Tottenham Hotspur 2- New York Red Bulls 1
San Jose 2 - Swansea City 2
MLS Talk
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BSLChrisStoner
, Dec 19 2011 11:12 AM
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#21
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#22
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Posted 02 August 2012 - 07:50 AM
Yahoo: Galaxy grimace and square up to 'terrible timing' of Real Madrid friendly
http://sports.yahoo....00771--mls.html
http://sports.yahoo....00771--mls.html
#23
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 03 August 2012 - 08:52 AM
Real Madrid 5 - LA Galaxy 1
Know you can only get so much from these exhibitions, but MLS has to feel good overall. It is true that MLS is in the middle of their respective seasons, and these Euro powers are in training mode. The flip side is the MLS teams are thin, because the starters rarely play the entire game, as the Coaches try and keep them as fresh as possible for league games.
Of course the most important differences are the talent / and salary differentials. Even with the multiple designated players for the MLS teams, the combined salaries of the MLS rosters are equal to just a couple of starters on most of the teams they faced.
The MLS players lack a ton of experience, and perhaps technical skill; but reading the comments of the European teams; they all commented about how the MLS teams have greatly improved, and the overall high-level of athleticism of the MLS players. The Euros also speak with some reverence in regards to the MLS players playing in the US Summer heat, and dealing with the high amount of travel they do.
Considering the profile of Soccer in the US, I think MLS has a business model which works for this country. I think the league continues to grow, and the product is entertaining overall. In the cities which have built the Soccer Specific Stadiums, you really see the difference. I'd love to see Baltimore be a part, and succeed with a SSS of their own.
Know you can only get so much from these exhibitions, but MLS has to feel good overall. It is true that MLS is in the middle of their respective seasons, and these Euro powers are in training mode. The flip side is the MLS teams are thin, because the starters rarely play the entire game, as the Coaches try and keep them as fresh as possible for league games.
Of course the most important differences are the talent / and salary differentials. Even with the multiple designated players for the MLS teams, the combined salaries of the MLS rosters are equal to just a couple of starters on most of the teams they faced.
The MLS players lack a ton of experience, and perhaps technical skill; but reading the comments of the European teams; they all commented about how the MLS teams have greatly improved, and the overall high-level of athleticism of the MLS players. The Euros also speak with some reverence in regards to the MLS players playing in the US Summer heat, and dealing with the high amount of travel they do.
Considering the profile of Soccer in the US, I think MLS has a business model which works for this country. I think the league continues to grow, and the product is entertaining overall. In the cities which have built the Soccer Specific Stadiums, you really see the difference. I'd love to see Baltimore be a part, and succeed with a SSS of their own.
#25
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Posted 08 August 2012 - 08:26 AM
SI: Power Rankings Week 21, MLS Contenders Spending
http://sportsillustr...ml?sct=sc_wr_a2
1) San Jose
2) Real Salt Lake
3) Houston
4) New York
5) Sporting Kansas City
6) DC United
7) Chicago Fire
8) Seattle
9) LA Galaxy
10) Vancouver
11) Columbus
12) Philadelphia
13) Chivas USA
14) New England
15) Montreal
16) FC Dallas
17) Colorado
18) Toronto FC
19) Portland
http://sportsillustr...ml?sct=sc_wr_a2
1) San Jose
2) Real Salt Lake
3) Houston
4) New York
5) Sporting Kansas City
6) DC United
7) Chicago Fire
8) Seattle
9) LA Galaxy
10) Vancouver
11) Columbus
12) Philadelphia
13) Chivas USA
14) New England
15) Montreal
16) FC Dallas
17) Colorado
18) Toronto FC
19) Portland
#27
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Posted 26 August 2012 - 04:24 PM
LA Galaxy vs. Dallas tonight 7pm on NBC Sports Network
Sporting KC vs. NY tonight 9pm on ESPN2
Sporting KC vs. NY tonight 9pm on ESPN2
#28
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Posted 26 August 2012 - 05:05 PM
Fox Soccer: MLS Power Rankings
http://msn.foxsports...galarcep-082112
1: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The Earthquakes still boast the best record in MLS, are 2-1-2 in the past five matches, but Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Montreal marks four straight road matches without a win. Poor road form may not matter to a team that could wind up as the top seed in the playoffs, but any more slip-ups and they could see their lead atop the West evaporate.
2: SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Another strong defensive display and another 1-0 victory has Sporting KC in first place in the East. They have won three straight and will now have their mettle tested over the next two months as they face the New York Red Bulls three times in the next seven weeks.
3: HOUSTON DYNAMO
The Dynamo showed some vulnerability at home for once as they had to battle back to earn a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew. Brad Davis continues to quietly put together another MVP-caliber season while Adam Moffatt showed that he’s not quite ready to relinquish his starting midfield role.
4: NEW YORK RED BULLS
Overcame a lethargic start to erase a two-goal deficit and post a thrilling 3-2 victory over Portland on Sunday. The rally overshadowed another strong performance from veteran goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, who has quietly made the starting spot his own in the absence of injured rookie Ryan Meara. There are still questions about that Red Bull defense, but the attack sure looks championship caliber.
5: SEATTLE SOUNDERS
The Sounders moved a step closer to second place in the West with their third win in five matches. Eddie Johnson continues to find the net while Osvaldo Alonso is playing some of the best soccer in the league. Seattle faces a tricky test when they visit Chivas USA this weekend.
6: CHICAGO FIRE
The Fire just keep on rolling, posting their third straight victory as red-hot forward Chris Rolfe made it a third straight victory for Chicago and third game with a goal scored. The defense is playing well and the offense looks more dangerous since the arrivals of Alvaro Fernandez and Sherjill MacDonald. An important week lies ahead, with matches against D.C. United and the Houston Dynamo.
7: LA GALAXY
The Galaxy struggled without Landon Donovan leading the attack, but managed to come away with a road draw against Columbus on an emotional night for the Crew. LA still managed to catch Vancouver for fourth place in the West, but face a very stiff test from a surging FC Dallas squad that has its own aspirations for a top-five spot.
8: REAL SALT LAKE
Sign up today at FOX Soccer 2Go until August 31 to get instant access from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, plus much more!
What is going on with RSL? Jason Kreis chose to rest some starters in the team’s loss to FC Dallas in order to get them ready for their CONCACAF Champions League match against Tauro FC on Tuesday. The result was a third straight loss for a team that just hasn’t had much rhythm in the past month.
9: MONTREAL IMPACT
The Impact are unstoppable, winning their fourth straight in beating San Jose last Saturday. Marco Di Vaio is looking more and more like the dominating striker he was expected to be. A second straight match with a red card is cause for concern, but the continued excellent play of Montreal’s midfield, as well as the improving defensive work, has the Impact on the doorstep of a playoff place.
10: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Things were looking up for the Whitecaps before a bizarre week that resulted in two losses. Major League Soccer’s decision to suspend midfielder Barry Robson a day before the team faced (and lost to) Seattle was one of the more curious decisions of the season and certainly didn’t help Vancouver’s cause. Another Cascadia showdown against Portland awaits, and it’s a match the Whitecaps need to win in order to avoid a serious slide.
11: FC DALLAS
Here comes FC Dallas, a team that looked doomed to the basement just a month ago, and suddenly winners of three straight matches. David Ferreira is playing some of the best soccer in the league and Brek Shea is looking more and more like the player who dominated MLS defenses last year. Add that to a defense that is playing miles better than it did in the first half of the season and you have a team that is capable of erasing the five-point gap between it and the playoff pack.
12: COLUMBUS CREW
AMERICANS ABROAD
Want to find out the top American performances overseas? Check them out here.
A week with two draws might not seem all that impressive, but considering what the Crew have been through lately, and considering how tough the opponents were, you see the progress the Crew has made. Tying Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium was no small achievement, and the debut of Federico Higuain was an encouraging one. Definitely don’t rule out a second-half surge from the Crew.
13: D.C. UNITED
Referee Mark Geiger made some terrible decisions that cost D.C. United in Sunday’s 1-1 draw vs. Philadelphia, but United didn’t do themselves any favors either. The offense continues to struggle to generate consistent chances and the loss of poise late in Sunday’s match, complete with teammates yelling at each other, is worrying. A vital match against Montreal looms and a loss to the Impact would put D.C. United's playoff hopes in serious danger.
14: CHIVAS USA
Earning a road point in Colorado is impressive, doing it with some late-game heroics makes the Goats’ 1-1 draw against the Rapids a potential tide-turning result for a Chivas USA team that sorely needed one. Juan Pablo Angel provided the equalizer and could be ready to put together another strong second half like he delivered in 2011. Chivas USA is currently in seventh place in the East, but with at least four games in hand on the three teams ahead of them, the Goats are still very much a threat.
15: COLORADO RAPIDS
The Rapids are fading quickly, and with teams like FC Dallas and Chivas USA heading up the standings, it is looking like Oscar Pareja’s first season in charge will be a disappointing one. Giving up a late goal, and dropping two precious points, to Chivas USA put a serious dent in the team’s playoff hopes, and a visit to San Jose won’t make things any easier.
16: PHILADELPHIA UNION
MEXICO-USA WAGS
Check out the wives and girlfriends from the CONCACAF rivalry at Estadio Azteca.
The Union were lucky to escape RFK Stadium with a point, as the offense once again sputtered and failed to generate goals. There are several young players earning valuable experience, which should help the team in the long-term, but at this point it is safe to say any hopes of a playoff push look to be futile.
17: TORONTO FC
Paul Mariner’s honeymoon era appears to be over in Toronto. That isn’t to suggest TFC isn’t still doing better with him than with former head coach Aron Winter, but a 1-3-1 record in their past five has left TFC sitting in the East basement. On the bright side, TFC opened their CONCACAF Champions League campaign with a convincing victory. Unfortunately, a showdown with Mexican champions Santos Laguna looms next week.
18: PORTLAND TIMBERS
The good news in the Rose City is that Darlington Nagbe and Sal Zizzo are looking more and more like the players Timbers fans hoped they could be when they first arrived. The bad news is the revived Portland attack is being wasted thanks to the continued lackluster defending that has been a key cause for the team’s woeful season. Winless in their past five, the Timbers don’t have much to be happy about.
19: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
The Revs are winless in five matches and have gone from playoff outsider to challenger for the East basement. With four straight losses, you can’t help but wonder exactly what Jay Heaps was thinking when he decided to part ways with team captain Shalrie Joseph. If he was hoping the deal would lead to a positive response from the Revs, he is looking sorely mistaken.
http://msn.foxsports...galarcep-082112
1: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
The Earthquakes still boast the best record in MLS, are 2-1-2 in the past five matches, but Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Montreal marks four straight road matches without a win. Poor road form may not matter to a team that could wind up as the top seed in the playoffs, but any more slip-ups and they could see their lead atop the West evaporate.
2: SPORTING KANSAS CITY
Another strong defensive display and another 1-0 victory has Sporting KC in first place in the East. They have won three straight and will now have their mettle tested over the next two months as they face the New York Red Bulls three times in the next seven weeks.
3: HOUSTON DYNAMO
The Dynamo showed some vulnerability at home for once as they had to battle back to earn a 2-2 draw against the Columbus Crew. Brad Davis continues to quietly put together another MVP-caliber season while Adam Moffatt showed that he’s not quite ready to relinquish his starting midfield role.
4: NEW YORK RED BULLS
Overcame a lethargic start to erase a two-goal deficit and post a thrilling 3-2 victory over Portland on Sunday. The rally overshadowed another strong performance from veteran goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, who has quietly made the starting spot his own in the absence of injured rookie Ryan Meara. There are still questions about that Red Bull defense, but the attack sure looks championship caliber.
5: SEATTLE SOUNDERS
The Sounders moved a step closer to second place in the West with their third win in five matches. Eddie Johnson continues to find the net while Osvaldo Alonso is playing some of the best soccer in the league. Seattle faces a tricky test when they visit Chivas USA this weekend.
6: CHICAGO FIRE
The Fire just keep on rolling, posting their third straight victory as red-hot forward Chris Rolfe made it a third straight victory for Chicago and third game with a goal scored. The defense is playing well and the offense looks more dangerous since the arrivals of Alvaro Fernandez and Sherjill MacDonald. An important week lies ahead, with matches against D.C. United and the Houston Dynamo.
7: LA GALAXY
The Galaxy struggled without Landon Donovan leading the attack, but managed to come away with a road draw against Columbus on an emotional night for the Crew. LA still managed to catch Vancouver for fourth place in the West, but face a very stiff test from a surging FC Dallas squad that has its own aspirations for a top-five spot.
8: REAL SALT LAKE
Sign up today at FOX Soccer 2Go until August 31 to get instant access from the Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, plus much more!
What is going on with RSL? Jason Kreis chose to rest some starters in the team’s loss to FC Dallas in order to get them ready for their CONCACAF Champions League match against Tauro FC on Tuesday. The result was a third straight loss for a team that just hasn’t had much rhythm in the past month.
9: MONTREAL IMPACT
The Impact are unstoppable, winning their fourth straight in beating San Jose last Saturday. Marco Di Vaio is looking more and more like the dominating striker he was expected to be. A second straight match with a red card is cause for concern, but the continued excellent play of Montreal’s midfield, as well as the improving defensive work, has the Impact on the doorstep of a playoff place.
10: VANCOUVER WHITECAPS
Things were looking up for the Whitecaps before a bizarre week that resulted in two losses. Major League Soccer’s decision to suspend midfielder Barry Robson a day before the team faced (and lost to) Seattle was one of the more curious decisions of the season and certainly didn’t help Vancouver’s cause. Another Cascadia showdown against Portland awaits, and it’s a match the Whitecaps need to win in order to avoid a serious slide.
11: FC DALLAS
Here comes FC Dallas, a team that looked doomed to the basement just a month ago, and suddenly winners of three straight matches. David Ferreira is playing some of the best soccer in the league and Brek Shea is looking more and more like the player who dominated MLS defenses last year. Add that to a defense that is playing miles better than it did in the first half of the season and you have a team that is capable of erasing the five-point gap between it and the playoff pack.
12: COLUMBUS CREW
AMERICANS ABROAD
Want to find out the top American performances overseas? Check them out here.
A week with two draws might not seem all that impressive, but considering what the Crew have been through lately, and considering how tough the opponents were, you see the progress the Crew has made. Tying Houston at BBVA Compass Stadium was no small achievement, and the debut of Federico Higuain was an encouraging one. Definitely don’t rule out a second-half surge from the Crew.
13: D.C. UNITED
Referee Mark Geiger made some terrible decisions that cost D.C. United in Sunday’s 1-1 draw vs. Philadelphia, but United didn’t do themselves any favors either. The offense continues to struggle to generate consistent chances and the loss of poise late in Sunday’s match, complete with teammates yelling at each other, is worrying. A vital match against Montreal looms and a loss to the Impact would put D.C. United's playoff hopes in serious danger.
14: CHIVAS USA
Earning a road point in Colorado is impressive, doing it with some late-game heroics makes the Goats’ 1-1 draw against the Rapids a potential tide-turning result for a Chivas USA team that sorely needed one. Juan Pablo Angel provided the equalizer and could be ready to put together another strong second half like he delivered in 2011. Chivas USA is currently in seventh place in the East, but with at least four games in hand on the three teams ahead of them, the Goats are still very much a threat.
15: COLORADO RAPIDS
The Rapids are fading quickly, and with teams like FC Dallas and Chivas USA heading up the standings, it is looking like Oscar Pareja’s first season in charge will be a disappointing one. Giving up a late goal, and dropping two precious points, to Chivas USA put a serious dent in the team’s playoff hopes, and a visit to San Jose won’t make things any easier.
16: PHILADELPHIA UNION
MEXICO-USA WAGS
Check out the wives and girlfriends from the CONCACAF rivalry at Estadio Azteca.
The Union were lucky to escape RFK Stadium with a point, as the offense once again sputtered and failed to generate goals. There are several young players earning valuable experience, which should help the team in the long-term, but at this point it is safe to say any hopes of a playoff push look to be futile.
17: TORONTO FC
Paul Mariner’s honeymoon era appears to be over in Toronto. That isn’t to suggest TFC isn’t still doing better with him than with former head coach Aron Winter, but a 1-3-1 record in their past five has left TFC sitting in the East basement. On the bright side, TFC opened their CONCACAF Champions League campaign with a convincing victory. Unfortunately, a showdown with Mexican champions Santos Laguna looms next week.
18: PORTLAND TIMBERS
The good news in the Rose City is that Darlington Nagbe and Sal Zizzo are looking more and more like the players Timbers fans hoped they could be when they first arrived. The bad news is the revived Portland attack is being wasted thanks to the continued lackluster defending that has been a key cause for the team’s woeful season. Winless in their past five, the Timbers don’t have much to be happy about.
19: NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
The Revs are winless in five matches and have gone from playoff outsider to challenger for the East basement. With four straight losses, you can’t help but wonder exactly what Jay Heaps was thinking when he decided to part ways with team captain Shalrie Joseph. If he was hoping the deal would lead to a positive response from the Revs, he is looking sorely mistaken.
#29
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 26 August 2012 - 05:42 PM
Sports Illustrated: 5 vital MLS trends heading into seasons last 2 months
http://sportsillustr...l?sct=sc_t11_a0
http://sportsillustr...l?sct=sc_t11_a0
#30
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Posted 30 August 2012 - 08:54 AM
Sports Illustrated: Best XI underrated players in MLS
http://sportsillustr...p&sct=hp_bf3_a6
1) Brian Carroll, Philadelphia Union
The holding midfielder has logged in over 21,000 minutes in his 10-year playing career and has the incredible stat of making the playoffs in each of those seasons. Though that streak may come to an end this year, Carroll has always been the linchpin of every team he has been on. Not the most vocal or attention grabbing, he leads by example and is a guy players love having on their team. His discipline and work ethic allow those around him to take chances going forward. When things go awry, his teammates and coaches know Brian Carroll will be in the right spot to do the dirty work to fix it.
2) Ned Grabavoy, Real Salt Lake
After bouncing around for a few years and routinely being left unprotected for the expansion draft, Grabavoy has found a home in Salt Lake with his versatility and consistency. He very much fits in with the style Jason Kreis has asked his team to play, and has provided the midfield compliment RSL sorely needed after Andy Williams retired. For a midfield that's had to deal with injuries, red cards, and national team call-ups this season, Grabavoy has been able to comfortably play multiple spots because of his technical ability and smart decision making. Effective as both a starter or reserve, Grabavoy has proved to be a great asset for RSL, starting 18 of 22 games this season and contributing three assists.
3) AJ Delagarza, Los Angeles Galaxy
Delagarza is the epitome of a utility defender that Bruce Arena feels comfortable throwing into the starting lineup in any of the back four positions. In a year where injuries have taken a toll on the Galaxy backline, Delagarza has been the one constant, starting 26 matches this season. He makes mistakes at times and gets knocked down a bunch, but seems to always get up and make the important plays that help his team win games. If there were a stat for blocked shots near the goal line in crucial moments of the game, Delagarza would be the league leader. Though he will always be in the shadows of the big names that surround him on the Galaxy roster, Delagarza has more than earned the right to be tabbed as one of the most consistent defenders in MLS for years to come.
4) Logan Pause, Chicago Fire
Pause is one of the few players in league history who has spent his entire career with one team, as he is now in his 10th year with the Chicago Fire. Through all the ups and downs and coaching changes, he has been a mainstay while playing a variety of different positions effectively. Going into his third year as captain, Pause rarely gets accolades or noticed for the work he puts in. Like many others on this list, he provides the intangibles that are necessary for a team to succeed while always willing to sacrifice his own responsibilities to cover for his teammates. He has started all 23 games he has played in this season as he looks to lead Chicago back into the playoffs.
5) Brian Mullan, Colorado Rapids
One of the most annoying players to play against in MLS history because he never seems to give up on a play, Mullan has been a tireless worker on the flanks throughout his career. Though the backlash from his ugly tackle on Steve Zakuani last season took a mental toll and dominated headlines, he has put together another solid season with two goals and seven assists and shows no signs of slowing down at age 34. You know what you're going to get with Mullan game in and game out, as he is consistently effective by simply being very difficult to play against on both sides of the ball. Though he has never made an MLS All-Star team, Mullan has five MLS Cup rings to show for his body of work.
6) Daniel Woolard, DC United
After being released by the Chicago Fire in 2010 and bypassed by other MLS teams, Woolard spent the year playing for the DFW Tornados and Carolina Railhawks. The following year DC United decided to sign Woolard, and he has started in all 46 games he has appeared in for the club. A steady and consistent player, coaches and teammates know exactly what to expect out of him each time he steps on the field. His value has become even more evident after being sidelined by a concussion for the last several weeks, as DC has struggled to find an adequate replacement. He is clearly Ben Olsen's first choice at left back and has contributed a goal and two assists on the year. Not bad for a kid out of Division II Midwestern State.
7) Bobby Boswell, Houston Dynamo
It's ironic that the former MLS Defender of the Year is on this list given how highly touted he was after his first two seasons with DC United, but the center back has been everything the Dynamo could have hoped for since joining the team in 2008. He has been a durable presence in the back Houston desperately needed in replacing Eddie Robinson, and has also been an aerial threat on Brad Davis's attacking set pieces. He has started at least 26 games each season with the Dynamo, and has held down the fort even with the departure of Geoff Cameron. Though not getting as much attention for his play and seemingly off the national team radar, Boswell has reestablished himself as one of the best center backs in MLS.
8) Chris Tierney, New England Revolution
Tierney is a local Massachusetts product who has made the most out of getting the opportunity to play for his hometown team. An extremely versatile left-footed player, he has willingly done whatever the team has asked him to do since being selected by the Revs in the 2008 Supplemental Draft. Tierney has played every position on the field aside from forward and goalkeeper, and has emerged as a leader in a locker room that has needed to replace the likes of Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, and now Shalrie Joseph. He has started 24 games this year, recording two goals and four assists, and his left-footed dead-ball service is second only to Brad Davis.
9) Connor Lade, New York Red Bulls
Most people had no idea who Connor Lade was before Thierry Henry told the New York media that Lade and Brandon Barklage were his co-MVP's of the season for the Red Bulls a few weeks ago. Since then, the rookie out of St. John's has continued to impress teammates and fans alike with his incredible work rate and fearless pursuit of the opposition despite standing at 5-foot-6. He has chipped in three assists this year, but more importantly has provided the Red Bulls with a workmanlike mentality that has rubbed off on his much more famous teammates.
10) Justin Morrow, San Jose Earthquakes
Even though he was awarded a late nod to the MLS All-Star Team, Justin Morrow is still considered one of the most underrated players in MLS. After playing sparingly during his first two seasons in the league, Morrow emerged as one of the most impressive players on a league-leading San Jose Earthquakes side looking like strong favorites to win the Supporter's Shield. What he might lack in size, he makes up for with great pace, athleticism, and the ability to play within his limits. Frank Yallop also took advantage of his versatility earlier in the year by plugging him in at center back due to injury. He has played in every minute of every game this season, and should be a lock to get called in to a U.S. national team camp in the near future.
11) Paulo Nagamura, Sporting KC
Already boasting a crowded midfield, many wondered how Nagamura would fit in after Sporting KC gave up only a supplemental draft pick to acquire him in an offseason trade with Chivas USA. But with Roger Espinoza gone on Olympic duty, Nagamura more than proved his worth for KC in a stretch that has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference. Now even with Espinoza back, Nagamura has been a staple in the starting lineup with his tenacious defensive play, tackling, and commitment to playing both sides of the ball. Though the little Brazilian has not registered a goal or assist yet this campaign, he has more than done his part in helping KC to have the best GAA in the MLS.
http://sportsillustr...p&sct=hp_bf3_a6
1) Brian Carroll, Philadelphia Union
The holding midfielder has logged in over 21,000 minutes in his 10-year playing career and has the incredible stat of making the playoffs in each of those seasons. Though that streak may come to an end this year, Carroll has always been the linchpin of every team he has been on. Not the most vocal or attention grabbing, he leads by example and is a guy players love having on their team. His discipline and work ethic allow those around him to take chances going forward. When things go awry, his teammates and coaches know Brian Carroll will be in the right spot to do the dirty work to fix it.
2) Ned Grabavoy, Real Salt Lake
After bouncing around for a few years and routinely being left unprotected for the expansion draft, Grabavoy has found a home in Salt Lake with his versatility and consistency. He very much fits in with the style Jason Kreis has asked his team to play, and has provided the midfield compliment RSL sorely needed after Andy Williams retired. For a midfield that's had to deal with injuries, red cards, and national team call-ups this season, Grabavoy has been able to comfortably play multiple spots because of his technical ability and smart decision making. Effective as both a starter or reserve, Grabavoy has proved to be a great asset for RSL, starting 18 of 22 games this season and contributing three assists.
3) AJ Delagarza, Los Angeles Galaxy
Delagarza is the epitome of a utility defender that Bruce Arena feels comfortable throwing into the starting lineup in any of the back four positions. In a year where injuries have taken a toll on the Galaxy backline, Delagarza has been the one constant, starting 26 matches this season. He makes mistakes at times and gets knocked down a bunch, but seems to always get up and make the important plays that help his team win games. If there were a stat for blocked shots near the goal line in crucial moments of the game, Delagarza would be the league leader. Though he will always be in the shadows of the big names that surround him on the Galaxy roster, Delagarza has more than earned the right to be tabbed as one of the most consistent defenders in MLS for years to come.
4) Logan Pause, Chicago Fire
Pause is one of the few players in league history who has spent his entire career with one team, as he is now in his 10th year with the Chicago Fire. Through all the ups and downs and coaching changes, he has been a mainstay while playing a variety of different positions effectively. Going into his third year as captain, Pause rarely gets accolades or noticed for the work he puts in. Like many others on this list, he provides the intangibles that are necessary for a team to succeed while always willing to sacrifice his own responsibilities to cover for his teammates. He has started all 23 games he has played in this season as he looks to lead Chicago back into the playoffs.
5) Brian Mullan, Colorado Rapids
One of the most annoying players to play against in MLS history because he never seems to give up on a play, Mullan has been a tireless worker on the flanks throughout his career. Though the backlash from his ugly tackle on Steve Zakuani last season took a mental toll and dominated headlines, he has put together another solid season with two goals and seven assists and shows no signs of slowing down at age 34. You know what you're going to get with Mullan game in and game out, as he is consistently effective by simply being very difficult to play against on both sides of the ball. Though he has never made an MLS All-Star team, Mullan has five MLS Cup rings to show for his body of work.
6) Daniel Woolard, DC United
After being released by the Chicago Fire in 2010 and bypassed by other MLS teams, Woolard spent the year playing for the DFW Tornados and Carolina Railhawks. The following year DC United decided to sign Woolard, and he has started in all 46 games he has appeared in for the club. A steady and consistent player, coaches and teammates know exactly what to expect out of him each time he steps on the field. His value has become even more evident after being sidelined by a concussion for the last several weeks, as DC has struggled to find an adequate replacement. He is clearly Ben Olsen's first choice at left back and has contributed a goal and two assists on the year. Not bad for a kid out of Division II Midwestern State.
7) Bobby Boswell, Houston Dynamo
It's ironic that the former MLS Defender of the Year is on this list given how highly touted he was after his first two seasons with DC United, but the center back has been everything the Dynamo could have hoped for since joining the team in 2008. He has been a durable presence in the back Houston desperately needed in replacing Eddie Robinson, and has also been an aerial threat on Brad Davis's attacking set pieces. He has started at least 26 games each season with the Dynamo, and has held down the fort even with the departure of Geoff Cameron. Though not getting as much attention for his play and seemingly off the national team radar, Boswell has reestablished himself as one of the best center backs in MLS.
8) Chris Tierney, New England Revolution
Tierney is a local Massachusetts product who has made the most out of getting the opportunity to play for his hometown team. An extremely versatile left-footed player, he has willingly done whatever the team has asked him to do since being selected by the Revs in the 2008 Supplemental Draft. Tierney has played every position on the field aside from forward and goalkeeper, and has emerged as a leader in a locker room that has needed to replace the likes of Steve Ralston, Taylor Twellman, and now Shalrie Joseph. He has started 24 games this year, recording two goals and four assists, and his left-footed dead-ball service is second only to Brad Davis.
9) Connor Lade, New York Red Bulls
Most people had no idea who Connor Lade was before Thierry Henry told the New York media that Lade and Brandon Barklage were his co-MVP's of the season for the Red Bulls a few weeks ago. Since then, the rookie out of St. John's has continued to impress teammates and fans alike with his incredible work rate and fearless pursuit of the opposition despite standing at 5-foot-6. He has chipped in three assists this year, but more importantly has provided the Red Bulls with a workmanlike mentality that has rubbed off on his much more famous teammates.
10) Justin Morrow, San Jose Earthquakes
Even though he was awarded a late nod to the MLS All-Star Team, Justin Morrow is still considered one of the most underrated players in MLS. After playing sparingly during his first two seasons in the league, Morrow emerged as one of the most impressive players on a league-leading San Jose Earthquakes side looking like strong favorites to win the Supporter's Shield. What he might lack in size, he makes up for with great pace, athleticism, and the ability to play within his limits. Frank Yallop also took advantage of his versatility earlier in the year by plugging him in at center back due to injury. He has played in every minute of every game this season, and should be a lock to get called in to a U.S. national team camp in the near future.
11) Paulo Nagamura, Sporting KC
Already boasting a crowded midfield, many wondered how Nagamura would fit in after Sporting KC gave up only a supplemental draft pick to acquire him in an offseason trade with Chivas USA. But with Roger Espinoza gone on Olympic duty, Nagamura more than proved his worth for KC in a stretch that has propelled them to the top of the Eastern Conference. Now even with Espinoza back, Nagamura has been a staple in the starting lineup with his tenacious defensive play, tackling, and commitment to playing both sides of the ball. Though the little Brazilian has not registered a goal or assist yet this campaign, he has more than done his part in helping KC to have the best GAA in the MLS.
#32
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 30 October 2012 - 07:16 AM
Yahoo / Goal.com: Focus turns to the playoffs as the regular season concludes
http://sports.yahoo....00697--mls.html
http://sports.yahoo....00697--mls.html
#34
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 03 November 2012 - 03:32 PM
Houston beat Chicago, advancing to the East Semi's. They will host KC in the 1st leg next week.
LA beat Vancouver, advancing to the West Semi's. They will host San Jose in the 1st leg next week.
The Sounders and Real Salt Lake tied in the 1st leg in Seattle. The 2nd leg will be in Salt Lake.
LA beat Vancouver, advancing to the West Semi's. They will host San Jose in the 1st leg next week.
The Sounders and Real Salt Lake tied in the 1st leg in Seattle. The 2nd leg will be in Salt Lake.
#35
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 06 November 2012 - 08:28 AM
Yahoo: Monday MLS Breakdown: Tight first legs adhere to established conference semifinal trend
http://sports.yahoo....00192--mls.html
http://sports.yahoo....00192--mls.html
#36
Oriole85
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Posted 08 November 2012 - 02:31 PM
Just a thought after seeing the snowout yesterday in the NY area, the season is way too long. People say baseball is too long, this is insane.
@levineps
#37
DJ MC
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Posted 08 November 2012 - 04:45 PM
Well that's a bit of a freak event. Like saying the baseball season goes too long because the Orioles got snowed out on Opening Day in April at home once.Just a thought after seeing the snowout yesterday in the NY area, the season is way too long. People say baseball is too long, this is insane.
#38
You Play to Win the Game
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Posted 08 November 2012 - 04:50 PM
Excited for the match tonight... Had a couple friends that drove up to NY to see the game. Apparently they were giving DCU fans tickets to the game for free if they made the trip.
#39
You Play to Win the Game
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Posted 08 November 2012 - 11:16 PM
What an unbelievable chain of events in the DC United/NY Game. Glad to see DC advance.
http://soccernet.esp... ... sy?cc=5901
http://soccernet.esp... ... sy?cc=5901
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#40
BSLChrisStoner
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Posted 19 November 2012 - 09:24 AM
Fox Soccer: Galaxy survive Seattle
http://msn.foxsports...h-report-111812
Fox Soccer: Houston downs DC United
http://msn.foxsports...emifinal-111812
Yahoo: Rematch of MLS Cup Final
http://sports.yahoo....51051--sow.html
http://msn.foxsports...h-report-111812
Fox Soccer: Houston downs DC United
http://msn.foxsports...emifinal-111812
Yahoo: Rematch of MLS Cup Final
http://sports.yahoo....51051--sow.html
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