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Los Angeles FC continued their strong start to the MLS season, while Atlanta United were held on Sunday. Bob Bradley’s LA made it two wins from two with a 4-1 thrashing of the Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium. Mark-Anthony Kaye, Christian Ramirez, Adama Diomande and Carlos Vela scored in a comprehensive victory. […]

The post MLS Review: Los Angeles thrash Timbers, Atlanta held appeared first on Soccer News.

The post MLS Review: Los Angeles thrash Timbers, Atlanta held appeared first on Soccer News.

SEATTLE – A lightning-fast start from the Seattle Sounders was too much for the Colorado Rapids to handle at CenturyLink Field Saturday. The Sounders knocked in two goals in the first eight minutes—the fastest brace in club history—in front of a crowd of 37,725 in a 2-0 home win.

“That was a pretty tremendous opening 10 minutes,” Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said. “They were up for the game. They were fast, they played fast. The quality of our goals, of some of our play was tremendous.”

The first strike came in the fifth minute. A cross from Brad Smith rattled off defenders and attackers alike before Kelvin Leerdam slammed a loose rebound home. Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard appeared to argue with referee Baldomero Toledo that he had been interfered with in the scrum, but Toledo let the goal stand.

Leerdam said the improvement comes now that he is fully healthy.

“Last year, I was not fit. Last year, I had six assists. I was happy with that, but you always try to give your team more, and when you feel that you’re body isn’t right, that always sticks in the back of your head. I feel happy. My family is here now. I feel good.”

Seattle scored again three minutes later, when Victor Rodriguez found Raul Ruidiaz open in the box after a long ball up the field had been trapped by Jordan Morris. The second goal broke Seattle’s previous record for the fastest in a match the club has scored twice. Clint Dempsey and Marco Pappa had previously put Seattle 2-0 up over Real Salt Lake on the final day of the regular season in 2015.

The Rapids searched for an opening goal, but couldn’t find the back of the net. A volley from Jack Price sliced just over the crossbar in the 40th minute, and a Diego Rubio low rocket went wide of the post in the 67th.

In the late stages of the game, Seattle focused on dominating possession, finishing with an average of 81.2 percent possession over the final 15 minutes of play. Schmetzer brought on centerback Roman Torres as a third centerback as Seattle still managed to find opportunities in the final third.

“I was pleased that I could find some minutes for Roman,” Schmetzer said. “When I brought Roman on we were playing 5-2-3. Brad (Smith) was getting forward,  Leerdam was getting forward. We’ve got experienced centerbacks. It’s actually an attacking formation when the game is going in your favor. We can get our outside guys higher up the field and with Nico (Lodeiro) and Harry (Shipp) pinching in we can create some chances.”

The match was zealously refereed by Toledo, who handed out seven yellow cards on 32 fouls.

Colorado outshot the hosts a slim 15-13, but could only force three saves out of Sounders keeper Stefan Frei, who kept the club’s first clean sheet of the season.

The Sounders won their first two matches of the season for the first time since 2012, when the club won seven of its first nine matches. While still early, the mark may serve as an important measure for a club that has developed a reputation for slow starts in league play in recent years.

The post Record fast start for Seattle Sounders freezes Colorado Rapids appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

LA Galaxy suffered their first loss of the MLS season, while Minnesota United maintained their perfect start on Saturday. Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was sidelined due to an Achilles injury, Galaxy went down to Dallas 2-0 in Texas. Reto Ziegler’s 53rd-minute penalty gave Dallas the lead and their win was sealed by Bryan Acosta, who […]

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At some point in the near future, fans will rise for an extended ovation and praise will come in from all over social media to celebrate San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski.

Wondolowski is one goal away from tying Landon Donovan’s all-time scoring record of 145 goals, and Wondo’s recent success against Minnesota United suggests he’ll receive plenty of chances to reach the mark Saturday night when the Quakes host the Loons at 8 p.m. ET.

In his four regular-season games against the Loons, Wondolowski has two goals and four assists, including a goal and an assist off the bench on May 12, 2018 at TCF Bank Stadium. 

Wondo Watch has taken a back seat to all of the new additions made by larger clubs throughout MLS, but pause for a second to admire the success of an MLS 1.0 player in the MLS 3.0 era. 

Unfortunately, Wondolowski’s name will always be associated with his miss against Belgium at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but all he’s done since is consistently score in double digits for San Jose.

Wondolowski has scored in double digits every season since 2010, and until last season, he was tied for the most goals in a single season for the 27 he netted in 2012.

What’s even more remarkable about Wondolowski is that if he breaks the record in the first half of the MLS season, which is likely, he’ll reach 145 goals quicker than Donovan.

Donovan scored his 145th and final MLS goal in his 336th-career game. Wondolowski will be playing in his 329th-career match Saturday. Wondolowski’s also made fewer starts than Donovan, who recorded 315 starts in his career. If he finds himself in Matias Almeyda’s starting XI on Saturday, Wondolowski will make his 280th-career start. 

Saturday would be a perfect night for Wondolowski to at least tie the all-time scoring mark since he’ll be at home, has had some success against the Loons, Minnesota gave up a pair of goals on the road in Week 1, and the game is the only one in its time slot Saturday. 

Of course, the dream scenario would be for Wondo to break the record on a nationally-televised Saturday afternoon game at Red Bull Arena in Week 3, but why wait if he can find the back of the net twice on Saturday.

Regardless of when he breaks the record, Wondolowski deserves the appreciation coming his way after being lost in the shuffle of new acquisitions and being the butt of Twitter jokes (admit it, you’ve all made the Wondo joke at least once).

Week 2 Schedule

Saturday, March 9

Orlando City at Chicago Fire (1 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Columbus Crew at New England Revolution (2 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

LA Galaxy at FC Dallas (3:30 p.m. ET, Univision)

Montreal Impact at Houston Dynamo (5 p.m. ET, TVA Sport, ESPN+)

Vancouver Whitecaps at Real Salt Lake (6 p.m. ET, TSN1, ESPN+)

Minnesota United at San Jose Earthquakes (8 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

Colorado Rapids at Seattle Sounders (10 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

Sunday, March 10

Philadelphia Union at Sporting Kansas City (3 p.m. ET, ESPN+)

D.C. United at New York City FC (3 p.m. ET, ESPN+) 

FC Cincinnati at Atlanta United (5 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Portland Timbers at LAFC (7:30 p.m. ET, FS1) 

Player to Watch 

Michael Barrios, F, FC Dallas

FC Dallas has the offensive weapons in place to give the LA Galaxy its first true defensive test under Guillermo Barros Schelotto. 

The three-pronged attack, led by Michael Barrios, should be able to stretch the Galaxy defense and force them into tough situations.

Barrios scored the club’s lone goal in Week 1 against the New England Revolution, and he’ll try to extend his scoring run to two games against a Galaxy defense that didn’t look perfect against the Fire. 

The success of Barrios is important to FC Dallas because the club is looking for a consistent scorer to step up and fill the void left by the offseason trade of Maxi Urruti to the Montreal Impact. 

Matchup to Watch 

Sebastian Blanco and Diego Valeri (Portland) vs. Eduard Atuesta and Mark-Anthony Kaye (LAFC)

The midfield matchup in Sunday’s Week 2 finale at Banc of California Stadium is as good as they come in MLS. 

Sebastian Blanco and Diego Valeri are two of the most dynamic attackers, and they’ve formed a chemistry in the Portland midfield that makes them incredibly hard to stop.

Enter Eduard Atuesta and Mark-Anthony Kaye from LAFC, who will be tasked with limiting the production of the Portland duo. 

Atuesta had one of the better Week 1 performances of any defensive-minded player, and he’s capable of stopping Portland’s attack while springing one of LAFC’s marches down the field. 

Whichever duo wins the midfield battle on Sunday night should lead their team to three points in an early crucial matchup for playoff seeding out in the Western Conference. 

Best MLS Fantasy Option

Przemyslaw Frankowski, M, Chicago Fire

If you need a reason to tune into the first two hours of Saturday’s marathon schedule, here’s one courtesy of the Chicago Fire attack. 

Midfielder Przemyslaw Frankowski showed some bright spurts in the Fire’s loss to the LA Galaxy, and with Orlando City’s defense coming to SeatGeek Park, he has an opportunity in front of him to use his pace to frustrate the Lions full backs. 

The 23-year-old Polish playmaker contributed three key passes in his 55 touches in Week 1, and with Nemanja Nikolic and C.J. Sapong up top to feed to, Frankowski should receive plenty of opportunities to produce scoring opportunities. 

Bold Prediction

Houston, Sporting KC, Atlanta Rebound From CCL Losses With Victories

Three of the four MLS teams still alive in the Concacaf Champions League take to the field this weekend, with the New York Red Bulls taking the weekend off. 

Houston, Sporting Kansas City and Atlanta United have favorable home matchups in Week 2 against weaker opposition. 

The Dynamo may not be at full strength since they have to take the trip down to Mexico to face Tigres on Wednesday, but they do have plenty of attacking depth to consistently challenge the Impact. 

Sporting KC rested a few of their starting attackers on Wednesday night, which could lead to an onslaught against Philadelphia before in preparation for Independiente’s visit to Blue Hell on Thursday. 

Atlanta United takes on FC Cincinnati on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and even though the Five Stripes might not be a full strength with an eye on Wednesday’s home clash with Monterrey, they should produce a stellar performance against the expansion side in front of a raucous home crowd. 

The post MLS Week 2 preview: Wondo Watch, big clash in West and more appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

DENVER – Scoring on his debut for the Colorado Rapids last weekend against Portland, Kei Kamara proved he’s still one of the best soccer players around. But in a twist of fate, it was his childhood love for another sport which set the tone for his move to Colorado.

“When I was younger, when I first moved to the U.S., I was really big into skateboarding,” Kamara told ProSoccer USA. “I followed it a little bit in the Tony Hawk days. Rodney Mullan was one of the other people I followed and I used to go to events and just watch. I roller skated and wasn’t really good at [skateboarding]. But, the more I played with it, the more I got comfortable.”

Years later, Kamara was still interested in skateboards. Playing in the 2015 MLS All-Star Game hosted by Colorado, Kamara had to make use of the Rapids’ facilities. While charging his phone, he spotted a Rapids branded longboard that he absolutely had to have.

“I was joking but the Rapids staff said, ‘Yeah! I’ll get you one,” Kamara recalled. “One day, a skateboard showed up in my locker in Columbus and I was shocked. It’s one of my favorite toys aside from my PlayStation and I use it whenever I’m outdoors.”

It became a prized possession that Kamara held on to even through stops at Columbus, New England and Vancouver. When Kamara was not picked up by the Whitecaps back in December, fate came full circle and the skateboard played a role.

“There was something to that, there was a destiny to that,” insists Kamara. “Colorado contacted my agent. I actually laughed and told him I had a skateboard from Colorado. That’s the first thing I said to my agent.”

With a combination of fate, goodwill and some savvy moves by Colorado during the expansion draft, the Rapids finally landed Kamara. He’s done nothing but impress since his arrival.

“I’ve been blown away,” said Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson. “He’s got a real team first mentality. Whenever he speaks in meetings it’s not to go in a different direction, it’s to help people understand. If there’s something to be said that may not be popular, he’ll say it. How he works on and off the pitch, everyone can see. He brings a big personality and humor to the group, which is priceless. I can’t speak highly enough of Kei.”

Whether it’s his banter in games, his goal celebrations or his public dispute with former teammate Frederico Higuain, Kamara’s sense of humor and big personality sometimes goes misunderstood by outsiders. But the Rapids forward is also a family man who’s made great efforts as a humanitarian.

“Forget about the people that misunderstand me, that’s their problem,” Kamara said of the critics. “I’m out there, but I give it all. I’m not faking or lying to anyone, so that’s their problem, not mine.”

In the locker room, it hasn’t taken long for Kamara to gain appreciation from teammates.

“He’s very chirpy in the dressing room, but that’s how he is,” said Rapids midfielder Jack Price. “On the pitch, he’s a presence. In that last game, he showed how he can hold the ball up and make runs in behind. He’s massive for us, scoring in his first game. He wants to get 20+ goals for us this season and he’s on the right track.”

“I’m wearing 23, so if he said 20 goals, he’s got a problem,” Kamara fired back, jokingly. “If everyone is scoring goals, we’re doing good. I want to score and score as many as possible. But if I’m doing my job right, then people won’t worry.”

Kamara’s ability to joke around comes naturally, but it also shows how comfortable he’s been in his latest MLS destination.

“It’s great to be around a team like this,” he said of the transition. “The coaching staff really wants you and is telling you to come in. For them to want me to be a part of the squad is really big.”

He’s also got the skateboard to thank.

“People always thought it was a hint that I was coming to Colorado, but finally it happened. It’s funny, but that’s the way it started. I felt like there was something to it. I’m very superstitious, but I felt there was a sign to that.”

The post Ollies to Olés: How Kei Kamara’s love of skateboarding landed him in Colorado appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has the backing of former United States star Hope Solo as she continues her absence from international football through the Women’s World Cup. Lyon forward Hegerberg stepped away from representing Norway in 2017 due to frustrations with the state of the women’s game in her home country. Norway coach Martin […]

The post Solo backs Ballon d´Or winner Hegerberg´s World Cup stance appeared first on Soccer News.

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Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has the backing of former United States star Hope Solo as she continues her absence from international football through the Women’s World Cup. Lyon forward Hegerberg stepped away from representing Norway in 2017 due to frustrations with the state of the women’s game in her home country. Norway coach Martin […]

The post Solo backs Ballon d´Or winner Hegerberg´s World Cup stance appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Solo backs Ballon d´Or winner Hegerberg´s World Cup stance appeared first on Soccer News.

Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg has the backing of former United States star Hope Solo as she continues her absence from international football through the Women’s World Cup. Lyon forward Hegerberg stepped away from representing Norway in 2017 due to frustrations with the state of the women’s game in her home country. Norway coach Martin […]

The post Solo backs Ballon d´Or winner Hegerberg´s World Cup stance appeared first on Soccer News.

The post Solo backs Ballon d´Or winner Hegerberg´s World Cup stance appeared first on Soccer News.

Los Angeles Galaxy are after a World Cup winner! Adil Rami is their latest target, France Football reveals. The prestigious media outlet claim LA Galaxy want to improve their defence by going after Olympique de Marseille’s centre-back and the French international. Rami has been part of Marseille’s setup since 2017, playing in over 70 matches […]

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Welcome to the Pro Soccer USA Major League Soccer Player Rankings.

Each week we will rank the best players in the league, starting with the best 10 players from the Week 1 slate. 

For the first edition of the player rankings, we ranked players based on their Week 1 performances by taking into account statistics and how big of an impact each star had on their respective teams. As the weeks move on, the players in the best extended form will continue to reside near the top of the rankings, with some extra weight placed on the most-recent performance. 

Our in-market MLS writers across the country helped suggest names that should make the cut, and throughout the season, you’ll see their feedback added to the rankings. So with the introduction out of the way, let’s delve into the top performers from Week 1. 

10. Benny Feilhaber, Colorado Rapids

Benny Feilhaber scored once and played a large role in Colorado’s efforts moving forward in the Rapids’ 3-3 draw with the Portland Timbers. 

Feilhaber, who is playing for his fourth MLS club, scored in the 46th minute to level the game 2-2 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Take it yourself, @b_feilhaber22! #COLvPOR https://t.co/dyhI9MSlDn

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 3, 2019

From his deeper-lying position, Feilhaber made a pair of clearances and interceptions and completed 85.3 percent of his passes. 

As the season goes on, it’ll be interesting to see how Rapids manager Anthony Hudson deploys the MLS veteran with Kellyn Acosta alongside Feilhaber in midfield and a decent stable of attackers in front of him. 

9. Frederic Brillant, D.C. United

Frederic Brillant anchored the only defensive unit to earn a clean sheet in Week 1, beating reigning MLS champ Atlanta United 2-0.

Brillant and D.C. United’s back line limited Atlanta United to two shots on target in the pouring rain at Audi Field. 

Mar 3, 2019; Washington, D.C., USA; D.C. United defender Frederic Brillant battles for the ball with Atlanta United midfielder Gonzalo Martinez  at Audi Field. (Patrick McDermott-USA TODAY Sports)

The 33-year-old totaled seven clearances and four tackles in his attempts to steer Josef Martinez and Co. away from the net. 

The most impressive part of D.C.’s defensive effort was it held Martinez, Hector Villalba and Ezequiel Barco without a shot on goal. 

8. Eduard Atuesta, LAFC 

Eduard Atuesta had one of the most underrated performances of opening weekend, and that’s exactly what you want out of your defensive-minded midfielder if you’re LAFC. 

Atuesta’s most notable contribution was his assist on Diego Rossi’s 47th-minute equalizer during an intense 2-1 win over Sporting Kansas City at Banc of California Stadium.

March 3, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles FC midfielder Eduard Atuesta (20) controls the ball against Sporting Kansas City at Banc of California Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

The 21-year-old was one of the most active players on the ball in Week 1. He made 96 touches and completed 89.7 percent of his 78 passes. 

Although there will be other players on the LAFC roster who receive more of the spotlight, Atuesta is going to be one of the club’s most important keys to success in 2019. 

7. Francisco Calvo, Minnesota United 

A large amount of criticism has been directed at Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo during his time in MLS. 

On Saturday, the Costa Rican was the recipient of praise for his performance in a fullback role during the Loons’ 3-2 road win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. 

Feb 16, 2019; Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo (5) runs down field during the second half against the New England Revolution at Orlando City Stadium. (Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports)

Calvo did a little bit of everything. He scored a goal, made six interceptions, two clearances and won three aerial duels. If the 26-year-old is able to produce at a similar rate for most of the season, the Loons will take a step up in the Western Conference.

6. Albert Rusnak, Real Salt Lake 

Albert Rusnak made his presence known in the final third during Real Salt Lake’s 1-1 draw at BBVA Compass Stadium with the Houston Dynamo.

The Slovakian playmaker scored the Claret and Cobalt’s only goal of the contest in the 40th minute off an assist from Corey Baird. 

Albert picks up right where he left off. pic.twitter.com/tmKD6JYbb7

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 3, 2019

In total, Rusnak produced five key passes and two shots on target with his 57 touches in the road draw. 

Rusnak’s performance Saturday was the perfect example of what the club hopes to get from him on a regular basis after scoring 10 goals a year ago. 

5. Paul Arriola, D.C. United

Paul Arriola’s goal right before halftime Sunday was a deserved reward for the U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder’s first-half performance. 

On an ugly night in the nation’s capital, Arriola was everywhere in the first half for the Black and Red, and he benefited from the continuation of a run toward the left post to finish off his team’s first goal of 2019. 

Our first goal of the 2019 season. Courtesy of @PaulArriola!! #DCU | #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/E6j2ICWJPt

— D.C. United (@dcunited) March 4, 2019

While Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta will receive most of the spotlight throughout the season, Arriola is one of the players the Black and Red need to step up in order to challenge the likes of Atlanta and the New York Red Bulls for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. 

4. Saphir Taider, Montreal Impact

Normally when we talk about a standout player for the Montreal Impact, it’s Ignacio Piatti, but we have a feeling we’ll be talking more about Saphir Taider this year as well.

Taider’s move to the Impact flew under the radar a bit in 2018, but he performed well in his first season in Quebec, and picked up where he left off in Saturday’s 2-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes. 

HT: Quality finish from Saphir Taïder and @ImpactMontreal lead at the break. #SJvMTL https://t.co/PdjrtYK3kR

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 3, 2019

The 27-year-old midfielder assisted on Piatti’s 20th-minute strike and then scored himself in the 44th minute to put Remi Garde’s side in the lead for good. 

Taider totaled four shots and four key passes in his season debut, and he’ll look to replicate that performance on the road in Week 2 in Houston.

3. Michael Bradley, Toronto FC 

Any one of the top three players could’ve been No. 1, and it was hard to label Michael Bradley with the No. 3 tag, especially since he doesn’t score much.

Bradley delivered his first two-goal performance in a Toronto FC shirt, and the Reds bounced back from their Concacaf Champions League exit with a 3-1 road win over the Philadelphia Union. 

Leading the Golden Boot pres. by Audi race: Michael Bradley. pic.twitter.com/uKFFUwLptN

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 2, 2019

The TFC captain benefited from open space at the top of the penalty area on two occasions to send Toronto to the top of the Eastern Conference standings after Week 1. 

After one week, Bradley is tied with Jordan Morris for the Golden Boot lead. 

2. Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders

Morris is ahead of Bradley because he played so well in his first regular-season game back from an ACL injury. 

The USMNT forward played some of the best soccer he ever has for the Sounders in Saturday’s 4-1 trouncing of expansion side FC Cincinnati, in which he scored twice. 

HE'S BACK ALRIGHT!

Jordan Morris makes it a brace in his first 45 minutes of MLS action in over a year. @JMoSmooth13 #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/eALExZUTke

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 3, 2019

Not only did Morris’ return help boost the Sounders’ early-season credentials to top the West, it put him directly into the USMNT conversation.

With the forward depth chart still up in the air behind Jozy Altidore, Morris has an opportunity to earn a Gold Cup roster spot if he puts together an extended run of form.

1. Darwin Quintero, Minnesota United

Although Darwin Quintero didn’t score twice like Bradley and Morris, he played a role in all three of Minnesota United’s goals in the win over Vancouver. 

Quintero’s performance made the biggest impact in Week 1, as he helped the Loons, who were 1-14-1 on the road in 2018, open their season with a victory over the new-look Whitecaps at BC Place.

One, two, three and to the four…

…Darwin Quintero and Francisco Calvo are at the door pic.twitter.com/SY1afDQ1M6

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 3, 2019

The 31-year-old’s performance was an extension of the form he ended with in 2018, as he had one goal and six assists in September and October. 

We’re not saying the Loons are instantly a playoff contender after winning one road game, but we’re certain we’ll be talking about them more in 2019, especially if Quintero continues his high level of production.

The post MLS Player Rankings Week 1: Minnesota, DC get 2 ranked players appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — During the 2018 NCAA men’s soccer season, University of Denver striker Andre Shinyashiki was widely regarded as the top forward in collegiate soccer.

“All he needs is one second, one moment to change a game,” DU head coach Jaime Franks said back in November.

Four months later, Shinyashiki is still getting it done, this time as a professional. The Colorado Rapids’ first-round draft pick made an immediate impact in his MLS debut, scoring an equalizer at the death to salvage a point for the 10-men Rapids in a Colorado snowstorm Saturday.

“There’s nothing more a guy like me can dream of,” Shinyashiki told ProSoccerUSA. “Obviously, you want to try to win, but given the conditions that we were in, it was still a positive result.”

Rapids coach Anthony Hudson was likewise impressed by the goal, and the fact that his team salvaged a point despite the odds stacked against them.

“There’s not many places in the world where you’re going to play a game like that,” Hudson said. “We’ve definitely added quality and strong characters and that was the key.”

In a busy offseason, Colorado added proven veterans like Kei Kamara, Diego Rubio and Benny Feilhaber. But moving up in the draft to land Shinyashiki is another move that Hudson cited as key to his team’s transformation this season.

“He was always a top target,” Hudson explained. “Everyone had told me how good he was and then we watched him play at the combine and were really impressed. I’d seen enough at the combine. We saw his movement, his mentality and his touches. Then we met him there and saw that he was a brilliant character. For me, it was like a big signing. We wanted him in the first team this year.”

Despite previous experience playing for the Rapids U-23 side, the idea of being drafted was never a guarantee for Shinyashiki. Like any other draftee, the process involved a lot of anxiety and unknowns.

“I definitely knew of the interest, but it was still up in the air,” he remembers “I didn’t know they were going to trade to get me. There were rumors, but I didn’t know until they said my name. [Colorado] was a place I wanted to come to really badly, so I was happy when it happened.”

Born and raised in Brazil, soccer has always been a part of Shinyashiki’s life.

“I grew up in Brazil playing in the streets like a typical Brazilian does,” he said. “To say every boy in Brazil grows up wanting to be a professional soccer player is a very accurate statement. Very few make it so I’m just extremely blessed and thankful to be here.”

As a young man, his life still revolves around the game. At DU he studied marketing with the hopes of entering sports marketing after he hangs up his boots. In his spare time, he watches soccer and plays FIFA.

The idea of living and breathing the sport is something that Hudson is looking for in a young player.

“There are certain characteristics we want for our young players,” Hudson explained. “Technically, they’ve got to be good on the ball. Character is the big part. You want strong characters in terms of wanting to win. The game means everything to them. Open to criticism, wants to improve, bounces back from setbacks. All of those things.”

In Shinyashiki, he’s seen it first-hand.

“When you look at Andre on the training ground, he gets disappointed when he doesn’t win,” Hudson continued. “He’s not afraid of senior players. He’s not afraid to express himself on the pitch or stand his ground in some meetings. He’ll say something and ask a question, which is a good sign rather than someone who nods and agrees. That’s why we have a lot of trust in him.”

He’s gotten his professional goal out of the way, but the 22-year-old know that there’s still plenty of work ahead, not just for this season, but for his career. For now, he’s ready to absorb all the information he can, while putting his head down to do the work required to be successful in MLS.

“I just want to help the team as much as I can,” Shinyashiki said. “As a forward, you’re always looking to score goals and get assists, but it’s also about pressing hard and helping the guys behind me. To make the playoffs is our first goal and ultimately win everything. But it’s a day by day approach you have to have in order to accomplish those things.”

The post ‘Always a top target’: Colorado Rapids draft pick Andre Shinyashiki pays dividends appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

#MLSisBack and so too is the weekly Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings.

Week 1 is in the books and there was plenty of drama, some snow, some brilliant goals and the early emergence of the best teams in Major League Soccer. Following an impressive 2-0 home win at a rain-drenched Audi Field over defending MLS Cup champion Atlanta United, D.C. United check in at the pole position this year, while debutants FC Cincinnati, the 24th club in Major League Soccer, is ranked No. 24.

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, Julian Cardillo, Robert Jonas, Emily Olsen and Joe Tansey contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 1: D.C. United open 2019 season on top appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

MLS side Toronto FC confirmed the signing of Alejandro Pozuelo from KRC Genk on a Designated Player deal. The Spanish midfielder will join the Canadian club in mid-March, once the regular season in Belgium’s top flight ends. The MLS champions from 2017 announced signing of Pozuelo after several weeks of wait, confirming he will become […]

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Major League Soccer didn’t disappoint in its first week back. 

Forty-one goals, three red cards, one snow game, a return of one of the top Americans playing in the league and the debut of the next big phenom highlighted the 12-game slate Saturday and Sunday. 

Seattle was one of the biggest winners of the weekend, receiving two goals from Jordan Morris in his return from injury, but credit has to be given to Toronto FC, Minnesota United and Montreal for opening the season with road victories. 

One of the biggest losers of the weekend was Atlanta United, the only team not to score in Week 1. But let’s not get too worried about the Five Stripes yet. After all, they lost 4-0 to Houston in Week 1 2018 and went on to lift the MLS Cup. 

Here’s a look at some of the best, worst and just flat out odd highlights from Week 1 in MLS. 

Goals of the Week 

Leonardo Bertone, FC Cincinnati 

If you didn’t know who Leonardo Bertone was entering the MLS season, well now you do. Bertone etched himself into the FC Cincinnati record book with this stunning strike to open the team’s MLS account.

A of a volley!! Leonardo Bertone with the first goal in #FCCincy @MLS history!!!#SEAvCIN #IgniteUnite pic.twitter.com/NOczJXo6pf

— FC Cincinnati (@fccincinnati) March 3, 2019

Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders

In his first game back from an ACL tear, Jordan Morris scored twice for the Sounders. His second came on a quick counter that was run by Victor Rodriguez, who delivered a nice pass through the box to Morris. 

HE'S BACK ALRIGHT!

Jordan Morris makes it a brace in his first 45 minutes of MLS action in over a year. @JMoSmooth13 #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/eALExZUTke

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 3, 2019

Andre Shinyashiki, Colorado Rapids

Andre Shinyashiki’s first professional game is going to be one he’ll remember for a long time. He pocketed an equalizer for the Rapids to earn a 3-3 draw down a man at home against Portland. 

WHAT. A. NIGHT.

The rookie @AShinyashiki9 caps #SnowClasico3 with a goal in the dying moments!!!!! pic.twitter.com/WRsyk9uUUv

— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) March 3, 2019

Golden Boot watch (all-eyes-on-Gold-Cup edition) 

Michael Bradley and Jordan Morris, two likely participants for the United States men’s national team at the 2019 Concacaf Gold Cup, scored twice for their teams Saturday.

Bradley’s two-goal performance was his first since March 14, 2009, when he was playing in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach.

Morris’ last brace before Saturday came on Sept. 25, 2016 against the LA Galaxy. 

It’s an unlikely pairing to see atop the Golden Boot standings after Week 1, and even if they fall down the standings, which Bradley definitely will, we need to keep a close eye on both players with the Gold Cup on the horizon.

Also, D.C. United’s Paul Arriola scored Sunday as the highlight of a terrific performance. Let’s hope Gregg Berhalter was watching. 

Players of the Week (you-need-to-pay-more-attention-to-these-guys edition) 

Bradley and Morris stood out because of their USMNT stature, but they weren’t the only attackers who turned in impressive performances in Week 1. 

A few players who deserve more attention on the national stage picked up where they left off in 2018. 

Minnesota United’s Darwin Quintero, who had 11 goals and 15 assists for the Loons in 2018, played a role in all three Minnesota goals against Vancouver. 

One, two, three and to the four…

…Darwin Quintero and Francisco Calvo are at the door pic.twitter.com/SY1afDQ1M6

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) March 3, 2019

Quintero isn’t the first MLS star you mention in the discussion of the league’s best players, but he’s been a consistent threat up top since joining MLS. 

And there’s the league’s most underrated player, Ignacio Piatti, who while you were watching Morris and Co. thrash FC Cincinnati scored his 64th goal in an Impact jersey. 

Piatti’s teammate, Saphir Taider, contributed a goal and an assist in the win over San Jose, and Real Salt Lake’s Albert Rusnak scored and dished out five key passes down in Houston. 

Bizarre Stats of the Week 

Atlanta United has lost 17 regular-season games in three years. Ben Olsen’s D.C. United is responsible for five of those defeats. Yes, we’re still double and triple checking that to make sure it’s true, because it doesn’t make sense. 

There were five draws Saturday, three of them ended 1-1. There would’ve been a fourth if LAFC didn’t score a dramatic late game-winner against Sporting Kansas City Sunday night.

Sporting KC had five yellow cards in the first half of its loss to LAFC, and Roger Espinoza was handed his ninth red card in MLS play. He’s one away from Jamison Olave’s league record. 

Both Los Angeles teams won 2-1 after being down 1-0. LAFC and the LA Galaxy both scored twice in the second half to win their respective home openers. 

It’s Efrain Alvarez time

Finally.

After the Galaxy’s reluctance to bring Efrain Alvarez into the first team last season, the 16-year-old phenom came off the bench Saturday and produced an assist on the Galaxy’s equalizer. 

THIS. KID. IS. SIXTEEN.

On his MLS debut, @LAGalaxy phenom Efrain Alvarez showed us exactly why Mexico and the USMNT have been fighting over him. pic.twitter.com/k7ejbj4I9D

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 3, 2019

If Alvarez lives up to the hype during the 2019 season, he’ll follow Alphonso Davies and Tyler Adams out of MLS as young players making big-money moves. Also, #PlayYourKids.

Francisco Calvo appreciation section

Francisco Calvo has been the symbol of Minnesota’s defensive struggles, so we figured he needs his own section for how well he performed against Vancouver. 

The Costa Rican produced a strong game in his new full back role, and it was highlighted by a goal in the 66th minute. 

Milestone watch

While we wait on Chris Wondolowski to tie Landon Donovan atop the MLS all-time scoring chart, another league veteran hit a milestone Sunday. 

LAFC’s Jordan Harvey became the 40th player in MLS history to appear in 300 games. 

With today's start, @JordanCHarvey has now played in 300 career regular season @MLS matches.

His wife @_kimcaldwell surprised him with a special message from friends and family. pic.twitter.com/GGK66oKy1b

— LAFC (@LAFC) March 4, 2019

Harvey, Kei Kamara, Wondolowski, Dax McCarty, Dominic Oduro, Ricardo Clark, Drew Moor, Jeff Larentowicz, Chad Marshall and Kyle Beckerman are the active members of the 300-game club.

Larentowicz is in line to be the third player to hit 400 games played if he appears in eight games for Atlanta United in 2019. 

Looking Ahead

The New York Red Bulls and Houston Dynamo kick off the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals at home Tuesday. Sporting Kansas City and Atlanta United are on the road Wednesday. 

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