Looking for Soccer News?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It has taken three weeks, but we finally have some stability atop the Pro Soccer USA MLS Power Rankings.

Seattle Sounders FC, LAFC, D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls all remained in unchanged positions among the top four teams after positive results in Week 3. The Montreal Impact and expansion side FC Cincinnati made the biggest leaps, each moving up five spots following emphatic wins.

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 and Robert Jonas contributed to this report

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 3: FC Cincinnati, Montreal Impact leap forward appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The Colorado Rapids hosted a tired Sporting Kansas City side that entered the match on short rest Sunday night. After a dogged and goalless first half, former SKC forward Diego Rubio broke the deadlock with his goal in the 54th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. But a late sending off for Rapids midfielder Johan Blomberg opened the door for the visitors and Johnny Russell’s strike on a free kick in the 88th minute salvaged a point for SKC in a 1-1 draw at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City:

Dillon’s defensive deftness

A natural midfielder by trade, Dillon Serna has been oft-played at wingback under Anthony Hudson, but last season was filled with mix results as the Rapids Homegrown was one of many failed experiments at right back.

With the experience of Keegan Rosenberry now filling that role, the questions shifted to what Colorado would do at left back entering the season. Now playing in that role, Serna has answered most of those questions, filling in admirably despite the team’s defensive injury crisis at centerback.

Defensively, Serna pitched in three tackles, four recoveries and three clearances – two of which were inside the 18-yard box. He also managed a shot across the face of goal in the 68th minute. It was an all-encompassing effort that garnered praise from Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson

“I thought Dillon Serna at left back was absolutely outstanding,” Hudson said postgame.

Seven minutes of hell for Johan Blomberg

Signed on to Colorado before last season, Johan Blomberg has failed to carve out a role or make a large impact since his arrival, which has surely been frustrating for the 31-year-old Swede.

That frustration boiled over on Sunday night as Blomberg earned a yellow card shortly after his substitution in the 79th minute for unsportsmanlike conduct and was sent off with a second yellow in the 87th minute for time wasting.

In a twist of irony, Blomberg pushed a shot which was inches away from doubling Colorado’s lead shortly after his substitution. Instead, his sending off led to Colorado being down to ten men for the remainder of the match, and set the stage for Johnny Russell’s free kick equalizer.

Anthony Hudson acknowledged the frustration of the situation postgame, but would not comment on the specifics of Blomberg, having not reviewed film. Nonetheless, it’s surely a frustrating situation for Blomberg, who was playing his first meaningful minutes since October of 2018.

A tale of two Tims

Tim Howard and Tim Melia have been the goalkeeping standard bearers for their respective clubs over the past several seasons, but ultimately, it was the two Tims’ gaffs which may have made the difference in this game.

Just before the half, Tim Howard averted danger when Roger Espinoza caught him off his line and was nearly chipped for the opening goal.

With the score remaining 0-0, it would instead be Melia’s gaff which opened the scoring. Lack of communication between Melia and Matt Besler led to Diego Rubio’s 54th minute goal to instead give Colorado the early lead.

In terms of volume, it wasn’t a lights out performance from either ‘keeper, but Howard put forth a solid performance with three saves to Melia’s one.

In the end, Diego Rubio has a former teammate to thank for his first goal in Burgundy.

“The goalie made a bad touch on the ball and I took the opportunity,” he said of the goal.

The post Three takeaways from Colorado’s 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – On a brisk St. Patrick’s Day evening, the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City both found a stroke of luck with goals, but nothing separated them in a 1-1 draw at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

After taking a 1-0 lead on a second-half goal from Diego Rubio, Colorado dropped points, going down a man before SKC forward Johnny Russell scored late to earn a 1-1 draw for the visitors.

“It’s hard because it almost feels like a loss at the end,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said postgame. “It’s feels like two points dropped.”

SKC came into the match on short rest having played a midweek CCL match against Panama’s Independiente. Sunday’s match also marked the sixth match in an 18-day span for the Peter Vermes-led side.

Early chances from Colorado put the visitors on the back foot, but SKC weathered the storm to keep the score level.

Kansas City’s best opportunity to take a first-half lead came in the 22nd minute when Felipe Gutierrez’s free kick from just outside the box went just wide of the mark. This led to a dangerous counterattack from the Rapids, but attempts from Nicolas Mezquida and Diego Rubio failed to hit the mark.

In the 43rd minute, Kansas City was presented with another golden opportunity as Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard was drawn off his line by Krisztian Nemeth, who played it back to Roger Espinoza for a chipped opportunity. Colorado avoided danger however, as the effort was just above the crossbar.

As the two sides entered halftime deadlocked and scoreless, Colorado had outshot the visitors 6-4 while SKC has swung possession in their favor with 62.3 percent of the ball in the first half.

After some more back and forth play to open the second half, it was Colorado who would strike first blood. A mis-timed backpass from Matt Besler was unable to be collected at the feet of SKC ‘keeper Tim Melia, and an opportunistic Rubio collected the ball to bury the shot and put Colorado up 1-0 in the 54th minute.

“I’m so pleased because Diego has been working so hard,” Hudson said of the goal. “He earned it and is going to score a lot of goals for us.”

The Rapids’ gaffer credited Colorado’s constant high press for the goal.

“I thought we had many situations during the game from their goal kicks where they were kicking the ball to us or kicking it out of play,” he explained. “The hard thing is to keep doing it consistently.”

Things got chippy in the late stages as head referee Allen Chapman issued seven second half yellow cards between the sides including five for unsporting behavior. Rapids midfielder Johan Blomberg was amongst those booked, and with a second yellow for time wasting in the 87th minute, was sent off.

“He’s going to be disappointed, but these things happen,” Hudson said of Blomberg’s sendoff.

In the ensuing run of play, SKC forward Johnny Russell equalized for the visitors, burying a free kick to level the match at 1-1 a minute later.

Despite dropping points at home, Hudson saw a lot of positives from his side.

“We cannot take away from the performance the players put in today,” he said. “[SKC] are a fantastic team, but for me, for 90-plus minutes we’d been the better team. We played tonight as a team. The players fought for each other. We were brave, we were positive, we were aggressive.”

Sunday’s result marked the second-straight road point at Colorado for the visitors in as many visits to Commerce City. Having weathered a heavy portion of its schedule, SKC will now have two weeks of preparation before it faces Montreal at home March 30. Colorado will travel to Frisco, Texas next Saturday to face Western Conference rivals FC Dallas.

The post Late heroics from Johnny Russell help SKC earn 1-1 draw at Colorado appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The first international window of the 2019 Major League Soccer season takes place over the next week and a half, and there are plenty of players heading to all parts of the world to represent their countries. 

In total, 21 nations will have MLS players on their respective rosters, with the majority of the teams playing international friendlies. Some MLS players will be involved in the Concacaf Nations League, which will help determine some of the participants for this summer’s Gold Cup.

Below is a complete look at the MLS players called up for international duty, beginning with the U.S. men’s national team and the MLS players called into the U.S. Under-20 camp as well. The rest of the countries are listed alphabetically and include only players called up to senior national teams.

United States

Games: March 21 vs. Ecuador; March 26 vs. Chile

Zack Steffen, Columbus Crew 

Sean Johnson, New York City FC 

Aaron Long, New York Red Bulls

Nick Lima, San Jose Earthquakes

Daniel Lovitz, Montreal Impact

Michael Bradley, Toronto FC 

Wil Trapp, Columbus Crew

Sebastian Lletget, LA Galaxy

Cristian Roldan, Seattle Sounders

Gyasi Zardes, Columbus Crew

Jordan Morris, Seattle Sounders

Paul Arriola, D.C. United

Christian Ramirez, LAFC

Corey Baird, Real Salt Lake

Jonathan Lewis, NYCFC

Under-20s

Trey Muse, Seattle Sounders

Aboubakar Keita, Columbus Crew

Jaylin Lindsey, Sporting Kansas City

Matthew Real, Philadelphia Union

Frankie Amaya, FC Cincinnati

Andrew Carleton, Atlanta United

Chris Durkin, D.C. United

Juan Pablo Torres, New York City FC

Ayo Akinola, Toronto FC 

Justin Rennicks, New England Revolution

Argentina

Games: March 22 vs. Venezuela; March 26 vs. Morocco

Gonzalo “Pity” Martinez, Atlanta United 

Canada

Games: March 24 vs. French Guiana

Mark-Anthony Kaye, LAFC

Will Johnson, Orlando City

Jonathan Osorio, Toronto FC

Samuel Piette, Montreal Impact

Zachary Brault-Guillard, Montreal Impact 

Maxime Crepeau, Vancouver Whitecaps

Costa Rica 

Games: March 22 vs. Guatemala; March 26 vs. Jamaica

Francisco Calvo, Minnesota United 

Ecuador

Games: March 21 vs. USA; March 26 vs. Honduras

Romario Ibarra, Minnesota United 

Georgia

Games: March 23 vs. Switzerland; March 26 vs. Republic of Ireland

Guram Kashia, San Jose Earthquakes

Vako, San Jose Earthquakes 

Finland

Games: March 23 vs. Italy; March 26 vs. Armenia

Rasmus Schuller, Minnesota United 

Guyana

Games: March 23 vs. Belize

Warren Creavalle, Philadelphia Union 

Haiti 

Games: March 24 vs. Cuba

Zachary Herivaux, New England Revolution 

Jamaica

Games: March 23 vs. El Salvador; March 26 vs. Costa Rica

Andre Blake, Philadelphia Union

Cory Burke, Philadelphia Union 

Madagascar

Game: March 22 vs. Senegal

Romain Metanire, Minnesota United 

Mexico

Games: March 22 vs. Chile; March 26 vs. Paraguay

Jonathan dos Santos, LA Galaxy 

Panama

Games: March 23 vs. Brazil

Michael Amir Murillo, New York Red Bulls 

Anibal Godoy, San Jose Earthquakes

Harold Cummings, San Jose Earthquakes 

Paraguay

Games: March 22 vs. Peru; March 26 vs. Mexico

Hector Villalba, Atlanta United 

Kaku, New York Red Bulls 

Peru 

Games: March 22 vs. Paraguay; March 26 vs. El Salvador

Alexander Callens, New York City FC 

Romania

Games: March 23 vs. Sweden; March 26 vs. Faroe Islands

Alexandru Mitrita, New York City FC 

Slovakia

Games: March 21 vs. Hungary; March 24 vs. Wales

Jan Gregus, Minnesota United 

Sweden

Games: March 23 vs. Romania; March 26 vs. Norway

Gustav Svensson, Seattle Sounders 

Syria

Games: March 22 vs. Iraq; March 24 vs. Jordan

Gabriel Somi, New England Revolution

Venezuela

Games: March 22 vs. Argentina,

Josef Martinez, Atlanta United 

The post Complete list of MLS players called up to national teams appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Two weeks are in the books in the 2019 Major League Soccer season and already we have a new No. 1 team atop the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings.

Coming off a second win at CenturyLink Field, an impressive 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids, the Seattle Sounders jump to the No. 1 spot, while D.C. United, the previous No. 1, falls two spots after a 0-0 draw against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium and LAFC moves into No. 2 after a 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers.

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 2: Seattle Sounders move up to No. 1 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

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.

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.

#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.

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.

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.

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. 

The post Week 1 MLS recap: 41 goals, 3 reds, snow and the next big thing appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

In their opening match of the 2019 season, the Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers faced off in the midst of an early March snowstorm in Commerce City.

Despite three different lead changes and a red card to Colorado, which led to two different Portland leads, the 10-man Rapids stormed back with a late stoppage time goal from Andre Shinyashiki to split points with the defending Western Conference Champions.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 3-3 draw with Portland.

Blustery Day in Burgundy

Saturday’s match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park surpassed 2017’s match between Atlanta United and Minnesota United FC as the coldest MLS match on record with an official temp of 18 degrees Fahrenheit at kickoff.

The temperatures, along with snowy and windy conditions had an apparent affect on the game.

“It’s really not easy to play in the conditions we had tonight,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said.

The conditions also played a role in the X-factor of this match – Andre Shinyashiki and is equalizer at the death. Despite his Brazilian background, the rookie from the University of Denver is well aware of what it’s like to play cold weather soccer in Colorado.

With the conditions the way they were, and it being early days in the 2019 season, it makes it hard to grade Colorado and Portland accurately, aside from mentality and effort, a test which the Rapids passed with flying colors in this one.

Kamara Doing it all

It didn’t take long for new Rapids addition Kei Kamara to get on the scoresheet as he added Colorado’s first goal of the season and his first in burgundy to open up the game’s scoring in the 16th minute. It was both surprising and unsurprising.

Pundits, perhaps rightfully, doubted Kamara for his age at 34-years-old. Some see him as a diva and not a good teammate, due to his past publicized dispute with Frederico Huguain.

But Kamara proved the naysayers wrong on Satuday. He did it not just by scoring, but also by getting in and doing the dirty work in possession. Defensively, he also contributed some tackles and clearances in the Rapids’ own half.

“The fact that he picked up some positions to help the team out shows the type of character he is and the type of person we’ve seen since he’s come into preseason,” Hudson said of Kamara. “He cares a lot. He’s been a great teammate. That’s just a small portion of it. That showed [against Portland].”

New and Improved Rapids?

Colorado is most undoubtedly a better team than it was last year, at least in terms of roster and roster improvements. Pundits and even team executives around the league acknowledged the team’s offseason as an active but productive one. The Rapids brought in proven MLS talent such as Kamara, Benny Feilhaber, Keegan Rosenberry, Diego Rubio and Nicolas Mezquida. They also drafted Andre Shinyashiki.

All of those moves paid early dividends on Satuday with newcomers accounting for all three of Colorado’s goals on Saturday.

“I think there were big performances,” Hudson said of his new players. “It was a shame, because for me, the sending off changed the game [against Portland] and it changed our performance. So, as the game was going on, I was disappointed because up until then, we looked really good. Our fullbacks were getting forward, our two strikers looked dangerous, I thought we played well in the difficult conditions.”

But it’s still early days for the new-look Rapids and it’s a long 34-game season. It’s still too early to tell if Colorado is indeed improved enough to make the playoffs and questions remain regarding whether or not the Rapids can sustain success under Anthony Hudson. But with the team trending positively, Rapids fans are ready to buckle up for the road that lies ahead.

The post Blustery Day in Burgundy: Takeaways from the Colorado Rapids’ 3-3 draw with Portland appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Playing in sub-freezing conditions, the new-look Colorado Rapids opened their season at home against the Portland Timbers. Despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half, Colorado weathered the storm both literally and figuratively, coming back to earn a 3-3 result with a second-half stoppage time goal from rookie Andre Shinyashiki.

“I thought we were very good,” Rapids coach Anthony Hudson said. “I thought we were really confident. We looked good going forward and scoring the goal, we were in a good place. It’s a shame because the sending off changed what was a good game at the time.”

With five new players in the starting XI, Colorado opened the scoring as Kellyn Acosta crossed the ball to newcomer Kei Kamara, who coolly finished to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute.

“I think there were big performances,” Hudson said of the new additions. “I thought the new players did very well. But I think the biggest thing was to come back twice. It’s massive for this group.”

A quarter of an hour later, the tides shifted as Rapids defender Axel Sjoberg was sent off for a deliberate handball in the box. Diego Valeri’s initial effort from the penalty spot was saved by Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard. But Valeri gathered the rebound to score on a follow-up effort to level the score at 1-1 in the 29th minute.

“We were told it hit his hand, but there was no way of getting his hand out of the way,” Hudson said of Sjoberg’s sending off. “That’s what we were told.”

Portland took its first lead in first-half stoppage time as Sebastian Blanco connected with Valeri’s corner to send the visitors into the half with a 2-1 lead. 

Despite going down a goal and a man, Colorado battled to level the match in the second half. Benny Feilhaber, another new face to the Rapids, leveled just seconds into the second half. Feilhaber dribbled through seven different Portland players to send in an effort which was initially blocked, but he scored on the follow up to even the score at 2-2.

The deadlock wouldn’t stand, however. On a Portland counterattack, midfielder Andy Polo sent in a dangerous cross across Colorado’s box, which resulted in an own goal by Rapids defender Deklan Wynne in the 66th minute.

With the lead, Portland began to take control of the game’s possession while continuing to outshoot Colorado. The Timbers ended the match with 22 shots (seven on target) compared to the Rapids 10 shots (three on target) while holding 58.2 percent of possession.

Nevertheless, Colorado battled yet again, tying with a late-ditch effort. Dillon Serna’s shot in the attacking third was saved by Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella, but the rebound spilled to Shinyashiki, who ended the match at 3-3.

“To come back twice from a goal down showed a huge amount of character from the players,” Hudson said of the result. “As you know, in those situations, you’re down to 10 men, the conditions are the way they are, you’re playing against one of the best teams in the country. The easiest thing to do is to give up [in those conditions], but they kept going.”

Colorado will face the Seattle Sounders next Saturday night at CenturyLink field, while the Timbers continue their season-opening road trip against LAFC next Sunday. 

The post Snow Clasico 3: Colorado weathers the storm, coming back to draw Portland 3-3 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

With snow blanketing Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and the match deep in second-half stoppage time, Colorado Rapids rookie Andre Shinyashiki came off the bench and warmed the hearts of his team’s frozen fans with the dramatic equalizer in a 3-3 draw with the Portland Timbers. Check it out.

The post Watch: Andre Shinyashiki scores late equalizer in snowy Colorado appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.