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Real Salt Lake exploded for four second-half goals en route to a 6-0 rout over the nine-man Colorado Rapids Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The victory clinched RSL’s 10th Rocky Mountain Cup during the past 12 years.

Real Salt Lake (12-10-5), which won its second consecutive road game, is in fourth place in the Western Conference, five points behind leaders FC Dallas, while Colorado (6-14-6) suffered its most lopsided loss at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Three minutes after Damir Kreilach put Real Salt Lake in front, Niki Jackson was sent off on a straight red card for a head butt.

Jefferson Savarino scored the first of his two goals in the 33rd minute and the first half ended with Bismark Boateng being sent off on a straight red card, reducing the Rapids to nine men for the entire second half.

Savarino had his brace in the 58th minute, followed by goals by Joao Plata, Corey Baird and Albert Rusnak to close out the rout.

The post Real Salt Lake routs nine-man Colorado Rapids, 6-0, to capture Rocky Mountain Cup appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Here is how to watch all Major League Soccer matches live in Week 26 on TV or streaming. You can follow along with our live scores and stats throughout the weekend as well.

Saturday, Aug. 25

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
7 p.m.	Philadelphia v New England	PHI:PHL 17; NE: NBC Sports Boston	ESPN+ or DirectKick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8 p.m.	Toronto FC v Montreal	CANADA: TSN 4/5	ESPN+ or DirectKick
8:30 p.m.	Sporting KC v Minnesota	KC: FOX Sports KC Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus; MIN: Fox Sports North Plus	ESPN+, Direct Kick
9 p.m.	Colorado v Real Salt Lake	COL: Altitude; RSL: KMYU	EESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
10 p.m.	San Jose v Vancouver	SJ: NBC Sports Bay Area; CANADA: TSN 2	EESPN+, Direct Kick

Sunday, Aug. 26

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
7 p.m.	NY Red Bulls v DC United	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes	FOX Sports GO, MLS LIVE on DAZN
7:30 p.m.	Portland vs Seattle	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes	FOX Sports GO, MLS LIVE on DAZN

 

The post How to watch MLS on TV, live stream Week 26 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

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Welcome to part three of the MLS Trade Value Rankings, the midsummer update. With the MLS Player Union releasing the 2018 salaries and half of the season finished, it’s time to count down the top 100 trade assets in the league.

If you haven’t read part one, click here to see where I made mistakes, what I got right, who dropped out and how we’re evaluating MLS prospects with minimal minutes.

Check out part two here where we covered off  on the rules of the list and No. 100 Matthew Real through No. 65 Danny Hoesen on the list.

And finally read part three here where we went from No. 64 Bastian Schweinsteiger to No. 31 Justen Glad.

As a reminder, the theory in this ranking is simple: The higher you are in the rankings, the less likely you are to be traded to another MLS team for someone lower in the rankings.

Got it?  Good!  Let’s continue on!

YOUNG CENTERBACKS WORTH WEIGHT IN GOLD – PART 2

30. Tim Parker, New York Red Bulls – 25; CB; $115,935

29. Aaron Long, New York Red Bulls – 25; CB; $73,125

Tim Parker and Aaron Long make the spine of the strongest MLS defense to date. And that is worth its weight in gold. They’re both 25, on super team-friendly contracts and — I was wrong about both of them.

The first thing I had wrong: I didn’t have Parker on my original top assets list.  This was more of an oversight, and a dumb one on my part. In Vancouver, Parker partnered with Kendall Waston to make up the backline of, then, a stingy defense. He’s a young, American centerback with the talent and physicality to succeed.

The second thing I got wrong: I thought RBNY overpaid when it traded close to a million in assets (allocation and Felipe) for Parker. Actually, I was much harsher in my assessment.

Here's the thing. I love RBNY. I lived in Harrison, I had season tickets. They have a great academy, and they have a great style of play and fun to watch.

But I think they're bad in trading with other teams. And I think this Tim Parker deal joins in a long list of them.

— Tutul Rahman (@tutulismyname) March 2, 2018

That … did not age well. I thought Parker was going to make the Red Bulls better, but they were overpaying for it. They weren’t. He’s been a perfect fit within the Red Bulls’ system, with the ability and stamina to run the high press and connect on passes to break the counter. His play has led to a national team call-up and he could play a role in the next cycle. The only concern New York could have is the ability to re-sign him at the close of this season on what should be a TAM contract.

His partner in the backfield has been equally excellent, and was named an All-Star this year. Much like Florian Valot, Long is a credit to the Red Bulls system, including strong integration of their USL side. My impression of Long last year was that he was a good centerback,  but not good enough start on a team with championship aspirations.  This also was very wrong.

STILL GOT IT

28. Mauro Manotas, Houston Dynamo — 23; ST; $264,328

27. Héctor Villalba, Atlanta United – 24; CF; $770,750 (TAM-eligible)

26. Albert Rusnák, Real Salt Lake – 24; CAM; $907,820 (DP)

Houston can play very attractive soccer when on its game. But at the end of pretty play and chance creation from Alberth Elis and Romell Quioto, there needs to be an efficient and effective striker.

auro Manotas gives the #Dynamo the early 1-0 lead against the #Union. Excellent buildup play from back to front, with good combinations through midfield, and assist by Boniek Garcia on the one-two with Manotas.#HOUvPHI #ForeverOrange #MLS pic.twitter.com/WKWH8dIvGR

— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) July 26, 2018

Manotas has been very good for two years now, but I’m a little disappointed he hasn’t taken it to the next level.  His xG+xA is a solid 0.65 per 96 minutes and he’s on a better scoring rate than last year. His xGoal Chain is a healthy 0.81/96 minutes. He’s still young and on a great contract. He isn’t an All-Star-level player, yet, but I’m still banking on that happening.

Villalba was part of the intense vertical attack in 2017 and played at an All-Star level. I wrote in the beginning of the year that while Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez are sure to be in Europe shortly, Villalba could be part of the core that stays in Atlanta for a bit. In 2018, the addition of Ezequiel Barco and early injuries limited his minutes. But for those who think Villalba has lost a step, look at the per-96-minutes numbers below:

Villalba 2017: 0.52 xG+xA, 0.44 goals, 0.31 direct assists Villalbe 2018: 0.62 xG+xA, 0.29 goals, 0.29 direct assists

The numbers suggest Villalba has been more unlucky than anything else and his play has been stronger this year. Combine that with his recent decision to switch to the Paraguay national team — which means a showcase on that national stage — means his value is still very, very high.

Albert Rusnak was the talisman of a 2017 Real Salt Lake team that didn’t make the playoffs but was exciting and full of potential. This year, he’s had contract issues, specifically on being underpaid, especially when there were two strikers on seven-figure wages who did absolutely nothing. Then Sparta Prague reportedly put in a transfer offer at about $2.5 million and Rusnak gave this interview (it’s in English):

| Oud-@fcgroningen-speler Albert Rusnák weet zeker dat hij terugkeert in Europa. Volgend seizoen al?

"Ik bewaar deze vraag even, oké?"#SLWNED pic.twitter.com/LQZd8uLE0d

— FOX Sports (@FOXSportsnl) May 31, 2018

Ut-oh. Well Real Salt Lake has a decision to make.

While Rusnak’s numbers are down from last year, his expected goals and assists per game are actually up. His form is good and he’s got European bidders. RSL originally bought Rusnak for cheap, so even an offer in $2 million to $3 million range would produce the max allocation and some extra cash to put into the academy.

The decision gets harder if Real Salt Lake doesn’t make the playoffs.

NEW GUYS

25. Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, New York City FC – 24; ST; $350,500

24. Adama Diomande, Los Angeles FC – 28; ST; $935,000 (TAM-Eligible)

23. Samuel Armenteros, Portland Timbers – 28; ST; $608,333 (TAM-Eligible)

All three of these players have been revelations for their clubs, but its not clear what’s sustainable for the future.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi has lit it up since arriving for New York City FC. He’s scored goals at an incredible 0.83 goals per 96 minutes, often taking on responsibilities vacated by Villa’s absence. His expected goals per 96 minutes lies at 0.17 per 96 minutes. This is incredible finishing, and, I’d argue, unsustainable levels of finishing. The best strikers in the league might outperform their xG by 0.2 or so, but not 0.66 like Shradi is doing. This is something to watch out.

Diomande has been downright historic since joining LAFC. At one point, he was averaging more than two goals and assists per 90 minutes.  He seems to be the second coming of Josef Martinez, but could he be as successful on a different team?

“I wonder what he’d do with Minnesota or Colorado or … heck, any coach that isn’t Bob Bradley,” pondered Harrison Crow from American Soccer Analysis. “I don’t know if it’s a system thing or what … but he just is less apt to take shots with other clubs. What’s really interesting is that his production really doesn’t change from the Championship to the Premier League, which is, again, weird. If I’m Seattle and you offer me Diomande for Will Bruin, or Houston and you offered me Diomande for Manotas, I’d consider both — but neither would be a snap decision.”

Samuel Armenteros is dreaming again with @TimbersFC after emerging from "nightmare." https://t.co/xu8xmMiaK8 pic.twitter.com/8aHsp7KF6J

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 24, 2018

STEPPING IT UP THIS YEAR

21. Romell Quioto, Houston Dynamo – 26; W; $252,500

20. Diego Fagundez, New England Revolution – 23; CF; $190,000 (HGP)

Romell Quioto is most likely the best player in MLS you haven’t heard of. He’s second in the league in assists and first in the league in expected direct assists per 96. His expected goals chains is 0.90, which is at the level of Darwin Quintero.

It’s the partnership with Honduran compatriot Alberth Elis that makes everything work so well, Quioto is in his prime, producing like a DP at less than half the price of players like Daniel Royer or Plata. It’s sort of crazy that a Liga MX club hasn’t come sniffing around for his services.  

When Lee Nguyen forced a trade out of the New England Revolution, the team’s creative keys were handed over to Diego Fagundez. Fagundez was a top MLS prospect at the age of 18, when he scored 13 goals and seven assists in 2013. Since then, his production fell off, leading us to wonder if he was more of a flash in the pan. This year, Fagundez is looking like the real deal.

2013: 0.74 goals and assists per 90 minutes 2014: 0.38 2015: 0.52 2016: 0.48 2017: 0.55 2018: 0.71

Fagundez may not be the world prospect we thought he was five years ago, but he is very good, still young and on an incredible homegrown contract.

TRUST THE PROCESS – PHILADELPHIA 76ERS EDITION

19. Auston Trusty, Philadelphia Union — 19; CB; $109,100 (HGP)

18. Mark McKenzie, Philadelphia Union — 19; CB; $64,500 (HGP)

Earlier on the list, I mentioned playing for potential can backfire if that potential is never realized. Real Salt Lake’s squad is filled with potential, but it hasn’t fully translated to results. The Philadelphia Union may feel a bit more optimistic, just like their basketball brethren, the 76ers, given the amount of homegrowns breaking through.

Trusty and McKenzie are a teenage centerback pair for a team right there in the playoff hunt. That alone is impressive enough, but they’ve also succeeded against the best talent in the league. Here’s Trusty dispossessing former MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco in open space:

Auston Trusty with great speed and a wonderful tackle on Giovinco. pic.twitter.com/4fMTMjITR8

— Joseph Lowery (@joeInCleats) May 5, 2018

Here’s McKenzie doing the same against FC Dallas forward Cristian Colmán:

Great run by Colman, great through-ball from Mosquera, great read & patience from 19-year-old Philly Homegrown defender Mark McKenzie. I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this sequence. #DALvPHI pic.twitter.com/HXCgztDcwL

— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) April 22, 2018

They’re both wildly impressive given their age. McKenzie feels like the more impressive passer, completing 87 percent of his passes out of the back and 90 percent of his passes in the middle third, both of which are 4 percent higher than expected. McKenzie might have a higher ceiling, but Philadelphia has to be thinking this is the centerback pairing over the next two to three years. And if the process goes correctly, the Union will reap the rewards in a playoff push and a hefty transfer fee to a European club.

YOUNG DPs

17. Jesus Medina, New York City FC – 21; RW; $770,883 (Young DP)

16. Diego Rossi, Los Angeles FC – 20; F; $1.052 million (Young DP)

In a way, Medina and Rossi were part of a landmark transfer window for MLS. Instead of buying international players a bit past their prime, or even in their prime, these two represent buys that can be developed and sold for a future profit.

Rossi was bought for $4 million. Medina was also bought for $4 million and a future 20 percent sell-on fee. 

MLS keeps 25 percent of transfer fees for players who aren’t homegrown, meaning both NYCFC and LAFC believe in the potential of both those players to get a real payday. Quick math shows the selling price needs to be between $5 million and $7 million in order to get a full return from a transfer. To put that perspective, there have been exactly two transfers in MLS history sold for $7 million: Altidore and, recently, Alphonso Davies. 

Both Medina and Rossi have been productive, if not spectacular, at times this year. Rossi had six goals and six assists by the All-Star break and scored LAFC’s first goal ever:

Former Peñarol forward Diego Rossi just scored LAFC’s first ever MLS goal. Nice finish too pic.twitter.com/kK6EpQTgF6

— Martin da Cruz (@martindacruz_) March 4, 2018

Similarly, Medina had five goals and seven assists, and also has the penchant for the spectacular.

MLS
Buen disparo y golazo de Jesús Medina, que marcó el primero para el New York City #NYCFC , que venció por 3-0 al Montreal Impact. El ex gumarelo también participó con una asistencia para el segundo tanto de su equipo. pic.twitter.com/62AefnGecx

— Selección Paraguaya (@Seleccion_PY) July 12, 2018

Both hover around 0.5-0.55 xG+xA/96, which is solid but not quite All-Star level. But both have shown flashes of greatness in their play today. And its their potential that puts them both on this list. 

THE BEST SIGNING OF THE SEASON

15. Darwin Quintero, Minnesota United – 30; CF; $1,650,000 (DP)

At the beginning of the year, Minnesota United had no homegrowns or designated players. Cross one of those off the list, because Darwin Quintero signed with the team from the land of 10,000 lakes. He was bought for pennies on the dollar and has lit up the league.

Mr. Chip-Your-Keeper has been exquisite:

Darwin Quintero might have scored the best hat-trick of all time. pic.twitter.com/7zvsm1Ywwp

— Dylan Walsh (@dylanwalsh_) July 5, 2018

The third goal is absolutely ridiculous. His underlying numbers show his greatness as well. His xG+xA/96 is 0.75, good for being top-10 in the league. But if you look at his expected assists of 0.38 (third in the league), he’s only gotten direct assists at 0.26. This means if his teammates start finishing better, he can have even more dominant numbers.

This is all on top of the fact that Minnesota got his services for $200,000 from Club America. Only TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND! Montreal received double that in allocation money for Raheem Edwards. Needless to say, I think Minnesota has the signing of the season.

HOMEGROWNS ALREADY CRITICAL IN MLS

14. Chris Durkin, DC United – 18; CDM; $89,167 (HGP)

13. Daniel Salloi, Sporting Kansas City – 21; RW; $81,625 (HGP)

The value of Homegrown players producing on the field who have future transfer value cannot be overstated. These two are new to the scene, but have shown to be of above-average starter quality with the potential to be MLS stars and transfer to a bigger league.

Chris Durkin reportedly had European suitors offer $1 million even before Durkin played an MLS minute. DC United smartly denied and then gave him starter minutes to develop and further showcase his talents. His passing ability out of the middle is already well above his years, averaging 3.5 percent better than expected average for passes in the middle. You can see this ability here:

something tells me DC United are going to struggle to hold onto Chris Durkin pic.twitter.com/SaXWMyfHI3

— ty (@finalthrd) May 15, 2018

While Durkin’s potential is sky high, here’s  a few mitigating factors:

“I believe he’s in the last 18 months of his deal,” Crow said. “DC United don’t have a ton of leverage left in transfer negotiations, which is going to limit the deal they get. Yes, he was part of the U.S. U-17 world cup, but that didn’t go far and they were beat severely by both Colombia (in the group stage) and then England in the quarterfinals.

“Admittedly, he helped his stock with scoring, but I’m not sure a German team is shelling out more than $2 mil for him at this stage. I’m more apt to believe they’ll play hard ball and allow him to finish out his contract than pay more, but they may pay a small seven-figure deal.”

The short window for DC to profit is true, but I think they could get a bit more than a small seven-figure deal given Benfica was willing to pay that even before Durkin played at the professional level.

Salloi has excelled for Sporting Kansas City. He’s a homegrown talent with a European passport and a nose for goal.

GOAL – @danielsalloi slightly pops the ball up to himself in traffic and rifles a shot past Gonzalez' outstretched hand! And with that, the 21-year-old has his brace. #SKCvDAL 2-1 #CupStaysHere pic.twitter.com/z6uEJGjbgN

— Sporting KC (@SportingKC) June 17, 2018

He, like Medina and Rossi, is averaging about 0.55xG+xA/96.  He also has a Hungarian passport and heritage, which provides an easy venue for a future European transfer.

Playing devil’s advocate, Crow had some good counterpoints to Salloi’s value. 

“I think a ‘guaranteed seven-figure transfer fee’ is a bit steep on Salloi, if only because he’s not done anything internationally (he has two caps for Hungarian youth teams), which limits the possibility of England,” Crow said.

It is odd that Salloi, with his connections, hasn’t gotten more of a look from Hungary. But with his age and his homegrown status, plus the fact that he’s already a borderline elite-level MLS player, puts him pretty close to top-10 in the league in value.

BRAND MATTERS

12. Zlatan Ibrahimović, Los Angeles Galaxy – 36; ST; $1,500,000 (TAM-eligible)

11. Ezequiel Barco, Atlanta United – 18; F; $1,425,000 (Young DP)

Zlatan and Barco are on opposite sides of the same spectrum. One is a signing who unequivocally has torn up the league, and on a ridiculously small contract based on his value both on and off the field. But Zlatan is almost certainly on his last contract and wouldn’t want to move anywhere else. The other has been more muted in his arrival and cost a fortune, but is widely seen as one of the world’s top talents.

Nobody doubted Zlatan’s marketability in the league, and anyone who doubted his ability on the pitch was greeted with this:

Wow! Zlataned RT @ESPNFC: LAFC were Zlatan'd in the first El Tráfico.

Catch the rematch on ESPN at 10:30 ET. pic.twitter.com/jta559ivUw

— M Poobalan (@PoobalanMy) July 27, 2018

It truly was one of the great moments in MLS history. And it wasn’t just once. By All-Star break, he had 15 goals and six assists in a bit more than 1,200 minutes, which comes out to a ridiculous 1.66 goals and assists per 90 minutes. It’s by far the most in the league, and if it wasn’t for Josef Martinez, he’d be the league leader in goals and the No. 1 attacker in the league. But his age and probability of having a no-trade clause in his contract means he’s not in the top 5.

For Barco, there’s quite a conversation to be had on why he’s underrated or overrated. It might go something like this:

Overrated: The most expensive buy in MLS history should be producing at a higher level immediately. Barco’s four goals and one assist in more than 1,000 minutes is not even close to Yamil Asad, who he replaced. Its Joe-Mason-esque.

Underrated:  He’s only 18 years old!  Who’s expecting him to be Yamil Asad in Year 1?

Overrated: All of MLS apparently.

Poll #2: Who has a better year? Barco with Atlanta or Asad with DC?@ExtraTimeRadio

— Tutul Rahman (@tutulismyname) February 16, 2018

Underrated: Well, that’s the fault of MLS fans. Plus, his expected Goal Chain per 96, is close to 0.99, which is elite. That’s much higher than players like Piatti, Valeri or Moralez. He’s widely seen as a top prospect in the world game. If he lives up to those expectations, Atlanta can reap huge profits

Overrated: How exactly will Atlanta make a profit? The structure of the deal, with the sell on and MLS’ take of any profit, points to Atlanta needing to sell him for $30 million to get some real profit in the near future:

What will it take for Atlanta to sell Barco after the U20 World Cup (assuming its finalized and 30% sell on through 2019)? The math points to about $30m.

After 2020, that number goes down to about $22m, when the sell on drops to 10%. pic.twitter.com/wFKS9gukKK

— Tutul Rahman (@tutulismyname) January 14, 2018

That’s not happening.

Underrated:  It may happen after 2020 when he gets the team to run on his own after Miggy and Josef are sold. He’d also be done playing with the Argentina U20s and if he impresses there, the future is very bright.

Overrated: The league is filled with former Argentina U-20 players. That doesn’t promise anything. Also, are we sure he’s going to be around for so long after allegedly making advances on a fellow teammate’s girlfriend?

Underrated: That scandal is the best thing that’s happened for MLS Reddit!

It could really go on and on. It doesn’t change the fact that Barco is the most expensive buy in history and hasn’t played up to expectation yet, but has plenty of time to prove himself.

I think Barco finds his footing by the end of the year. 

MVP-LEVEL DPs

10. Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers – 32; CAM; $2.380 million (DP)

9. Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls – 32; ST; $1.635 million (DP)

8. Nicolás Lodeiro, Seattle Sounders – 29; CAM; $2.3 million (DP)

Diego Valeri is reigning MLS MVP and is undoubtedly the face of the Portland Timbers franchise. He dropped a 21-goal, 11-assist season last year, which is rare if your name isn’t Giovinco. This year, his scoring seems down from his usually high standard (nine goals, 10 assists as of Aug.12), causing some to think age may be catching up with him. But again, his underlying stats per 96 minutes suggest something different:

2015:  0.62xG+xA (0.31 xG, 0.31 xA) 2016: 0.69xG+xA (0.37 xG, 0.32 xA) 2017: 0.69xG+xA (0.44 xG, 0.24 xA) 2018: 0.72xG+xA (0.36 xG, 0.36 xA)

If anything, Valeri has been mister consistency in level of expected production. Sometimes he focuses on his goal scoring, but this year his playmaking ability is shining. It shows that he’s not slowing down. To the contrary, he might be slightly getting better.

Speaking of fine wines, Bradley Wright-Phillips is having his best year as a professional in this league at the age of 32. He’s also the fastest to 100 goals in league history (although Martinez might overtake that in a year and a half).

Instantly iconic and legendary celebration by BWP, after scoring his 100th #MLS regular season goal!

Takes off his #99 jersey, to reveal a #100 jersey underneath!!!!#DCvRBNY #RBNY #BWP100 pic.twitter.com/1fphREtiT4

— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) July 26, 2018

It’s crazy to think that for a club that’s had Thierry Henry, Lothar Matthäus, Youri Djorkaeff, Tim Howard, Michael Bradley and Tim Cahill — that Bradley Wright-Phillips is going down as the greatest Metro ever. But that is definitely the case, and 2018 is his masterpiece.

With 15 goals and six assists in more than 1,500 minutes, he’s averaging 1.1 goals or assists per 90-minute match.

When it’s all said in done, BWP has a chance to leave MLS as the top goal scorer, which is pretty remarkable for someone who joined the Red Bulls as a trialist at 27 years old.

Nico Lodeiro may not have won or even been nominated for MVP, but he’s always played like one. He led the league in 2017 in expected Goal Chain, which shows how productive and important he is to the Seattle attack. His numbers might be slightly down this year, but with the addition of Ruidiaz, watch for Lodeiro and Seattle to accelerate. And unlike BWP and Valeri, Lodeiro is young enough to have international trade value — evidenced by Boca Juniors sniffing around earlier this year.

ELITE PLAYMAKERS

7. Kaku, New York Red Bulls – 23; LW; $709,090 (Young DP)

6. Alberth Elis, Houston Dynamo – 22; LW; $650,340 (Young DP)

5. Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC – 31; CF; $7.115 million (DP)

#KakuWatch dominated preseason for New York Red Bulls fans. The transfer drama with his former club, Atlético Huracán in Argentina, and his former agent was the “will he or won’t he” drama this league often misses in transfer silliness. It took a while for Kaku to get integrated into then Jesse Marsch’s system, but he’s been prolific since adapting. He leads the league with 14 assists and a chance to join Sacha Kljestan and Carlos Valderrama in the 20-assists club.

It’s all more impressive when you account he’d played less than 1,500 minutes by the All-Star break, with a 1.10 goals + assists per 90 minute rate (this, historically, is an MVP-candidate rate). Watching him live and knowing he’s only 23, there’s a feeling that he could do even greater things.

[MLS] Pisada, caño y rabona: el Kaku Romero Gamarra se ganó la ovación de la gente. pic.twitter.com/7DrBrZuYxa

— ElCanciller.com (@elcancillercom) July 22, 2018

The realities of his contract, which like Barco’s has a significant sell-on, means the Red Bulls would have to sell him for close to the eight-digit range to get a significant profit.

What will it take for NYRB to eventually sell Kaku Romero Gamarra for a decent profit (assuming everything gets finalized as reported)?

The math points to about $10m or about how much they sold Altidore to Villareal (and current MLS record). pic.twitter.com/VUOgJcsWcB

— Tutul Rahman (@tutulismyname) January 15, 2018

Kaku’s latest switch to the Paraguay national team should help his value increase because he’ll hopefully play in high-profile tournaments like Copa America. He should be a force for the Red Bulls in near future.

Calls for Alberth Elis as an MVP candidate is MLS’s equivalent of “Harden over Westbrook’s averaging triple double in 2017” argument. What I mean by that is Elis is a darling for advanced statistics. He has an unreal 0.93 xG+xA/96, which ranks second in the league with players over 1,000 minutes. He’s third in expected goal chain, behind Atlanta’s dynamic duo.

The eye test also says Elis is a special talent who’s still only 22 and is on a favorable contract as a young designated player. If anything, the one thing holding him back in becoming a true MVP talent is his finishing ability. His difference between expected goals and actual goals is seventh worst in the league at -2.84. That list has some big names such as Almiron and Giovinco, but the difference is the former has an elite finisher to pass to and the latter has proven to be a great finisher (just a bad penalty taker).

Giovinco is only a few months removed from winning the Golden Ball in the CONCACAF Champions League. But for his high standards, he’s having a down year with six goals and 10 assists at All-Star break. He’s also 31 and on one of the most expensive contracts in MLS. It’s almost enough for someone to think about entertaining some of the rumors of Liga MX sides, such as Club America, interested in buying his services. 

But if you look at the underlying numbers, Giovinco is still at the height of his powers. Look at his xG+xA/96 by year:

2015: 0.90 2016: 0.87 2017: 0.69 2018: 0.87

Giovinco is still the best player in MLS history. He’s still good enough to maintain high value regardless of his age and salary. That makes him still a top-5 asset in the league.

ENJOY THEM WHILE YOU CAN

4. Tyler Adams, New York Red Bulls – 19 ; CM; $153,541 (HGP)

Adam’s time in MLS is likely over after this season. It’s almost all but certain he’ll join Jesse Marsch at RB Leipzig.

His likely last season Stateside culminated in an All-Star appearance and could result in Red Bull New York getting its second-largest transfer fee (after Jozy Altidore), a figure they will get to keep in full due to Adam’s homegrown status.

Much like Davies, Adams represents what the new model of MLS as a selling league could be. But beyond that, Adams has been spectacular as a center-mid on a top MLS team.  This is him effectively ending Kellyn Acosta’s FC Dallas career.

It's Tyler Adams literally blowing past Kellyn Acosta on the #USMNT depth chart…https://t.co/GaSujeLHYL

— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) June 23, 2018

Here’s him containing Almiron and Barco in a New York Red Bull win in Atlanta:

One thing that Tyler Adams is doing exceptionally well for the New York Red Bulls this season is disrupting playmakers. Ahead of the #USMNT’s game against Ireland, it makes sense to highlight one of Adams’ biggest strengths. Here’s a breakdown of him containing Almiron and Barco. pic.twitter.com/HtzZhvte6E

— Joseph Lowery (@joeInCleats) June 2, 2018

He’s done it at the national team level as well. His future may be as wingback, where his never-ending motor can propel him to higher levels. But nevertheless, as long as he’s in MLS, he’s a top-5 asset.

THE $13 MILLION MAN

Alphonso Davies, Vancouver Whitecaps – 17; LM; $72,500 (HGP)

Special shout out here to the $13 million dollar man (and could be up to $22 million), who is headed to Bayern Munich at the end of the year. He’s 17 and a homegrown All-Star. He’s no longer just potential in this league, but already a top producer in MLS (five goals and 10 assists before All-Star break) and at the international level (he was best XI at the Gold Cup for Canada). There’s not much I can say about Davies that hasn’t been said, and since he’s already signed with Munich, he’s no longer a potential trade asset. He’s proven. But, let’s just enjoy him doing things like this in MLS while we can:

WOW! What a finish by Alphonso Davies! #VANvMIN https://t.co/4xnuvQAkLr

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) July 29, 2018

Davies will be a staple for the Canadian national team for the next 10 years, barring injury, and his success will hopefully convince talents such as Ballou Tabla to join him. The former refugee, Edmonton-kid and Vancouver homegrown is now the symbol of Canadian soccer and the future of what MLS can be. 

ALL-STAR CAPTAIN

3. Carlos Vela, Los Angeles FC – 29; CF; $6.29 million (DP)

When Vela was announced as a DP signing for LAFC, it signaled intent from the expansion club and the league in general. Vela was coming off a productive year in Europe, in his prime and chose MLS over Liga MX. Unlike the Dos Santos brothers, he was a central figure for Mexico’s World Cup squad that famously knocked off Germany.

His numbers in MLS have been equally impressive. He has a solid 0.75 xG+xA/96,  eight goals and six assists in limited minutes and has a track record of pulling off his own shot.

The first goal in #ElTrafico history is an absolute STUNNER from Carlos Vela! pic.twitter.com/Xz99gUCDRH

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) March 31, 2018

His level of play and impact in the league has felt a bit like Giovinco, except that Vela is two years younger and, for marketing purposes, still very important to the Mexican national team. That earns him a top-3 spot.

JOSEF. SCORE.

2. Josef Martínez, Atlanta United – 25; ST; $1.387 million (DP)

There’s something amazing about watching Josef Martinez’s drive to score goals. It’s an unadulterated need to put the ball in the back of the net at any cost. It feels as natural and inevitable as when Hulk wants to smash.

He came to the league last year with a scoring rate of 1.12 goals per 90 minutes. This was unsustainable, they said. Now in 2018, after 26 goals in 24 games, Martinez has averaged … you guessed it … 1.12 goals per 90 minutes this year.

He’s going to smash the MLS goal-scoring record this year. Before this year, BWP was the fastest to 24 goals in a year — and that was after 29 games. Martinez did it in 23. If he stayed in the league, he’d probably destroy the all-time MLS goal scoring record. In fact, if he stayed in this league until his early 30s, I’d say he’d have a good shot at 200 goals.

But the chance of him staying that long is slim to none. In comparison to other DPs, Martinez’s contract is very friendly. In fact, it’s technically within TAM guidelines. With these types of results, it’s only a matter of time before a European club comes in with an eight-figure transfer fee.  Some reports say Club America already made offers, and others say Atlanta said no last year to similar offers.

After this year, especially if Atlanta wins silverware, it’s going to be hard for Martinez and Atlanta to keep saying no. I think his leaving will be timed with teammate Miguel Almiron’s.  Speaking of …

LONG LIVE KING MIGGY

1. Miguel Almirón, Atlanta United – 24; CAM; $2.297 million (DP)

Almirón is the best player in MLS.  You can look at his raw numbers (eight goals, 11 assists).  You can look at his advanced stats (first in the league in expected Goal Chain). You can look at the $20-million price tag Atlanta put on him ahead of interest from Premier League clubs, which would blow away the transfer record for the league.

But honestly, all you have to do is watch the game. He has the largest amount of gravity of any player in the league. Every defender needs to track where he is, despite the fact that he’s actually an average finisher (he has 3.6 less goals than expected this year).

The only question is when he’s headed to Europe. Latest reports show Tata and Atlanta United convinced him to stay through this season and win some trophies with the club. That alone is a coup for the team and the league.

But the true legacy of Almirón will happen when he moves to Europe for a large fee. That will complete the promise of MLS being a legitimate place for top South American talent to come, develop and head to Europe. And I, for one, am looking to next year, when the league has two or three players vying to be the next Almirón.

That’s it! The Midsummer Trade Value Rankings are done. What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.

The post MLS Trade Value Rankings: Midsummer update Part 4, Nos. 30-1 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The Colorado Rapids had their three-match unbeaten run ended by LAFC on Sunday night at Banc of California Stadium as second half goals from Diego Rossi (49’) and Lee Nguyen (80’) propelled the hosts to a 2-0 win in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

Here are some takeaways from Colorado’s 2-0 loss to Los Angeles Football Club

Fool’s Gold?

Colorado’s three-game unbeaten run and string of nine points in six games entering Sunday was arguably the Rapids’ best form of 2018. What was promising was not just the results, but the type of soccer Colorado has been playing: possessive football with a high press and counterattacking threat.

But Colorado went away from that for large stretches against LAFC, absorbing pressure and failing to take advantage of offensive opportunities in the first half.

“I thought we played well, aside from 15-20 minutes in the first half, and we came out in the second half and I think we controlled the game and got the press right,” explained Rapids midfielder Dillon Serna. “When you don’t take your chances, it’s hard to come back from one-nil down and reshape the game. I think the way we pressed in the second half was good, we won the ball back a lot easier in good spots and were able to keep the ball. I think we were able to connect the first two or three passes after transition and I think that’s how we gain control of the game.”

With Colorado’s recent results coming against teams like bottom dwellers San Jose and Houston, a Galaxy side which has been struggling, and their Rocky Mountain Cup rivals who were also beaten 2-0 by LAFC, Colorado’s positive run of form may not be what it looked like on paper.

“I think what we’re showing is that the team is building, the team is getting stronger,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson emphasized to reporters postgame. “We’ve got a clear identity of how we want to play.  The bottom line is that the lads that are on the pitch tonight are absolutely dying for the team.  They’re giving everything.”

Calling Foul

For all the controversial and/or judgement calls that have gone against Colorado this season, Sunday night’s match featured several breaks in the Rapids’ favor, but the visitors were unable to capitalize.

Just before the half, Rapids defender Danny Wilson was shown on replay appearing to handle the ball in Colorado’s 18-yard-box, which would have prompted a penalty kick opportunity. But the referee didn’t call it and appeared to not review the play with VAR, which prompted a subsequent yellow card issued to Benny Feilhaber for dissent.

Why even have Video Review, if the referee isn’t going to take a look at a situation like this?!?! The inconsistency of when, and how often, referees go to Video Review in #MLS games is very frustrating.#LAFCvCOL #EraPenal #VAR pic.twitter.com/JR0WyHMKQC

— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) August 20, 2018

 

In the second half, the Rapids dodged another bullet as rookie Niki Jackson was issued a yellow for “unsporting behavior” for striking the face of an opponent with his boot while going for the ball, but was arguably inches away from a sending off.

Colorado has certainly been playing harder over the past few weeks, but the Rapids also need to play smarter, in regards to bookable offenses.

Injury Updates

Forward Sam Nicholson went off for the Rapids early in the match (28’), reportedly dealing with back problems – an issue that has been plaguing the Scotsman on and off since his arrival in Colorado. Nicholson was replaced by Jackson, who produced chances, but was unable to find the back of the net.

At the half, Rapids homegrown Kortne Ford was subbed off in favor of Deklan Wynne. While no injury was announced, or reported, given the differences in performances between the two players this season, it points to a likely injury suffered by Ford in the match.

On the positive, Giles Barnes made a return to action for Colorado on Sunday. The English-born Jamaican international has appeared in just 137 minutes since joining Colorado during the summer transfer window, and has yet to find the back of the net for his new club.

Centerback Axel Sjoberg remains out with a knee injury, according to the latest injury report, while Kellyn Acosta started and featured for another full 90 minute performance after leaving last Tuesday’s game against the Galaxy with visible sickness.

The post Was Colorado’s resurgence fool’s gold? Takeaways from the Rapids’ 2-0 loss to LAFC appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — During their last match of a three-game homestand, Los Angeles Football Club defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0 on Sunday night in front of an announced crowd of 22,000 at Banc of California Stadium.  It was the club’s second consecutive 2-0 victory after defeating Real Salt Lake by the same scoreline four days ago. 

LAFC and Colorado played in Southern California earlier this week, with Colorado earning a 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy Tuesday night and LAFC hosting Real Salt Lake Wednesday. Neither team made changes to its starting lineup from the midweek matchups for Sunday night’s contest. 

The first half was a calm half, with both sides working strategically to learn about their opponent in their first meeting. LAFC maintained the possession through most of the first half, but throughout the match the game felt fairly balanced between the two sides. 

Colorado was forced to make a substitution early on, as Sam Nicholson had to leave the match due to injury. He was replaced by Niki Jackson in the 28th minute of play, who ended up with three shots, including one shot on goal. 

Neither side could break through in the first half, and both sides headed to the locker rooms after a scoreless first half.

LAFC midfielder Lee Nguyen opened the game’s scoring in the 49th minute with an impressive solo effort within the 18-yard box. He brought down and controlled a bouncing ball in the box and turned to fire a shot past Colorado goalkeeper Tim Howard, putting LAFC ahead 1-0.

In the 80th minute, Diego Rossi, who led his team in shots for this match, had a goal of his own after dribbling past Colorado defenders and slotting the ball past Tim Howard. The play started off a clean backheel flick from Adama Diomande, who was earning his first minutes for LAFC since being sidelined for several matches due to injury. Diomande had just subbed on 18 minutes earlier for Christian Ramirez, but was able to make his mark on the match within a short time frame. Latif Blessing had also just entered the match, in the 79th minute for Carlos Vela, and was able to pull defenders away from Rossi on his run. 

The match ended with a 2-0 victory for LAFC, but their lead could have been more if it weren’t from some key saves from Colorado’s goalkeeper Tim Howard throughout the match. 

Looking ahead for LAFC, they will play against their cross-town rivals LA Galaxy for the third iteration of El Trafico on Friday Aug. 24th at 10:30 p.m. E.T. at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. 

The post LAFC’s consecutive 2-0 wins propel them forward ahead of El Trafico appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Los Angeles Football Club will host the Colorado Rapids on Sunday at 10 p.m. E.T. at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, Calif. LAFC has one win and one loss during the first two matches of their three-game home stand spanning eight days and is looking for a win in its first matchup against Colorado.

Here are a few things you need to know heading into Sunday’s contest:

LAFC is 11-7-6 overall this season and 6-1-5 at home. The team sits in third place in the Western Conference table with 39 points from 24 matches. This is LAFC’s first match against Western Conference side Colorado, but the two teams will meet again on Oct. 6 at Dicks Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo.  The Colorado Rapids are 6-12-6 so far this season and 1-7-3 on the road. In the Western Conference standings, Colorado is in 11th place with 24 points from 24 matches. The Rapids are currently in a three match undefeated streak, and, most recently recorded a 2-2 draw with the LA Galaxy on Tuesday night. During LAFC’s last match, Christian Ramirez got his first start and scored both goals for Los Angeles during its 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. Vela, Atuesta and Harvey were credited with assists on Ramirez’s goals, alluding to the cohesion the team has found so far this season.  Adama Diomande was in the 18-man roster for LAFC for the match against RSL, but he did not see playing time. He has been removed from the team’s injured player list after recovering from a hamstring strain.  This match is the fifth for LAFC in the month of August, including the side’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal game in Houston on Aug. 8 that went to extra time and eight rounds of a penalty shootout. LAFC has only one win and three losses in the four matches so far this month, making this match an important one for the standings.  The only players on the injury list for LAFC are Mark-Anthony Kaye and Quillan Roberts, who are both recovering from lower leg fractures.  Defender Walker Zimmerman is one yellow card away from suspension due to card accumulation.  The officials for this match are Center Referee Nima Saghafi, ARs Eric Weisbrod and Jose da Silva. The 4th official is Daniel Radford and VAR is Alex Chilowicz. After this match, LAFC will face cross-town rivals, LA Galaxy, in the third iteration of El Trafico on Friday, Aug. 24, at 10:30 p.m. P.T. 

The post With tired legs, LAFC hosts Colorado during last match of homestand appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Here is how to watch all Major League Soccer matches live in Week 25 on TV or streaming. You can follow along with our live scores and stats throughout the weekend as well.

Saturday, Aug. 18

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
4 p.m.	Seattle v LA Galaxy	Seattle: ESPN & ESPN Deportes; LA: ESPN & ESPN Deportes	WatchESPN, MLS LIVE on DAZN
7 p.m.	Philadelphia v NYCFC	PHI: PHL 17; NYC: YES	ESPN+ or DirectKick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
7 p.m.	Vancouver v NY Red Bulls	NY: MSG; CANADA: TSN 1/5	ESPN+, Direct Kick
7:30 p.m.	Chicago v Montreal	CHI: ESPN+; CAN: TVAS	ESPN+ or DirectKick
8 p.m.	FC Dallas v Minnesota	DAL: TXA-21; MIN: Fox Sports North Plus	EESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8:30 p.m.	Sporting KC  v Portland	SKC:FOX Sports KC Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus; POR:ROOT Sports NW	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
9 p.m.	Houston v Real Salt Lake	HOU: KUBE 57; RSL: KMYU	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
10 p.m.	San Jose v Toronto FC	SJ: NBC Sports California; CAN: TSN 4	ESPN+, Direct Kick

Sunday, Aug. 19

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
4 p.m.	Atlanta v Columbus	ATL: Fox Sports South; CLB:CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports OH, BCSN2	ESPN+, Direct Kick, TSN 2
7:30 p.m.	DC United vs New England	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes; CAN: TSN4	FOX Sports GO
10 p.m.	LAFC vs. Colorado	LAFC:UniMás 46, YouTube TV [LA region only]; COL: Altitude	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN

The post How to watch MLS on TV, live stream Week 25 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

MLS fans were treated in the lone Tuesday night game as Western Conference opponents Colorado Rapids and L.A. Galaxy faced off for the second time in 10 days. After looking like a gritty defensive battle for the first half, the two sides broke through for four goals in a span of 24 minutes. Ashley Cole’s opening goal (59’) gave the hosting Galaxy the initial lead before Edgar Castillo (74’) answered to tie the match at 1-1. Sebastian Lletget scored four minutes later to give L.A. a 2-1 advantage, but rookie Niki Jackson scored his second of the season (82’) to help the visiting Rapids earn a road point at StubHub Center.

Here are some takeaways from Colorado’s 2-2 draw with L.A.

Homie Don’t Play That

Mexican-American defender Edgar Castillo, known by the nickname “Homie” to Mexican fans and broadcasters, has been one of the few bright spots throughout at downtrodden 2018 season for Colorado. On Tuesday night, fans bore witness to both the best and worst of the 31-year-old, who shouldered responsibility on three of the game’s four goals.

Castillo’s equalizing goal in the 74th minute was world class and he rightfully earned praise from his teammates for it.

“That’s what my teammates said, I just score really good goals,” Castillo told reporter postgame. “I mean, I just got the ball, hit it and it went in. All the goals I have are good goals, and it comes off my teammates, it’s not only me.”

But just moments late, a rare defensive lapse by Castillo gave Lletget the time and space to sneak behind for the go-ahead goal:

Castillo bounced back, however. In a show of his veteran savvy and short memory, he responded to provide the assist on Jackson’s goal, which helped Colorado earn a result.

“I think he’s handful right now,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said of Castillo. “He’s an exciting player. He’s an unbelievable character in the dressing room. He’s great to have around the team and obviously, as you can see on the pitch, not only is he a really really good defender, he’s just a real threat going forward. I think the more time he has with us around the players and in the team he’s just growing confidence and I’m pleased for him at the moment.”

Down with the Sickness

Alongside Dillon Serna, who got the start on Tuesday, Kellyn Acosta has shown to be a vital component to the possessive, attacking soccer Colorado has displayed for the past three games.

The duo gave L.A. fits on the counter attack, and Acosta was once again solid in his distribution of the ball, completing over 75 percent of his passes.

But the Rapids took a hit when Acosta, who was shown throwing up on the field, had to be subbed off early in the second half due to illness.

With Colorado playing another road match against LAFC on Sunday, it’s cause for some uneasiness, if not genuine concern heading into the second leg of the Rapids’ Los Angeles road trip.

As Hudson said, “The bottom line is we need as many big characters, strong characters, people that can go into a game and trust they are going to deliver a game plan.”

Rapids finding their flow?

With nine points in six matches and seven points in the past three contests, Colorado is in arguably its best form of the season, matched only by a stretch of eight points in four games back in April.

This current stretch feels more convincing from Colorado, having earned four points against the currently playoff-bound Galaxy while playing attractive, attacking football. While playoffs are still a longshot for this club, Colorado’s play has given the fans in Commerce City hope for the future.

The past three matches have shown the “Keep Fighting” mantra that the team popularized during the Rapids’ successful 2016 campaign, with Colorado scoring late goals in each.

“The last few games there has been many late goals and it just shows that we are sticking to the game plan for the full 90 minutes, plus stoppage,” Rapids forward Niki Jackson said of the team’s current outlook. “It just shows out perseverance, how hard we want to work and how hard we want to get the points on the road, and at home. It just shows how hard our team is working and staying together.”

The post The best and worst of Edgar Castillo and other takeaways from Colorado’s 2-2 draw at L.A. appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

CARSON, Calif. — On Tuesday night, the LA Galaxy drew with the Colorado Rapids by a scoreline of 2-2 in front of a crowd of 16,231 fans in attendance at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

This is the second meeting between these two clubs within a ten day span. In their last meeting on Aug. 4, Colorado snapped the Galaxy’s nine match unbeaten streak with a 2-1 victory in Colorado.

The first half of the match took it’s time warming up. Both sides used gradually figured out their opponent, with a total of just eight shots, three on target, from both teams combined for the first half. 

Midfielder Jonathan Dos Santos exited the match due to injury in the 34th minute after sustaining a right groin strain. Prior to the match, Jonathan Dos Santos was the only designated player available for the Galaxy, as the two others, Giovani Dos Santos and Romain Alessandrini, were tending to injuries that removed them from the team’s previous match on Saturday.

Also dealing with injury in the first half was defender Michael Ciani, but he was able to make it into the locker room for halftime before being substituted out for Daniel Steres at the start of the second half. 

Colorado’s newest addition, midfielder Kellyn Acosta, left the match in the 50th minute due to illness. Acosta joined the Rapids during the Secondary Transfer window from FC Dallas, in exchange for Colorado’s leading goalscorer, Dominique Badji. Bismark Boateng, who has one goal in the 738 minutes played so far this season, entered the match for the Rapids.

Defender Ashley Cole opened the game’s scoring in the 59th minute, working his way around the Colorado defense and netting the ball in the far upper corner. There was a palpable change in momentum to the match with the goal, and the crowd knew that more goals were heading their way.

With play running from end to end, Edgar Castillo found the equalizer for the Rapids in the 74th minute, bringing the match to a 1-1 scoreline. 

Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget found an answer of his own in the 78th minute, putting the Galaxy back ahead 2-1. With this goal, the intensity of the match heightened, and both sides put more effort into getting a result for their team. 

Niki Jackson found another equalizer for Colorado in the 82nd minute, with the assist to Edgar Castillo, who had scored Colorado’s first goal of the night, putting the scoreline at 2-2. 

Neither side was able to break the tie, and the match ended with a 2-2 scoreline. The Galaxy have struggled this season with maintaining a lead, and tonight was another example of that. 

 In their next match, the Galaxy travel to Seattle to take on the Sounders at on Saturday Aug. 18 at 4pm E.T. 

The post Galaxy tie familiar foe, Colorado Rapids, at home just ten days after last match appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC made the biggest noise in Week 24, going to Portland and snapping the Timbers 15-game unbeaten streak and the Caps are also our biggest movers in the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings after Week 24.

The New England Revolution, conversely, have dropped the most for a second straight week, falling three spots after a 3-2 home loss to the Philadelphia Union that extended a winless streak to six games.

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

(1) Atlanta United (14-4-6, 48 points): Atlanta United has a slim lead atop the Supporters’ Shield race, with the New York Red Bulls and NYCFC hot on their tails. After a bye in Week 24, they meet a dangerous Crew SC side at home Saturday. (2) New York Red Bulls (15-6-2, 47 points): It wasn’t pretty, but the Red Bulls beat the Fire for their fifth win in their last six games with Bradley Wright-Phillips becoming the first player in league history to score at least 15 goals in five consecutive seasons. (4) New York City FC (14-5-5, 47 points): David Villa returned and scored a goal and Ismael Tajouri-Shradi bagged a brace as NYCFC defeated Toronto FC, sweeping their rivals to the north this season. (3) Portland Timbers (10-4-7, 37 points): Diego Valeri scored from the penalty spot, but the Timbers couldn’t overcome an early 2-0 deficit and fell at home to the Whitecaps to snap a 15-match unbeaten streak. (5) FC Dallas (12-5-6, 42 points): It’s probably too early to push the panic button, but FC Dallas has dropped consecutive games for the first time this season following a 2-1 defeat at Seattle Sunday. (7) Columbus Crew SC (11-7-6, 39 points): Don’t look now, but the Crew appear to be making an August move. They won their third straight game Saturday, beating slumping Houston, 1-0, on a stoppage time goal by Gyasi Zardes. An even bigger statement can be made at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this week. (6) Los Angeles Football Club (10-7-6, 36 points): Without an injured Adama Diomande, LAFC fell to Sporting Kansas City, 2-0, at home — their first loss at Banc of California Stadium. The winless streak is now five straight league games. (9) Sporting Kansas City (11-6-6, 39 points): For the first time since early May, Sporting has put together back-to-back wins, beating LAFC, 2-0, on Saturday. Gerso Fernandes and Ilie Sanchez scored in each half for SKC, who host the Timbers Saturday night. (10) Seattle Sounders FC (9-9-5, 32 points): Once left for dead in the West, the Sounders are three points below the playoff line following a 2-1 win over FC Dallas Saturday, their fifth straight victory and eighth game in a row without defeat. (8) LA Galaxy (10-8-6, 36 points): The Galaxy squandered a pair of leads, rued a non-call that could have resulted in a penalty kick and suddenly have injury concerns to Romain Alessandrini and Giovani dos Santos following a 2-2 home draw against Minnesota United (11) Houston Dynamo (7-10-6, 27 points): The Dynamo dropped their fourth straight game and are winless in their last six league games following a 1-0 loss at Columbus. La Naranja host Real Salt Lake in a massive six-pointer Saturday. (12) Montreal Impact (9-13-3, 30 points): After going 21 weeks without a draw, the Impact have three in their last four games after tying Real Salt Lake, 1-1. Jukka Raitala lashed home the equalizer in the 55th minute for a big road point. Chicago comes to Stade Saputo Saturday. (15) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (9-9-6, 33 points): The biggest noise in Week 24 was made by the Whitecaps, who went to Providence Park and handed the Timbers their first loss since April. Kei Kamara and Cristian Techera scored in each half for the Caps, who are just two points below the playoff line in the West. (13) Toronto FC (6-12-5, 23 points): After a red card to Jozy Altidore in the 11th minute, Toronto FC rallied twice to equalize on goals by Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vazquez, but conceded the decisive goal by Ismael Tajouri-Shradi two minutes from full time. (16) Philadelphia Union (9-11-3, 30 points): Central defender Jack Elliott struck for an unlikely brace and Fafa Picault netted the winner from the penalty spot in the 76th minute as the Union knocked off New England, 3-2, to move above the Revs in the East standings. NYCFC comes to Talen Energy Stadium Saturday. (17) Real Salt Lake (10-9-5, 35 points): RSL stretched an unbeaten streak to four games — though did so with their third time in that span — following a 1-1 home draw against Montreal. Joao Plata scored the loan goal for the Claret and Cobalt, who have two huge games against LAFC and Houston on the horizon this week. (14) New England Revolution (7-8-8, 29 points): It’s now six games without a win and four losses in their last five games for the Revs, who fell to the Union, 3-2, at home Saturday. That dropped them below the playoff line in the East with critical road games against D.C. United and Philadelphia coming up. (18) Minnesota United FC (9-13-2, 29 points): After back-to-back losses, Minnesota rallied twice to gut out a 2-2 road draw against the LA Galaxy. Romario Ibarra scored his first MLS goal in the 84th minute for the Loons, who head to FC Dallas Saturday. (19) D.C. United (5-9-6, 21 points): Luciano Acosta netted a hat trick, Wayne Rooney had a pair of assists, including a perfectly weighted ball on Acosta’s stoppage-time winner after making a game-saving tackle in a 3-2 win over Orlando. The Timbers come to Audi Field Wednesday night. (20) Colorado Rapids (6-12-5, 23 points): For the second straight game, the Rapids left it late, but they won back-to-back games for only the second time this season, beating San Jose, 2-1, at home Saturday. Nana Boateng bagged the stoppage time winner for the Rapids, who try to beat the Galaxy for the second time in 10 days Wednesday in Carson. (21) Orlando City SC (7-15-2, 23 points): The Lions clawed back twice to level, only to concede the winning goal in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time in a 3-2 loss at D.C. United, their 13th defeat in the last 15 games. They have some time to lick their wounds before Atlanta comes to town August 24. (22) San Jose Earthquakes (3-13-7, 16 points): Magnus Eriksson leveled in the 58th minute after the Quakes fell behind in the 24th minute on a Tommy Smith goal, but any hopes of a third straight game without defeat went out the window thanks to Nana Boateng’s stoppage time winner. San Jose is home for a desperate Toronto FC side Saturday night. (23) Chicago Fire (6-14-5, 23 points): The battle level was evident for the Fire, who scratched, clawed and made things difficult for the New York Red Bulls, but Bradley Wright-Phillips’ 15th goal of the season in the 55th minute was the decisive moment as Chicago dropped a seventh straight league contest.

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler, Julian Cardillo and Emily Olsen contributed to this report.

The post MLS Power Rankings Week 24: Vancouver Whitecaps rise, New England Revolution fall appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

The LA Galaxy host the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday night at 10:30pm E.T. at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Just 10 days ago, the Rapids ended the Galaxy’s nine game unbeaten streak with a 2-1 victory when the two sides met at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo. Here are a few things you need to know heading into Tuesday night’s match up:

The Galaxy are 10-8-6 overall and 6-4-2 at home so far this season. They sit in fourth place, tied with cross-town rival LAFC, in the Western Conference standings with 36 points in 24 matches. The Colorado Rapids are 1-7-2 on the road so far this season, with their lone road win coming on July 1 with a 1-0 win in Vancouver against the Whitecaps. Colorado is in 11th place in the West with a 6-12-5 record and 23 points from 23 matches.  All time, the Galaxy are 37-26-10 against Colorado and 24-7-5 at home.  Tired legs plague both of these teams, as both sides played home games on Saturday night. This match is the last midweek match for the Galaxy of the 2018 MLS regular season, with one Friday match, five Saturday matches and three Sunday matches remaining.  The Galaxy were twice unable to hold their lead against Minnesota United FC on Saturday night, as the Loons found equalizers both times the Galaxy earned a lead. The match ended in a 2-2 draw that felt like a loss, according to Galaxy midfielder Sebastian Lletget. Forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is still just two goals away from 500 goals in his career. Michael Ciani is facing suspension due to yellow card accumulation if he is shown one more yellow card, while both Ashley Cole and Jorgen Skjelvik are two cards away.  Midfielder Romain Alessandrini left the Galaxy’s match on Saturday due to a right knee injury. The club has not yet released a statement on his status, and head coach Sigi Schmid did not have an update on his status post game. Giovani Dos Santos, who was returning from injury on Saturday, also left the match early due to injury, and his status also has yet to be released by the Galaxy.   The Colorado Rapids recently bolstered their offense by bringing in Kellyn Acosta after trading with FC Dallas in exchange for Dominique Badji, who still is Colorado’s leading goal scorer this season. Acosta already has two goals and two assists in his three matches so far with Colorado, including one goal against the Galaxy on August 4.

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In a matchup pitting two of the worst teams in the Western Conference, the Colorado Rapids hosted the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. After taking an early 1-0 lead on a goal by Tommy Smith, the Rapids conceded a penalty to let the ‘Quakes back in the game at 1-1. But a stoppage time goal from Bismarck “Nana” Boateng helped Colorado steal the 2-1 win in extra time.

Here are some takeaways from the Rapids 2-1 win:

All aboard the “Nana” Boat

When the Rapids picked up Nana Boateng from Manchester City in January of 2017, it was a highly-touted signing and one that Colorado fans were excited about. But a back injury early in his Rapids career followed by a mixture of mediocre performance and an inability to find a consistent place in the lineup has made his time in Colorado a difficult one for both player and fans alike.

Saturday’s goal – Boateng’s first for Colorado and in MLS – marked a high point, however.

“It’s been a very long road for us this season,” the Ghanaian said postgame. “But we came out here every single day and we trained very, very hard. And finally, we are getting the result we need. And I think its great for me and the boys and for the fans.”

Still, at just 24-years-old, Boateng still has plenty of career left ahead of him, and the Rapids brass are optimistic for his development, with GM Padraig Smith pointing out Boateng as one of Colorado’s young promising players in his Q&A with fans on Thursday.

Acosta Benefit Analysis

For all the criticism the Rapids and GM Padraig Smith have taken, the trade of Dominique Badji for Kellyn Acosta may prove to be one of the best – if not the best – moves of the recently closed MLS summer transfer window.

Since acquiring Acosta, Colorado has played some of the best soccer of its 2018 campaign, earning six points in the table in from the three games in which the 23-year-old midfielder has played. If not for a missed penalty and late own-goal against D.C. United, the points total could’ve been seven or nine points.

During the Rapids’ recent stretch of positive results, the team has been better in passing, possession, and chances created and Acosta has been a big part of that, as his distribution diagram shows:

“We’ve been playing better football, our stats are up, our passing stats are like .500 and we’re dominating possession and percentage-wise, that’s helpful, pretty good at home,” Rapids captain and goalkeeper Tim Howard said.

Acosta now has two goals and an assist to his name in three games played for Colorado.

Brighton-ing up Colorado’s lineup

As a Colorado native and Homegrown player, Rapids fans have been fully behind Dillon Serna. But as Anthony Hudson explained to the media (and subsequently, the fans), he chooses his lineups on performance in both training and games. With strong performance in practice leading up to the match, and also in games, the Brighton, Colo. native is earning his place in Hudson’s lineup and did much to further impress the coach on Saturday, following his first-half replacement of Enzo Martinez.

Less than 10 minutes into his appearance, Serna showed immediate impact with both a defensive stop and a shot that pinged off the crossbar which nearly put the Rapids up 2-0. Like Acosta, Serna is a piece that can help with Colorado’s passing, ball distribution, and the type of attacking football which Padraig Smith defines as “The Rapids Way”.

“I have to mention Dillon (Serna) again because he’s had a tough year,” Hudson said in his post-match presser. “It’s been tough for him, but I’ve loved his reaction, his response.”

 

The post Dillon Serna’s day out and other takeaways from the Colorado Rapids 2-1 win over San Jose appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In a matchup of league bottom dwellers, the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes faced off to contest the fabled MLS wooden spoon trophy. After an exchanging of goals between the two sides, midfielder Bismarck “Nana” Boateng scored the game-winner in stoppage time, leading Colorado to a 2-1 home win Saturday night.

It marked the second-straight win for Colorado in as many games, and the first time the Rapids have won back-to-back matches in 2018.

“I wish it wasn’t another late one,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson said postgame. “I’m sure it was exciting for the fans, but it should have been taken care of in the first half, to be honest.”

While Colorado has been trending positively with eight points tallied over the past five matches, Hudson pointed out that it’s far from celebration time.

“We’ve won a couple of games,” he continued. “We’re still fighting for our lives at the wrong end of the table.”

Rapids golden boot leader Tommy Smith opened the scoring in the 24th minute with his headed effort, assisted by Kellyn Acosta, to put Colorado in front 1-0. It marked the third goal of the season for Smith, and the third-straight match in which Acosta has notched either a goal or an assist.

 

A tactical decision by Hudson led to Enzo Martinez subbing out for Dillon Serna in the 28th minute. Playing centrally, the Homegrown had an immediate impact on the match, notching a defensive stop in the 32nd minute and a shot from the edge of box, which pinged off the crossbar five minutes.

“With Dillon, when we see him in training, he’s got so much energy,” Hudson said of Serna. “When he played against Boca Juniors I said, “I want to see that more often.” We needed an injection of energy at that stage. I thought he did really well.”

San Jose also produced its fair share of first-half chances, but the visitors’ best opportunity to equalize came in the 42nd minute. Shea Salinas ripped a right-footed shot from outside the box, but the midfielder was denied by Tim Howard.

Colorado dominated firsthalf possession with nearly 60 percent of the ball, but only held a slight edge in shots (7-6), while San Jose produced more on-target chances with three.

The Earthquakes eventually tied the game in the second half. Rapids centerback Kortne Ford conceded a penalty in the 57th minute. Magnus Eriksson stepped up to take the penalty for San Jose and buried it to the left of Tim Howard, leveling the match at 1-1.

Substitute Niki Jackson nearly took back the lead for Colorado in the 74th minute, but his headed effort was above the mark.

In the 88th minute, San Jose went down to 10 men following a red card issued to Salinas for violent conduct. Salinas was involved in a scrum between the two teams following a tactical foul and subsequent yellow card by Serna.

Colorado benefited from the man advantage as Boateng scored the game winner, sneaking his low shot past Tarbell to give the Rapids the 2-1 advantage.

“We just kept going and going,” Boateng said of the late effort by Colorado. “It’s been a long road this season. Finally, we’re getting the results we need.”

Colorado will now embark on a two-game Los Angeles road trip, facing L.A. Galaxy in Carson, Calif., Tuesday night before heading to Banc of California Stadium to face LAFC four days later. San Jose returns to Avaya Stadium next Saturday to host Toronto FC.

The post Colorado Rapids leave it late again, defeating San Jose 2-1 in stoppage time appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Here is how to watch all Major League Soccer matches live in Week 24 on TV or streaming. You can follow along with our live scores and stats throughout the weekend as well.

Saturday, Aug. 11

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
7:30 p.m.	Columbus v Houston	CLB: CW Columbus, Spectrum Sports OH, BCSN2; HOU: KUBE 57	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
7: 30 p.m.	New England v Philadelphia	NE: NBC Sports Boston; PHI: PHL 17	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8:30 p.m.	Chicago v NY Red Bulls	CHI: ESPN+; NY: MSG	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
9 p.m.	Colorado v San Jose	COL: Altitude; SJ: NBC Sports California Plus	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
10 p.m.	Real Salt Lake v Montreal	RSL: KMYU; CAN: TVAS	ESPN+, Direct Kick
10:30 p.m.	LA Galaxy v Minnesota	LA: Spectrum SportsNet; MIN: Fox Sports North	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
10:30 p.m.	LAFC v Sporting KC	LAFC: YouTube TV [LA region only], UniMás 46; SKC: FOX Sports KC Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
11 p.m.	Portland v Vancouver	POR: ROOT Sports NW; CAN: TSN 1/4	ESPN+, Direct Kick

Sunday, Aug. 12

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
4 p.m.	Toronto v NYCFC	USA:ESPN, ESPN Deportes; CAN: TSN4	WatchESPN
8 p.m.	DC United vs Orlando City	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes; CAN: TSN4	FOX Sports GO
10 p.m.	Seattle v FC Dallas	USA: FS1, FOX Deportes; CAN: TSN4	FOX Sports GO

The post How to watch MLS on TV, live stream Week 24 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – In an effort to increase the club’s transparency and connect with fans, Colorado Rapids executive vice president and general manager Padraig Smith sat down for a live Q&A with supporters via Reddit and in person.

Smith addressed fan questions, which covered a variety of topics, in addition to elaborating further on the disappointing 2018 campaign, its vision for the future and the roster building process.

Here are just a few of the topics covered from Thursday’s Q&A:

Youth development and new Homegrown signing

Several questions brought up by fans questioned whether the Colorado Rapids are properly developing the youth within the club’s system.

Smith rightfully pointed out that the idea that Colorado isn’t playing or focused on younger players is somewhat of a misnomer. Of note, 15, or more than half of the Rapids’ current first-team roster is under the age of 25.

“I think sometimes people forget about our players and how old they are,” Smith responded. “Nana Boeteng will come in next season at 24. Kellyn Acosta is 23. Kortne Ford is 21.”

Smith also used the opportunity to reveal Colorado’s latest Homegrown signing: midfielder Cole Bassett. The 17-year-old played over 200 minutes with the Rapids’ U-23 side in the PDL, notching a goal and an assist against much older competition.

“Cole is one of the most talented players, not just in our development academy, but in the country,” Smith said. “I think being able to bring someone like him at 17 speaks volumes to the work that has gone on at the development academy.”

No more bunker ball

“When I think of the mistakes, I think of a couple of games; Montreal away, Houston away,” Smith explained. “I think we got away from the type of team, philosophy and vision we have as a club.”

In those away games, Colorado rolled out a bunkered 5-4-1 formation, appearing to play for a draw from the start, yet losing both matches. Against both Montreal and Houston away, Colorado managed only two shots, while failing to gain more than 31 percent possession in either contest.

READ: While frustration flares in Colorado, Rapids GM Padraig Smith looks toward roster reinforcement this summer

It was a pair of performances which went against the philosophy which Smith branded as “The Rapids Way.”

Said Smith, “We want to play this attacking football, this entertaining brand of football, play with intensity, urgency, play with boldness.”

The value of Tim Howard

Fans in Colorado have been frustrated with Tim Howard, whether for his perceived lack of production in net and responsibility on “soft goals”, his high salary, or his off the field antics.

While it’s true that the Rapids have received middling performance from the highest paid goalkeeper in the league, Smith explained that Howard offers residual value beyond his on-field performances.

“He’s been a huge help to me, certainly in terms of recruitment, as well,” Smith said. “If you look at his relationship with Jermaine Jones back in 2016…certainly he spoke to Edgar Castillo and Kellyn Acosta. These are people that look up to him and can talk to him. At this club, he’s had a role to play in that.”

Women’s involvement

Smith was asked during the Q&A what can be done to involve more women in the Colorado Rapids community.

He responded, saying, “I think one of the things that has been really exciting is our youth club has merged with Colorado Storm. It brings the number of players that wear our badge to over 19,000 and the girls’ side It’s something that’s a massive part of that. It will be hugely important for soccer in the state and something we’re very interested in for sure.”

Colorado is certainly a hotbed for women’s talent on the pitch, producing U.S. Women’s National Team players such as Lindsey Horan and Mallory Pugh, but Colorado is one of several MLS markets currently without an NWSL team. The previous incarnation of a professional women’s side, Colorado Rapids Women, played in the USL W-League but ended operations in 2014.

To Smith and the Rapids’ credit, Colorado hired Ena Patel at the beginning of the season as the club’s director of player personnel. Patel is the highest ranking female club executive in MLS. But whether it be through more fan involvement or the eventual formation of another professional women’s side, Colorado could certainly do more in regards to women’s involvement with the club.

Is the best yet to come?

The Q&A session came just days after Colorado earned its fifth win of the season, winning 2-1 against the L.A. Galaxy while putting forth one of the better performances seen under first-year Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson.

For Smith, it’s a sign of better days ahead (although he acknowledged there may also be more bumps in the road along the way).

“I like the idea of turning the corner,” said Smith. “You really have seen what we’re capable of over the last couple of games. We certainly believe there’s a lot more of that to come. There’s going to be ups and downs. But what we think we’ve got now is the ability to do what we did on Saturday on a consistent basis.”

The post Colorado Rapids GM Padraig Smith addresses fans following close of transfer window appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Tim Howard will serve as a studio analyst for B/R Football and TNT during their coverage of the UEFA Champions League.

Howard joins Fox Sports analyst and former United States men’s national team player Stu Holden, previously announced host Kate Abdo and former NBA superstar Steve Nash, among other commentators and guests.

Turner Sports recently announced an aggressive coverage plan after last year winning the English-language rights to broadcast the Champions League in the United States. Fox Sports held the rights the past nine years, following longtime rights holder ESPN.

Turner will televise 46 UEFA Champions League matches on TNT. The rest will appear on new streaming platform B/R Live, where viewers will be able to watch individual matches for $2.99 or purchase monthly and annual subscriptions for $9.99 and $79.99, respectively.

The studio shows planned include prematch, halftime and postmatch coverage on B/R Live and TNT.

Coverage will include the 2018 UEFA Super Cup featuring Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid. The match will be held in Tallinn, Estonia and kickoff is schedule for 3 p.m. ET.

 

 

The post Tim Howard, Stu Holden join B/R Football, TNT as UEFA Champions League studio analysts appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

While Atlanta United maintained their top spot, there was some movement, subtle and otherwise, in the Pro Soccer USA Power Rankings after Week 23. The New York Red Bulls moved up two spots after an impressive win over Los Angeles Football Club and Seattle Sounders FC break the top 10 following a dramatic win at Minnesota.

There’s also, of course, dropping stock with the New England Revolution falling four spots after squandering an early lead in a 3-3 draw with Orlando City SC and the Chicago Fire find themselves in the unenviable bottom spot when their losing streak stretched to six straight games.

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

(1) Atlanta United (14-4-6, 48 points): Josef Martinez can’t stop, won’t stop. He struck for a brace, upping his total to seven goals in the last three games, but the Five Stripes had to share the points against Toronto FC Saturday thanks to Tosaint Ricketts’ 90th-minute goal. (4) New York Red Bulls (14-6-2, 44 points): While the rest of the East dropped points, the Red Bulls shined in Week 23’s final game. Danny Royer scored a brace to lift the Red Bulls to a 2-1 win over LAFC. (3) Portland Timbers (10-3-7, 37 points): The unbeaten streak is now 15 games, matching a club record, with Diego Valeri and Dairon Asprilla scoring from the penalty spot and David Guzman added a goal in a 3-0 victory over the Union. (2) New York City FC (13-5-5, 44 points): Jesus Medina and newly-signed Valentin Castellanos scored on other side of halftime and NYCFC was three minutes from pulling within two points of Atlanta, but Erik Hurtado scored the late equalizer for the Whitecaps. (5) FC Dallas (12-4-6, 42 points): The most unlikely result of the weekend came to fruition Saturday night when the San Jose Earthquakes stunned FC Dallas, which suffered their first home loss of the year. Roland Lamah scored the lone goal for the West leaders. (6) Los Angeles Football Club (10-6-6, 36 points): Diego Rossi leveled early in the second half and it appeared that LAFC would leave Red Bull Arena with at least a point, but they conceded late — yet again. It’s a trend that has to end if the expansion side expects to make a deep playoff run. (8) Columbus Crew SC (10-7-6, 36 points): The Crew enjoyed a bye in Week 23 and Justin Meram could make his return to the lineup against Houston Saturday night at MAPFRE. (7) LA Galaxy (10-8-5, 35 points): Without Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was suspended by the league after skipping the All-Star Game, the Galaxy offense sputtered in a 2-1 loss at the Colorado Rapids. Romain Alessandrini scored the lone goal. (9) Sporting Kansas City (10-6-6, 36 points): After four losses in their last five winless games, Sporting earned a huge three points, edging the Houston Dynamo in a feisty affair at BBVA Compass Stadium. Diego Rubio scored the lone goal with 16-year-old Gianluca Busio picking up the assist. (14) Seattle Sounders FC (8-9-5, 29 points): OK, we’re calling it. This is officially a Sounders second-half rally. Once at the bottom of the West, Seattle has now won four straight games after rallying to beat Minnesota, 2-1, and are now five points behind the playoff line. (11) Houston Dynamo (7-9-6, 27 points): There were no goals, but plenty of cards in a 1-0 loss to SKC for the frustrated Dynamo, who played a man down for most of the match when Alejandro Fuenmayor was shown a straight red in the 14th minute. Houston ended the match with eight players and without head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who also received his marching orders at halftime. (12) Montreal Impact (9-13-2, 29 points): Matteo Mancosu scored in the 5th minute, but three points were not to be had at Stade Saputo with Yamil Asad scoring the equalizer in a 1-1 draw against D.C. United. (15) Toronto FC (6-11-5, 23 points): With points at Mercedes-Benz Stadium so difficult to come by, the Reds will no doubt take the one they earned thanks to a late Tosaint Ricketts’ leveler in a 2-2 draw with Atlanta United. But that just puts pressure on the games going forward, including a massive home fixture against NYCFC Sunday. (10) New England Revolution (7-7-8, 29 points): Juan Agudelo and Cristian Penilla staked the Revs to a two-goal lead after 18 minutes. And Teal Bunbury put New England ahead late again. However they settled for a 3-3 draw at Orlando, as unsatisfying a result as there is for a team in the playoff chase. (16) Vancouver Whitecaps FC (8-9-6, 30 points): Carl Robinson didn’t roll out his strongest lineup, with the first leg of the Canadian Championship final on tap Wednesday, which makes a 2-2 draw at NYCFC even more satisfying. (13) Philadelphia Union (8-11-3, 27 points): Jim Curtin said the final score — a 3-0 loss at Portland — isn’t fair to the effort his squad put in. It’s also important to point out Curtin rolled out a heavily-rotated roster ahead of Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup semifinal showdown against the Chicago Fire. (18) Real Salt Lake (10-9-4, 34 points): Damir Kreilach struck for a brace, RSL improved to 9-1-2 at Rio Tinto Stadium this season and remained above the playoff line in the West following a 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire Saturday night (20) Minnesota United FC (9-13-1, 28 points): Darwin Quintero scored his 10th goal of the season to give the Loons the lead and it appeared they were about to hear the Brit Pop anthem “Wonderwall” by Oasis before Nico Lodeiro and Will Bruin scored stoppage-time goals for the Sounders. As gutting a loss as there is for Minnesota. (17) D.C. United (4-9-6, 18 points): In the numbers game that is D.C. United’s playoff chances, three points were vital Saturday, but staring at a one-goal deficit with 20 minutes to play, Yamil Asad’s tying goal meant at least one point from Montreal. (22) Colorado Rapids (5-12-5, 20 points): Usually an early deficit is a death knell, but the Rapids responded in a big way with Kellyn Acosta scoring the equalizer and Sam Nicholson netted the dramatic 90th-minute winner to snap a five-match winless streak. (21) Orlando City SC (7-14-2, 23 points): Dom Dwyer and Amro Tarek scored to erase an early two-goal deficit and Scott Sutter leveled again seconds after Teal Bunbury gave the Revs the lead again. The rally is great, but at this point in the season three points are a must. (23) San Jose Earthquakes (3-12-7, 16 points): The long winless streak is finally over and it happened at Toyota Stadium, where FC Dallas hadn’t lost a game in 2018. Vako struck for a brace, Jahmir Hyka added a goal and the Quakes celebrated their first win since May 12. (19) Chicago Fire (6-13-5, 23 points): The Fire haven’t been very good at full strength, let alone when they roll out their B-squad. Their 2-1 loss at Real Salt Lake was the sixth in a row and it is starting to appear their season is riding on the U.S. Open Cup where the Fire head to Talen Energy Stadium to meet the Union in the semifinals Wednesday.

Pro Soccer USA writers Dylan Butler and Emily Olsen contributed to this report.

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After a controlling of shots and possession from Colorado early, the L.A. Galaxy took an early 1-0 lead against the Rapids when Tommy Smith’s failed clearance landed at the feet of Romain Alessandrini.

But the hosts battled back with an equalizing goal from Kellyn Acosta (50’) and the game winner from Sam Nicholson (90’) to take home all three points in a 2-1 win.

Here are three takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 win over L.A.

Acosta rewards program

The move to trade off their leading scorer, Dominique Badji, for young midfield talent Kellyn Acosta continues to pay off for Colorado. The 23-year-old now has two goals in two appearances for Colorado, both times drawing the Rapids level with his strikes against D.C. United last week, and L.A. in his first league appearance at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday.

Dallas will be sure to get goals out of Dominique Badji, who arrived in Dallas this week. But the Acosta move has seemingly changed both the dynamism on the pitch and locker room resolve in Colorado.

“Sam Nicholson and Giles Barnes have given us a lift in the locker room,” said Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson. “Unfortunately, he had a little issue with his ankle, but his mere presence around the place. Kellyn [Acosta] is the future of the club. Those signings have helped us improve the squad, still a work in progress. Everyone’s working incredibly well and they’ve definitely played a part.”

Jolly Ol’ St. Nicholson

Midfielder Sam Nicholson, as stated by Hudson above, has been another important piece to the Rapids’ makeup, particularly in attack, of late.

The Scotsman has two goals in nearly 1300 minutes of play, which still probably leaves more to be desired simply based on statistics alone. But the former Hearts of Midlothian man has also seemingly been the Rapids’ most creative player moving forward, and is not afraid to take shots on goal, another area in which Colorado has struggled in this season.

“It’s a bit of a change playing up front,” Nicholson said of his recent role change within the Rapids’ recent, more permanent switch to a 4-4-2 diamond shape. “I’ve played up front as a kid, played a few games professionally in my old club in Scotland. I really enjoy it. I missed playing up front. The team has adapted to it really well.”

No Zlatan, No Problem

Cynics will say that Colorado accomplished this win against an L.A. team that was without arguably their best player, but that take doesn’t paint a complete picture. Surely, the Swedish target forward has been huge for the Galaxy beyond his 6-foot-5 frame; Ibrahimović has scored 15 goals along with six assists in just 17 appearances thus far in MLS.

But the Galaxy was also previously undefeated without Zlatan in the lineup this season, going 2-0-1 in matches where he was an unused sub. L.A. had plenty of firepower with the likes of Romain Alessandrini, Jonathan Dos Santos, Ema Boateng, etc. But Colorado’s defense mostly limited an otherwise powerful Galaxy attack to earn the win at home.

““I don’t think we played real well tonight,” said L.A. Galaxy head coach Sigi Schmid. “We scored a goal in the first half, but it was a little bit against the run of play. On their first goal, I thought Acosta hit a good shot, so you have to take that in account, but on the second goal, we got back-doored and the defensive positioning wasn’t good. We seemed a little sluggish tonight and we weren’t as sharp as we needed to be.”

The post The payoff of Kellyn Acosta and three takeaways from Colorado’s 2-1 win over L.A. Galaxy appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Propelled by a late goal from Sam Nicholson, the Colorado Rapids earned their fifth win of the season and their first in six games with a 2-1 result against a Zlatan-less L.A. Galaxy Saturday night.

The victory ended a five-game winless skid for Colorado, while snapping a nine-game unbeaten streak for the Galaxy.

“I think a theme that we’ve had all season, that I think we saw tonight; We’re having to create our own belief,” Rapids head coach Anthony Hudson explained to reporters postgame. “We have to work for everything. When we back ourselves and play and we’re positive and aggressive — When we’re like that, we give ourselves belief. I think that’s what we got tonight.”

Controlling chances and possession, the Rapids played positively from the start. Colorado nearly went in front in the 6th minute when Edgar Castillo’s low cross found the feet of midfielder Sam Nicholson, but Nicholson’s shot was deflected and bounced off the crossbar.

Instead, the visitors took an early lead. A poor clearance by Rapids centerback Tommy Smith landed at the waiting feet of Romain Alessandrini, who buried the effort past Tim Howard to give L.A. a 1-0 lead in the 33rd minute.

“We kind of had it going. We played some good football,” Rapids midfielder Kellyn Acosta said of the first-half effort. “That goal was disappointing but that was the only great chance they had in the half.”

But despite dominating shots (6-3) and possession (65 percent), Colorado entered the half trailing.

That changed in the second half. Dribbling past Servando Carrasco, Acosta slotted home the equalizer in the 50th minute to level the match at 1-1. It marked the second goal in as many games for Acosta since joining Colorado last week.

“I didn’t expect him to score two goals right away,” Hudson said of Acosta. “He looks like he’s enjoying his football. When he took his goal, he took responsibility. He stood up and we need more players like that.”

 

For the remainder of the half, both sides pushed for the go-ahead goal. L.A. was presented with an odd-man rush in the 64th minute, but Rapids centerback Kortne Ford came up with a timely tackle on Jonathan Dos Santos.

Conversely, Colorado produced multiple chances at the 72-minute mark, but attempts from both Marlon Hairston and Acosta could not find the mark.

Four minutes later, Alessandrini nearly found a second goal, blasting a shot toward the near post, but Howard came up with the save.

Just before the start of stoppage time, Colorado found the go-ahead goal. Castillo again dribbled through the Galaxy defense, laying off the ball to Nicholson who blasted the hosts in front 2-1 with his goal.

“We’ve had quite a lot of situations in the past at home where we’ve really been on the front foot late in games,” Hudson said. “I think tonight, again, we just had a bit more belief. We had that tonight.”

L.A. will now head back to Carson, Calif., to host Minnesota United next week before facing Colorado for the second time in 10 days. Colorado will host San Jose on Saturday in a battle between two teams at the bottom of the Western Conference table.

The post Late Sam Nicholson goal helps Colorado Rapids snap LA Galaxy’s 9-game win streak appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Here is how to watch all Major League Soccer matches live in Week 23 on TV or streaming. You can follow along with our live scores and stats throughout the weekend as well.

Saturday, August 4

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
4 p.m.	Atlanta v Toronto	USA:ESPN, ESPN Deportes; CAN: TSN4	WatchESPN
7: 30 p.m.	Montreal v DC United	DC: NewsChannel 8; CAN: TVAS	ESPN+, Direct Kick
7:30 p.m.	Orlando v New England	ORL: TV27, YouTube TV [Orlando region only]; NE: NBC Sports Boston	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8 p.m.	FC Dallas v San Jose	DAL: TXA-21; SJ: NBC Sports California Plus	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8 p.m.	Minnesota v Seattle	MIN: FOX Sports North Plus; SEA: JOEtv, YouTube TV [Seattle region only]	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
8 p.m.	NYCFC v Vancouver	NYC: YES; CAN: TSN2	ESPN+, Direct Kick
9 p.m.	Colorado v LA Galaxy	COL: Altitude; LA: Spectrum SportsNet	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
9 p.m.	Houston v Sporting KC	HOU: KUBE 57; SKC: FOX Sports KC Plus, FOX Sports Midwest Plus	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
10 p.m.	Real Salt Lake v Chicago	RSL: KMYU; CHI: ESPN+	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN
11 p.m.	Portland v Philadelphia	POR: KPDX (PDX TV); PHI: PHL 17	ESPN+, Direct Kick, MLS LIVE on DAZN

Sunday, August 5

TIME(EST)	TEAM	TV	Live stream
6 p.m.	NY Red Bulls v LAFC	USA: FS1 & FOX Deportes; CAN: TSN2	FOX Sports GO

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