wanted to be compact for the entire game,” Casey explained.

It was a strategy which proved to be effective as LAFC was held to just two shots in the opening half with none on target, despite holding nearly 64 percent possession before the break.

Offensively, the Rapids had limited opportunities with just three shots in the first half. Their most dangerous chance came in the 21st minute, but the header from Lalas Abubakar floated well above the crossbar.

Colorado nearly went in front to open the second half as Andre Shinyashiki’s shot from the left side of the box was deflected just outside the far post for a corner.

On the ensuing corner, the Rapids did take the lead, however. Price’s corner found the head of Wilson to give Colorado the opening goal and the 1-0 lead.

Shortly after the goal, the match was postponed on a one-hour lightning delay.

At the resumation of the match in the 52nd minute, both teams opted for attacking substitutions as Nicolas Mezquida came into the match for Colorado while Adrien Perez entered the match for LAFC.

“With the break we wanted to use that time to prepare and get a player in there,” said Casey. “But it didn’t really affect us at all.”

The move from Bob Bradley nearly led to an equalizer for the visitors as Perez had a golden opportunity in the 71st minute, but his shot went over the crossbar.

Despite a continued offensive onslaught from LAFC, Rapids goalkeeper came up big with three saves – all after the rain delay – preserving the win for Colorado.

Now with 19 points on the season, the result kept Colorado within striking distance of the seventh and final playoff spot, currently held by Minnesota United (21 points).

Colorado will now turn its focus to its annual Fourth of July match, hosting New England next Thursday (9 p.m. ET). LAFC continues its two-game road trip with a trip to face Sporting Kansas City next Wednesday (9 p.m. ET).

The post Colorado downs high-powered LAFC, extends unbeaten streak to seven games. appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.