MLS Power Rankings: Week 26

Since there was little MLS action over Labor Day Weekend, I decided to hold off on the Power Rankings for a week before churning out a new list. It in itself, felt like a miniature vacation from league action, but it’s nice to return what will be an extremely heated playoff race, as well as a neck-and-neck Supporters’ Shield race. 

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

9/11/2011 02:39:00 PM

MLS Power Rankings: Week 26

Since there was little MLS action over Labor Day Weekend, I decided to hold off on the Power Rankings for a week before chur...

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MLS & NBC: The long wait had come

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

8/11/2011 03:36:00 PM

MLS & NBC: The long wait had come

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 21

Photo via Flickr user Goose #19. Used with the CC BY-ND 2.0 License. 

The twenty-first week of the 2011 Major League Soccer season saw the league heavyweights, except New York (if you still consider them a “heavyweight”) return back to their normal status. Along with a return to normalcy, we got a glimpse of some very, very young talent and their professional potentially. Ahem, Luis Gill and Diego Fagundez. And finally, following a wild draw in the nation’s capital, Toronto FC just never meant to win soccer matches. We also are beginning to see the start of what will be a wild race for the wild card berths in the playoffs. Good move, MLS. You did well expanding the playoffs. And I earnestly mean that.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

8/07/2011 01:22:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 21

Photo via Flickr user Goose #19 . Used with the CC BY-ND 2.0 License .  The twenty-first week of the 2011 Major League Soccer season s...

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2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Preview and Predictions

The tide of Real Salt Lake’s throttling run has receded, and a new edition of the CONCACAF Champions League is underway.

Created in 2008, the CONCACAF Champions League is the face-lifted successor of the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, the former North American club competition. Modeled after it’s fellow counterpart across the Atlantic, the UEFA Champions League, the tournament features league and domestic champions of its respective nations.

In the new tournament’s existence, Major League Soccer has been given three berths into the tournament, the winners of the MLS Cup and the MLS Supporters’ Shield earn a direct bye into the Group Stages of the tournament, while the MLS Cup runner-up earns a spot in the Preliminary Round, a two-leg series to earn a spot in the Group Stage. Additionally, the United States is allocated a fourth spot, which is given to the U.S. Open Cup champion.

Finally, with Canada, the winner of Canada’s domestic competition, the Canadian Championship, earns a berth in the tournament as well, playing first in the preliminaries.

This upcoming season, five MLS sides will be playing in the fourth edition of the tournament, and thanks to Real Salt Lake’s recent success, the importance, as well as the expectations, have risen significantly for all the American and Canadian clubs playing for the North American crown.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

7/26/2011 11:33:00 PM

2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Preview and Predictions

The tide of Real Salt Lake’s throttling run has receded, and a new edition of the CONCACAF Champions League is underway. Created in 20...

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 19

It is that time of the year. That time where MLS clubs show their true depth, especially the stronger sides. Marred already with a chain of World Football Challenge friendlies, five MLS sides will begin their quest to North American glory, as the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League kicks off. Three MLS teams will still have the U.S. Open Cup in the back of their mind, and this is not even considering the race of the final spots in the MLS Cup Playoffs and the gasping drama for the MLS Supporters’ Shield.

For the first time this season, the top three spots remain the same, but a series of shocking upsets, perhaps some flukey ones, too; have caused some shuffling in the lower end of the rankings.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

7/25/2011 03:41:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 19

It is that time of the year. That time where MLS clubs show their true depth, especially the stronger sides. Marred already with a...

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 18

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

7/19/2011 03:57:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 18

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

Ties, stalemates, draws, inconclusive matches, gridlock. Week 16 in MLS defined for you. Okay, fair enough their were a handful of wins, other than the ugly thrashing that New York inflicted on...who else?! Toronto. Also, Darlington Nagbe, Andy Najar? Some insane goals that will give Eric Hassli’s wunder volley against Seattle a run for its money for MLS Goal of the Year.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

7/07/2011 01:08:00 PM

MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

Ties, stalemates, draws, inconclusive matches, gridlock. Week 16 in MLS defined for you. Okay, fair enough their were a handful of wins,...

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King's Court: MLS fan culture spreading into baseball

Photo by Chase N. Used through Creative Commons License.

I originally saw a link about it on Dave Clark's Sounder at Heart blog. The chain of clicking through links got me to this video about the "King's Court". The fan group, is a collection of hardcore Seattle Mariners fans that cheer for the Mariners' pitcher, Felix Hernandez, as well as the team.

From the embedded video below they go wild anytime the Mariners hit a home run or Hernandez strikes someone out. Glad to see MLS is spreading its influence in other sports, creating hubs of passionate fans. Something, that sometimes lacks outside of college sports, MLS and the NFL.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

7/02/2011 02:29:00 PM

King's Court: MLS fan culture spreading into baseball

Photo by Chase N . Used through Creative Commons License. I originally saw a link about it on Dave Clark's Sounder at Heart blog. ...

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2011 USOC Recap: Third Round

Last night, the third round proper, or round of 16, commenced in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

The round featured eight MLS teams who earned byes to this round. These MLS clubs either qualified for the third round proper by finishing in the top six overall in 2010 or qualifying for the final two entry spots through a chain of play-in propers.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

6/29/2011 08:56:00 AM

2011 USOC Recap: Third Round

Last night, the third round proper, or round of 16, commenced in the 2011 edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The round featured ei...

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

Given the fact that there were so many expected results, there was not much change in the Power Rankings, other than the fact the Galaxy were removed as the Power Ranking leaders, thanks to Dallas overwhelmingly dominant performance over Portland. The week included Aron Winter, Toronto FC head coach, (yet again) claiming that his team came out timid. It saw D.C. United get a bitter taste of their medicine. All of which was complimented by Salt Lake regaining their confidence and their form, drama mounting in New York and Levesque carving his name in the Emerald City hearts.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

6/27/2011 11:17:00 AM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 16

Given the fact that there were so many expected results, there was not much change in the Power Rankings, other than the fact the Galaxy w...

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Recap: 2011 Gold Cup Final. Mexico 4-2 USA

Photo via Flickr user proforged. Photo used with the CC BY NC-ND 2.0 Creative Commons License.

As Freddy Adu orchestrated a slick pass to Landon Donovan, which led to a jarring 2-0 lead for the United States, I reacted in the same manner as the few fellow American soccer fans did, got up halfway and felt it was a sucker punch to the extreme heavyweights, Mexico.

However, note how I said half way. It hit me. The last time the United States national soccer team went up so unexpectedly, and so early was two years back. Yes, I'm talking about the 2009 Confederations Cup final, when the Yanks bagged two goals inside half an hour, stunning Brazil 2-0. 

And what followed?

Yes. Brazil would rally and nab a 3-2 victory. The unsettling thought seemed practically inevitable. Before I could complete the entire thought and scenario, the United States' impressive, yet shocking lead, evaporating, as the score leveled of at 2-2. 

Rather than being stunned, or unsettled about the Mexican comeback, I just rolled my eyes and subconsciously thought to myself how it was only to come. As the match progressed in the second half and El Tri rallied to score four unanswered goals, the classic problems marring the United States could not have been more evident.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer, USMNT

6/26/2011 08:54:00 AM

Recap: 2011 Gold Cup Final. Mexico 4-2 USA

Photo via Flickr user  proforged . Photo used with the CC BY NC-ND 2.0 Creative Commons License. As Freddy Adu orchestrated a slick pa...

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2011 Gold Cup Final: Preview

Basic Information

For the third consecutive tournament, the United States and Mexico, arguably the two heavyweights of CONCACAF will clash against one another in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final. The match will be played in Pasadena, California at the Rose Bowl.

TV: FOX Soccer Channel, 8:30 p.m. EST

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer, USMNT

6/24/2011 11:02:00 PM

2011 Gold Cup Final: Preview

Basic Information For the third consecutive tournament, the United States and Mexico, arguably the two heavyweights of CONCACAF will clash ...

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 14

Photo courtesy of Flickr user prentz. Used with the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 License. 

Hate to use such a cliche introduction, but it was, in fact a wild week in MLS. First, the whole diabolical involving Thierry Henry, causing him to be ejected and suspended for New York's marquee match vs. Seattle Sounders. Next, there was the evident flop of D.C. United's Charlie Davies when being "tackled" by Real Salt Lake's Chris Wingert. And to sum things up, the Midnight Riders, the agglomeration of New England Revolution supporters have a bitter, perhaps nasty rivalry with no other than the Revolution Front Office. Teams flew up and down the Power Rankings this week, where only United remained in the same position as last week.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

6/21/2011 06:32:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 14

Photo courtesy of Flickr user prentz . Used with the CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 License .  Hate to use such a cliche introduction, but it was, in ...

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 12

1. FC DALLAS
Last Week: 2
Result: W 1-0 vs. NE
Last Five: W-T-W-T-W

I remember about a month or so ago, the American soccer blogosphere, and myself, were speculating whether or not the Hoops would hit an upswing after a rather rocky start. Well, our speculation was not wasted. Dallas looked just as menacing as they were in 2010. Having no call-ups for the Gold Cup will play to their advantage – and raise expectations.

2. LOS ANGELES GALAXY
Last Week: 1
Result: T 0-0 vs. DC
Last Five: W-W-W-W-T

Missing their two Donovan’s, Donovan Ricketts and Landon Donovan, due to Gold Cup call-ups, Galaxy manager Bruce Arena had little hesitation to denounce the Galaxy’s performance. And righteously so. In ways, the Galaxy were a tad bit lucky to finish the match drawn with the revived United side.

3. PHILADELPHIA UNION
Last Week: 3
Result: T 1-1 @ TOR
Last Five: T-L-W-W-T

First, you completely dismantle Toronto FC in their home stadium, before tying the defending MLS Cup champions? Piotr Nowak has to be happy with the Union’s performance in their sophomore campaign as the Zolos steer two points clear of New York and five up against D.C.

4. REAL SALT LAKE
Last Week: 5
Result: W 2-0 vs. VAN
Last Five: W-T-T-L-W

It was a dream performance for Haitien Jean Alexandre, and it looks as if RSL is finally regaining their expected form. Perhaps the absence of Saborio is a factor?

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

6/06/2011 01:18:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 12

1. FC DALLAS Last Week: 2 Result: W 1-0 vs. NE Last Five: W-T-W-T-W I remember about a month or so ago, the American soccer blogospher...

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2011 Gold Cup Highlights: Costa Rica 5-0 Cuba

Was not fun having to navigate online through piles of spam to find actual highlights, but these will likely be up for another hour before they get taken down.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

6/05/2011 09:05:00 PM

2011 Gold Cup Highlights: Costa Rica 5-0 Cuba

Was not fun having to navigate online through piles of spam to find actual highlights, but these will likely be up for another hour before t...

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MLS Power Rankings: Week 10

1. LOS ANGELES GALAXY

Last Week: 1
Result: W 1-0 @ NE
Last Five: T-W-W-W-W

Unbeaten in their last five, and on a four-match winning streak, the Galaxy are finally hitting the stride that proves that they are a serious contender for defending the Supporters' Shield and win their third MLS Cup. The looming question will be how the Galaxy will cope with the absence of captain, Landon Donovan in the coming month.

2. FC DALLAS

Last Week: 2

Result: T 2-2 @ HOU

Last Five: W-W-T-W-T

This past weekend's Texas Derby match-up was arguably one of the most thrilling intrastate rivalry matches I've seen between the Hoops and Orange Crush. A draw in Houston for FC Dallas is hardly anything to be upset about, though conceding at the last minute might make that draw feel like two points lost. Still, the Hoops should take advantage of the Gold Cup when few players leave the roster to join their countries.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

5/30/2011 10:10:00 AM

MLS Power Rankings: Week 10

1. LOS ANGELES GALAXY Last Week: 1 Result: W 1-0 @ NE Last Five: T-W-W-W-W Unbeaten in their last five, and on a four-match winning...

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My D.C. United Starting XI vs. Portland

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

5/28/2011 06:43:00 PM

My D.C. United Starting XI vs. Portland

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Alvaro Fernandez goal vs. Portland Timbers

First goal in the Cascadia Rivalry at Qwest Field in MLS.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

5/15/2011 12:34:00 AM

Alvaro Fernandez goal vs. Portland Timbers

First goal in the Cascadia Rivalry at Qwest Field in MLS.

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2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 6

1. REAL SALT LAKE

2. RED BULL NEW YORK

Now this is the New York Red Bulls we've been looking for. The club finally flexed their muscles and choked their longtime rivals, D.C. United in their home stadium. To further express their class over United and how they could be one of the strongest clubs in MLS (yes, even more than Salt Lake), just take a look at what should be the Goal of the Year, thanks to Juan Agudelo.

3. LOS ANGELES GALAXY

It's good to have Becks and Donovan back. It's not good to be Troy Perkins today.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

4/24/2011 03:40:00 PM

2011 MLS Power Rankings: Week 6

1. REAL SALT LAKE 2. RED BULL NEW YORK Now this is the New York Red Bulls we've been looking for . The club finally flexed their...

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Video: Branko Boskovic's shot hits the crossbar

Well, this hurt my feelings.

byUnknown

in MLS, Soccer

4/22/2011 01:48:00 PM

Video: Branko Boskovic's shot hits the crossbar

Well, this hurt my feelings.

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