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It was an abbreviated schedule in Week 4 with only 10 of Major League Soccer’s 24 teams competing during the FIFA international window. But there was still plenty of movement in the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings.

The biggest movers in Week 4 were FC Cincinnati, which jumped five spots after extending an unbeaten streak to three games with their first MLS road, a 2-0 victory over the New England Revolution. The Philadelphia Union made a plus-four jump after a convincing 3-0 win over Columbus Crew SC.

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

Pro Soccer USA’s writers Dylan Butler, Robert Jonas and Joe Tansey contributed to this report

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 4: FC Cincinnati cracks the top 10 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

FC Cincinnati continued their solid start to life in MLS with a 2-0 victory away to winless New England Revolution on Sunday, moving them up to second in the Eastern Conference. The Revolution were hoping to get their season kick-started after two defeats and a draw in their first three games left them bottom of […]

The post New England Revolution 0 FC Cincinnati 2: Saief-inspired visitors up to second appeared first on Soccer News.

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A slow start and waves of possession by FC Dallas led to a first half goal from Michael Barrios led to the hosts entering halftime with a 1-0 lead over the visiting Colorado Rapids. But a 69th minute equalizer from Rapids centerback Tommy Smith leveled the match at 1-1 as Colorado looked poised to gain a road point. The Rapids’ efforts were thwarted, however, as a late goal by Ryan Hollingshead in the 82nd minute salvaged a 2-1 win for Dallas.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 loss to FC Dallas.

Shinyashiki hits the fan

Due to the absence of Diego Rubio due to international duty, Andre Shinyashiki, the Rapids’ early MLS Rookie of the Year candidate made his first MLS start on Saturday, and in large part looked like a comfortable and confident part of the Rapids’ attack, despite only serving a reserve role thus far.

Despite a lethargic start to the match for Colorado, Shinyashiki was able to create for the Rapids including this on-target effort in the 21st minute which would’ve put Colorado ahead early. He followed that up with another on-target effort four minutes later.

Of the Rapids four on-target opportunities, Shinyashiki accounted for half.

“I think it was a good performance although we didn’t get the result we wanted,” Shinyashiki said postgame. “The team played well for long stretches of the game. We gave up two goals which makes it hard for us especially on an away game. But overall the team did well, and we should build from it.”

Rapids on the mend

Saturday’s game was positive in that it saw two players that have been out since preseason with injuries make their 2019 regular season debuts for Colorado.

Centerback Tommy Smith (knee) made his return to the starting XI for the Rapids and had a tangible impact on the game with what would be Colorado’s lone goal of the match in the 69th minute. Defensively, Smith put in a solid effort with six clearances and four recoveries, to go along with a tackle high up the pitch in the 72nd minute.

“It’s great to be back out there, but obviously very disappointed with the result of the match,” Smith said of the performance, adding, “I knew the ball was in and I was 99% confident it had crossed the line. To be honest I’d give up any goal that I’ve scored to get three points because it’s so disheartening after. We know we started quite slowly today but in the second half we got on top and when we got the equalizer. It felt like we were going to be the team to go on and win but it’s a bit of a kick in the teeth it didn’t happen for us.”

The Rapids also gained an attacking option with the return of Sam Nicholson (back) who substituted into the match in the 81st minute. Nicholson had a shot blocked in extra time which would have potentially leveled the match.

Time to Panic?

The short answer is, no. In a lengthy 34-game MLS season, it’s still early days for the Colorado Rapids and other clubs looking to stake their claim at a playoff spot.

Colorado’s fanbase is concerned, and perhaps rightfully so, given the Rapids’ historic performances over the past few seasons.

Two main concerns right now are the Rapids’ home form and late game lapses.

In two home matches, in which they went down a man and failed to secure wins, dropping a potential four points in the process. Given the structure of MLS in general, and the fact that Colorado only won once away last season, home points will be crucial to any goal of making the playoffs for Anthony Hudson’s team.

In the past two matches against Sporting KC and FC Dallas, Colorado has dropped a potential three points by giving up late goals. It’s a concern given the similarity to how the team performed early on last season. But with lessons to be learned and players returning from injury, hopefully it’s an issue that can be corrected.

If Colorado wins its home match against third-placed Houston next week, it would do well to calm the nerves of those invested in the club. But another loss or failure to gain all three points at home will only raise the volume of criticisms.

The post Tommy Smith’s return and other takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 loss at FC Dallas appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Los Angeles FC moved top of the Western Conference in MLS after a dramatic win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Walker Zimmerman scored a stunning 92nd-minute winner to see LA edge a 10-man Real Salt Lake 2-1 at the Banc of California Stadium. The result saw Bob Bradley’s side move onto 10 points through […]

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

Los Angeles FC moved top of the Western Conference in MLS after a dramatic win over Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Walker Zimmerman scored a stunning 92nd-minute winner to see LA edge a 10-man Real Salt Lake 2-1 at the Banc of California Stadium. The result saw Bob Bradley’s side move onto 10 points through […]

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Zimmerman stunner sends Los Angeles top appeared first on Soccer News.

Last winter, he was announced as one of the most interesting signings in the league. When Toronto signed Gregory van der Wiel, he was joining the current champions of MLS Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield and US Open Cup, but nothing in the end worked out as well as the two sides had hoped for. Toronto […]

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After being traded from his hometown FC Dallas in July 2018, Kellyn Acosta is finally getting acclimated to life in Colorado.

That includes adjusting from life in downtown compared to the spread out suburbs in the Dallas Fort-Worth area. Acosta wants to continue learning about his new home, planning cities to visit within the state.

“It’s different,” Acosta told Pro Soccer USA during a phone interview.  “I grew up in the suburbs and did all my stuff in the suburbs and now I’m in downtown. Finding a parking spot is a little bit tough. Every little thing that you don’t think about is a lot tougher living her in downtown. Knowing the area, trying to find spots to go because I had my go-to spots in Frisco to eat, to shop, to do whatever. Now, I ask around; where should I go, what should I do. I’m gonna go here, now I need the maps to get to and from places. That’s a challenge, but it’s exciting. It’s been cool getting to know Denver and traveling around.”

He will have some more time to explore after signing an extension with the Colorado Rapids in February, locking up a three-year contract alongside Diego Rubio and Keegan Rosenberry. Under EVP and General Manager Padraig Smith, the Rapids have acquired new pieces in hopes of revamping the team that was second to last in the Western Conference. Acosta said he believes in Smith’s vision, which led him to agree to a new deal.

“They gave me the opportunity to be here and they have complete belief in me,” Acosta said. “The way they structured the team, it gave me a positive feeling for the future. This is an environment that has been growing and I want to be part of the future of it.”

Part of the change Smith wants to bring is the signing of homegrown players. Smith signed midfielder Cole Bassett to an HG deal last season and added Sam Raben and Matt Hundley this past offseason. Acosta is used to being around homegrowns, being apart of the FC Dallas academy. He was a model for those players in the academy and hopes to continue that with the Rapids.

“My story can be an example to those guys, for guys like Cole, coming through the academy and playing on the youth national team,” Acosta said. “The sky’s the limit. I can help them in many ways because I’ve been in their situation. I’ve been in their shoes. I know what it takes. I know it’s tough and hard and it’s a battle everyday, just to get on the bench and it’s even a harder balance to get on the field. I’m trying to help those guys as much as possible, I’m always here and it helps when you have a guy like Tim here where he’s played at the highest level for so many years. I guess I’m an easier guy to talk to, where I’m kind of closer in age. Times have changed, but like I said, I’m just trying to use my story to help benefit those guys in the long run.”

Acosta has been growing the chemistry with his new teammates, who have had some early moments to come together. The team came back to tie Portland twice down a man in the snow for a 3-3 draw. A gritty performance against Sporting Kansas City saw them take the lead first before allowing a late Johnny Russell free kick for a 1-1 result. 

“It helps when you have guys on your team that are very personable,” Acosta said. “They’re easy to get along with. Coming in, I knew the quality that Kei, Diego, Nico, Benny, and Keegan bring to the table. For me, my biggest thing was for us to be successful, I need to connect with those guys right away. Whether it was getting to know them off the field, knowing what their habits are on the field, knowing where they want the ball.”

“I’ve been trying to adjust my game so I can bring out the best of myself and bring out the best in them. You lump it up to the big boy Kei, get it to Benny’s feet, get Diego in front of goal, help Keegan defend all those things. As the season goes on, we’ll get more chemistry and get more acclimated with each other and it will be a great partnership in the making.”

The Rapids last playoff appearance came in 2016 under Pablo Mastroeni. Acosta wants to help change the culture, as the Rapids have been cellar dwellers during last two seasons. He doesn’t want the Rapids to surprise people. He wants them to be competitive week in and week out.

“We’re changing how people view us as a team,” Acosta said. “We don’t want to be viewed as a team that you don’t know what’s gonna happen with us, either we’re gonna be good or bad. We’re going to be a team that’s going to be consistently good. That’s obviously going to take playing well during the season. We want to change the way how people judge us and right now, we can defiantly do better now but like I said, we’re trying change how people view us.”

The post Kellyn Acosta hoping to change perception of Rapids across MLS appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

“There’s lots of players who could come over and be very successful here. Paul Pogba, Marcus Rashford, players like that. I know Pogba loves coming to the States – his brother is here. So I’m sure he’d be a great signing for anyone”. Those are the words of former Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney, who […]

The post Rooney: Pogba loves the United States appeared first on Soccer News.

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Major League Soccer is no stranger to playing through FIFA international windows.

Every season, the issue of missing players comes up during a shortened slate of games, and Week 4 is no different than that. 

This is just the first of many international windows MLS is going to have to play through with the regular season trimmed by a month to accommodate the new playoff format, which was established with the October and November international breaks in mind. 

In 2019, MLS sides have to deal with regular international absences, participation of its players in May’s U20 World Cup in Poland and stars away for the knockout round of the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup. 

This is nothing new for MLS teams, and given how much depth each team boasts at the start of each season, it should be something all of the league’s clubs should be used to dealing with by now. 

Of course, some international windows are going to hit teams harder than others, but most can prepare for games during the international break by planning weeks in advance and being in direct communication with federations. 

Albert Rusnak, Wil Trapp, Gyasi Zardes, Carlos Gruezo, Andre Blake and Kemar Lawrence are among the stars absent from their club’s Week 4 games, but we aren’t devoid of any star power in MLS this weekend, as Carlos Vela is still with LAFC and Bradley Wright-Phillips will once again lead the line for the New York Red Bulls.

Since there are only five games in Week 4, you have a good opportunity to take a look at some teams you may not have paid attention to over the first three weeks. 

Week 4 Schedule

Colorado Rapids at FC Dallas (Saturday, 5:45 p.m. ET, UniMas) 

Orlando City at New York Red Bulls (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Columbus Crew at Philadelphia Union (Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Real Salt Lake at Los Angeles FC (Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

FC Cincinnati at New England Revolution (Sunday, 4 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Player to Watch

Brenden Aaronson, M, Philadelphia Union

The latest Homegrown Player to take the field for the Philadelphia Union impressed in his debut at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Week 3.

Brenden Aaronson, who received plenty of praise in preseason from the Union’s staff, was the club’s brightest attacker in Week 3 against Atlanta United, and he was rewarded for his efforts with a goal. 

Now with Marco Fabian suspended another game from his Week 2 red card, Aaronson has an opportunity to shine in front of the home crowd at Talen Energy Stadium.

The 18-year-old isn’t just a must-watch player for Philadelphia fans, as he’ll make a push to be one of the stars of the next U20 World Cup cycle. Even if he marvels in his next few games, Aaronson is seen as a long shot to make the 2019 U20 World Cup because most of that squad is already set. 

The pressure will be on Aaronson to thrive in the final third, as the Union are without Fabian, Cory Burke and Sergio Santos, which leaves Aaronson, Fafa Picault and David Accam as the likely starting attacking combination in Jim Curtin’s lineup. 

Matchup to Watch 

Kellyn Acosta, Colorado Rapids vs. Paxton Pomykal, FC Dallas

The top individual storyline from Week 4 comes from Colorado’s visit to FC Dallas, as Kellyn Acosta makes his first appearance at Toyota Stadium since he was traded to the Rapids. 

Acosta is expected to once again spearhead the Colorado midfield, and he’ll do so against a depleted FC Dallas midfield. 

With Carlos Gruezo and Bryan Acosta away on international duty, Paxton Pomykal should have plenty of run-ins with the former FC Dallas player on Saturday. 

Acosta and Pomykal might not go directly at each other on every play, but both will be tasked with creating scoring chances through the middle of the park, and whichever player does it best could leave the field with three points. 

Fantasy Player to Watch 

Carlos Vela, F, LAFC 

If you don’t have Carlos Vela in your fantasy lineup, go add him now. 

The LAFC forward, who has three goals and two assists in three games, is going up against a Real Salt Lake defense that conceded five times on its travels in Week 3 against D.C. United. 

Since RSL will be lacking some bite in its attack without Corey Baird, Albert Rusnak and Sam Johnson, it’ll likely sit back and defend in an attempt to get out of Banc of California as unscathed as possible. 

However, the Claret and Cobalt could be in for a rough night with LAFC’s attack looking strong and Bob Bradley’s side in search of revenge from its playoff exit at the hands of Mike Petke’s side. 

The post MLS Week 4 Preview: Navigating through the international break appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – At just 24-years-old, Colorado Rapids Homegrown Dillon Serna has all the marks of a grizzled veteran. He stands as the longest tenured player currently on the Rapids roster. His 91 appearances in Burgundy also mark the most for any current Rapids player.

But through seven seasons and three different head coaches, Serna has been unable to carve a steady role for himself in the starting XI, taking on a variety of roles including exciting young talent, midfielder of the future, dynamic super sub and depth spot starter.

Last season, he took on more defensive responsibilities than years past as one of a number of players then first-year Rapids head coach tried to insert at right back. Hungry for minutes, Serna was happy to oblige.

“I’ve played a few different positions,” Serna reflected in an interview with Pro Soccer USA. “That’s a strength of mine, but at the end of the day I want to be on the field. No matter what position I’m playing in, I’m happy to help the team.”

The experiments at right back didn’t go well for Colorado, who opted to go for a proven MLS right back by adding Keegan Rosenberry in the offseason. But as the Rapids approached the start of a new campaign in 2019, the opposite end of the pitch still had questions. Homegrown defender Sam Vines went down early with a preseason quad injury. Deklan Wynne, who was also expected to compete at left back, was slotted to the middle as Colorado dealt with numerous centerback injuries. With plans A, B and C out the window, Hudson again looked to Serna for help, asking him to fill in at left back.

In this new role, Serna has managed an excellent start to the 2019 season. Defensively, he’s averaged 4.66 recoveries and three clearances per match in each of his three appearances for Colorado while also pitching in three tackles, two interceptions and a blocked shot across those games. It’s not bad defensive work for a player who’d been previously known for highlight reel goals and who primarily plies his trade in the midfield.

“I’m surprised,” Hudson said of Serna’s transition. “I mean it respectfully, but I’m shocked as to how well he’s taken to it. He’s really grasped the opportunity and he’s getting the rewards for it.”

No one is hungrier for the Rapids to achieve success than Serna. A native of nearby Brighton, Colo., he grew up watching and going to Rapids games. But despite his lengthy tenure with the club, he’s never appeared in a playoff game. The closest he came to seeing postseason minutes came in 2016, but when that team made the playoffs, Serna was sidelined with a mid-summer knee injury which sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He reflects on those experiences as setting the tone to be the matured player he is now.

“I think I’ve grown a lot,” Serna said. “The injury was a big part of that, being out for 10 months. That was our most successful year and I wasn’t a part of that run towards the end of the season, so that was hard for me.”

This season feels different, however. Serna wants to do everything he can to push the Rapids back to the postseason.

“Success is definitely huge for me,” he said. “This year we’ve got a great group of guys and a lot of winners on this team. We got some big-time players so this year is going to be massive for us to make a serious run and be in the playoffs.”

For Anthony Hudson, it’s not just the big names like Kei Kamara, Benny Feilhaber and Tim Howard who are important to the Rapids’ success. He believes that Homegrowns like Serna, Kortne Ford and Cole Bassett are a critical part to the club’s culture and future success.

“What’s important for me and the club is that we build a core of players from the area, from Colorado and know what it means to represent Colorado and understand the fans,” Hudson explained. “The dream for me is to build a core of players that know what it means to represent the club and the shirt. I want these guys to be more vocal, in the locker room and on the pitch, because the reality is it’s their club.”

Serna’s maturation has extended off the field as well. In the offseason, he made the decision to tie the knot with his longtime fiancée Paige. In his downtime, he doesn’t spend hours playing FIFA like other 24-year-olds, instead opting for quiet time in the outdoors.

When it’s time to work, it’s “back to business” as he says in his own words. In an effort to improve at left back, he’s studied film, trying to learn opposing attacker’s tendencies. He hopes that this continued focus and steady improvement will not just lead the Rapids to greener pastures, but himself as well. Like other U.S. Men’s National Team players before him, such as DaMarcus Beasley and more recently, Tyler Adams, he hopes the transition from midfielder to wingback can open more doors for international call-ups.

“I’ve always wanted to get back with the National Team,” said Serna “I was called up to the 2015 January camp and haven’t been back since, so I think that’s a goal. I think the left back position is definitely one where if I continue to do well, that’s a real possibility for me to get called back into a January camp.”

Hudson thinks the best is yet to come from the young and newly minted left back.

“I still think he’s got loads of improvement and he’s got bigger performances in him. Dillon is an exciting player and suits how we want to play. He shows real energy going forward, he’s got a good left foot, he’s the type of player on the pitch that you want. If he keeps progressing and learning the role, he’s got bigger performances in him.”

The post Dillon Serna’s rise at left back could open doors to Rapids success and USMNT future appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Major League Soccer released details Thursday about the 2019 Generation adidas Cup, which will feature MLS academy and international youth teams.

The GA Cup will take place at the Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco, Texas, home of FC Dallas, from April 13-20. This year marks the 12th year of the annual under-17 youth tournament. 

The tournament will include 32 teams — the largest field in Generation adidas Cup history — 21 of those coming from MLS academies. Participants in the U-17 Championship division include academies from FC Dallas, LA Galaxy, Montreal Impact, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC, and the Seattle Sounders. 

MLS will also continue growing its relationship with Mexico’s Liga MX by debuting a U-15 tournament that pits the two leagues against each other. LAFC, New York Red Bulls, Philadelphia Union and Toronto FC will send their U-15 sides to play against four Liga MX sides, with each team playing the opposing league once. The final will take the best Liga MX side against the best MLS side.

“The Generation adidas Cup is a world-class competition that offers MLS Academy teams the opportunity to compete against some of the most talented youth players across the globe. With the addition of more international clubs, we are excited to see the most competitive iteration of the tournament yet,” MLS executive vice president of competition and player relations Todd Durbin said in a statement. “This year’s introduction of the new U-15 tournament against Liga MX clubs enhances a growing partnership that bolsters the sport across North America on and off the pitch.”

The tournament will also be a hub for coaches, who will converge from across the world to participate in an education symposium and lectures.

“The industry-leading partnership between adidas and Major League Soccer continues to drive the evolution of player development in North America through the growth and success of programs like the Generation adidas Cup,” Aaron Maines, director of soccer sports marketing for adidas, said in a statement. “With MLS academy teams participating, along with renowned international clubs, the Generation adidas Cup provides a world class platform for North America’s best players to measure themselves.”

All 21 MLS U-17 academies competed in two regional qualifying events from October 2018 to February 2019. The top eight MLS clubs advanced and will play in the Championship Division of the GA Cup, where they will face eight international opponents. The remaining 13 MLS clubs will play in the Premier Division against a field of seven international sides.

Similarly, MLS U-15 teams played qualification rounds and the top four teams advanced to the U-15 division competition against Liga MX teams.

U-17 Championship Division – MLS Participants

FC Dallas
LA Galaxy
Montreal Impact
New York City FC
New York Red Bulls
Real Salt Lake
Seattle Sounders FC
Toronto FC
 
U-17 Premier Division – MLS Participants

Atlanta United
Chicago Fire
Colorado Rapids
Columbus Crew SC
D.C. United
Houston Dynamo
Sporting Kansas City
New England Revolution
Orlando City SC
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
San Jose Earthquakes
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
 
U-15 Division – MLS Participants

Los Angeles Football Club
New York Red Bulls
Philadelphia Union
Toronto FC

The post Generation adidas Cup: MLS academies, Liga MX teams to compete in expanded 2019 tournament appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

New York City were in desperate need to find replacements for David Villa, after the Spaniard left the club and moved to Japan. There was never going to be an easy way to replace him, but after Alexandru Mitrita joined from Universitatea Craiova from Romania, now another signing has arrived, this time from Croatia. Brazilian […]

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