8 Thoughts on New York City FC vs Toronto FC

Better late than never...

*For the second week in a row, the Sunday MLS game of the week did not disappoint. The Toronto FC - New York City FC match-up featured star power (Villa, Bradley, Giovinco, Diskerud, Pirlo), goals (4), and just general excitement. Bravo, MLS. Solid start to the 2016 campaign.

*I've mentioned before how I felt that 2016 was going to be a pivotal year in MLS for Mix Diskerud. After a disappointing 2015 that saw him deliver just three goals and one assist while falling out of favor with the U.S., Diskerud has been active on the attack in City's first two 2016 matches. Playing high on the right side against Toronto, Diskerud was active early delivering the pass that set up Villa's penalty kick, assisting on Villa's handball goal, putting a header on frame that forced a diving save from Clint Irwin, and slotting a teasing ball across the goalmouth that nearly went in for an own goal if not for an unlucky deflection. All told, on the scoresheet it amounted to just one assist, but that gives him a goal and two assists already this season. If I have a complaint about Mix's performance on Sunday it's that he disappeared in the second half when Toronto got themselves back into the match, but overall, I was happy to see him aggressive and having an impact on offense.

*We already talked about the star power on both of these rosters and it's crazy to think that we didn't see either of these teams at full strength. World Cup veterans Joey Altidore (Toronto) and Frank Lampard (New York City), both missed the match due to injuries. It will be interesting to see how Jozy fairs alongside Giovinco in year two, as his return should take some pressure of the Italian star who has been involved in every Toronto goal this season. Lampard's return will be a little more interesting as it's unclear where he'll fit into their lineup and who he's going to bump for playing time.

*Sebastian Giovinco is REALLY good. Seems obvious enough to say that given he was the league's MVP last year, but for two straight games this season, he's carried Toronto's attack accounting for all four of their goals (2 goals, 2 assists). Both his assist and his goal against City were pure class, and if not for Quincy Amarikwa's ridiculous chip against Portland, he'd probably be in the conversation for Goal of the Week. Anyhow, Taylor Twellman was spot on during the broadcast when he said Giovinco's performance during this summer's Euros will be huge for MLS. If he can deliver a goal or two as a representative of the league it could truly change the climate for European imports moving forward.

*Michael Bradley has really taken to the role of defensive midfielder with Toronto, and it seems like it's a natural fit for him at this stage in his career. He's not the type to take players on 1v1, but his brilliant vision allows him to sit back and play balls through to attacking targets with ease. This is much easier in a withdrawn role as it expands his field of vision and gives him more targets. People have been calling for the U.S. to deploy Bradley in this role for some time as he doesn't appear to be a natural #10, the question is, now that Bradley has starting filling this role for club, will Klinsmann give him the opportunity to do so for his country?

*I was a little disappointed with Toronto rookie Tsubasa Endoh. The 9th overall pick in the draft was pulled after 59 minutes on the right wing, and had a largely forgettable night that included a bungled trap when he had acres of space on the right flank. He hit a couple nice balls into the box, and drew a comparison to Graham Zusi for being an under-the-radar pick with a great motor, but suffice it today this wasn't the type of performance that got him drafted in the top ten.

*Holy cow, Steven Mendoza is fast. New York City's newest acquisition, acquired on loan from Corinthians in Brazil, is a burner for sure. A second half substitute for Tony Taylor, Mendoza wasn't given a ton of chances, but he had one run where he just absolutely blew by everybody showing what City surely hopes is a glimpse of what's to come. The 23 year old Colombian spent last season on loan in India (who knew they even had a Premier League?) where he led the league in scoring with 13 goals and scored the game winner in the 2015 Indian Super League Final.

*Mikey Lopez should have absolutely scored his first MLS goal and helped City come away with three points, but his free header from the six went wide late in the second half. While Lopez is more of a defensive minded player, you still can't miss from there if you're a professional.

Proposed USMNT Lineup vs Guatemala

Still a couple weeks to go, but here's the Starting XI I'd like to see us go with against Guatemala:


GK - Brad Guzan - I know there were talks about alternating between Guzan and Tim Howard, but with Howard riding the bench at Everton and Guzan having regained his starting job at Aston Villa, I think Guzan gets the edge here.


Left Back - Jorge Villafaña - After winning a championship with the Portland Timbers, Villafaña has won a starting job in Mexico and recently contributed to Santos Laguna's back-to-back shutouts of the LA Galaxy while advancing to the CCL Semifinals. While Villafaña doesn't have a CAP with the USMNT, his high level of play should be rewarded, plus it allows Fabian Johnson to push into the attack.


Center Back - Matt Besler - Apologies to John Brooks, but the edge goes to the veteran Besler here even if he's not in midseason form. Plus, it makes sense for Brooks to head to Colombia to try and help the U-23s qualify for the Olympics.


Center Back - Omar Gonzalez - Gonzalez has done well since heading south of the border already becoming a valuable contributor with Pachuca. While the U.S. has lots of options at central defense, I feel like Gonzalez deserves the nod here.


Right Back - Geoff Cameron - The versatile Cameron has played well for the U.S. lately and by playing out right, instead of centrally, allows DeAndre Yedlin to join the U-23s in Colombia.


Left Midfield - Fabian Johnson - Arguably playing as good as any American in the world right now, I feel like Johnson is far more valuable in the attack than he is on defense. At a time when the U.S. has struggled to score goals, we need his attacking skills now more than ever.


Defensive Midfield - Michael Bradley - This probably is a reach since it dramatically changes the structure of the U.S. team, but Bradley played deeper in Toronto's opener against the Red Bulls and it worked out just fine. Plus, the U.S. has creative attackers that can fill that #10 role (Nguyen, Nagbe, etc) which allows the U.S. to put a more offensive-minded team on the field.


Attacking Midfield - Lee Nguyen - I love Darlington Nagbe, but Nguyen has been better for the U.S. lately, and his experience probably gets him the nod here. No doubt Nagbe makes the team, but the high-energy Nguyen should get the start.


Right Midfield - Alejandro Bedoya - Gyasi Zardes has been getting a lot of looks with the U.S., but Bedoya's in midseason form thanks to the European schedule so I think it's fair to say he's ahead of Zardes right now.


Striker - Jozy Altidore/Clint Dempsey/Chris Wondolowski - This one's tricky. Jozy is the clear cut starter when healthy, but he's not (hamstring again) and may not be ready when these games role around. Additionally, there are rumors that Dempsey is staying out of the National Team picture until this summer which means he might not be available either. If both of those two are out, I'll probably get flak for this, but I give the nod to Wondo. The veteran striker has a knack for scoring goals against weaker opponents (which Guatemala is) and he's already gotten on the board in MLS this season. We need goals, Wondo scores goals, so he's my third option.


Striker - Bobby Wood - Wood has been taking the 2.Bundesliga by storm ranking third in the league with 12 goals. Wood's red hot league play, coupled with his solid play for the U.S. gets him a start, no questions asked.


Subs - Tim Howard (GK), Mix Diskerud (MF), Gyasi Zardes (MID/FWD), Darlington Nagbe (MF), Jonathan Bornstein (DEF), Michael Orozco (DEF), Chris Wondolowski (FWD)*, Danny Williams (MID)**


*If Jozy or Dempsey Starts
**If Wondo Starts

Who's Adding Who - New York City FC

In:

D Ethan White (12/10/15 - trade from Philadelphia) - After a disappointing season in which City conceded 58 goals, White marked their first move of the offseason on defense. White debuted in MLS as a homegrown player for DC United in 2011, and has made as least 12 starts four times in his career. All told, the former U.S. Youth International has tallied 66 appearances for DC and Philadelphia and scored one goal as a rookie in 2011.
M Jack Harrison (1/14/16 - trade from Chicago) - As a freshman at Wake Forest, Harrison was an NSCAA First Team All-American, the ACC Offensive Player of the Year, ACC Freshman of the Year, and the Gatorade National Player of the Year. Harrison finished 2015 with eight goals and 11 assists en route to being the first overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Harrison was traded to City for the fourth overall pick in the draft and allocation money.
D Ronald Matarrita (1/20/16 - transfer from Alajuelense) - Despite being just 21, Matarrita already has six CAPs for Costa Rica's senior national team. His entire professional career to this point has been with Costa Rica power club Alajuelense for whom he debuted in 2012. Matarrita is primarily a left back, but can also slot in at left midfield.
D Diego Martinez (1/22/16 - free) - Another outside back, the 23 year old Argentine has spent his entire professional career in Argentina with River Plate or on loan to Argentina's lower divisions.
M Mikey Lopez (1/26/16 - free) - The 14th overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, Lopez didn't debut in MLS until 2014 and tallied just 14 appearances in his three years with Sporting Kansas City. Lopez was a member of the U.S. U-20s in 2012 and 2013.
D Frederic Brillant (1/28/16 - transfer from Oostende) - The 30 year old French defender comes to New York by way of Belgium after spending the past few seasons with KV Oostende. Brillant debuted professionally in 2005 and has spent his entire professional career in Belgium amassing over 250 appearances.
M Federico Bravo (2/20/16 - loan from Boca Juniors) - Bravo joins City on a season long loan from Boca Juniors, whom he's been with since 2013. A defensive midfielder by trade, Bravo's versatility has been praised by head coach Patrick Vieira.

Out:
 
GK Ryan Meara (11/26/15 - loan expired) - New York Red Bulls
M Ned Grabavoy (12/4/15 - option declined) - Portland Timbers
D Kwame Watson-Siriboe (12/4/15 - option declined)
D Jeb Brovsky (12/4/15 - option declined)
M Pablo Alvarez (12/4/15 - option declined)
D Angeliño (12/4/15 - loan expired) - Manchester City (England)
D Shay Facey (12/4/15 - loan expired) - Rotherham United (England) on loan from Manchester City
M Javier Calle (12/4/15 - loan expired) - Medellín (Colombia)
M Sebastian Velasquez (12/4/15 - out of contract) - Rayo OKC (NASL)
D Chris Wingert (1/30/16 - waived) - Real Salt Lake

USMNT vs Canada, Final Thoughts

1. Regardless of how it looked, the U.S. comes away from their January camp with a pair of victories, and as we approach the next set of World Cup Qualifiers, the confidence gained from those wins shouldn't be undervalued. Equally notable is the fact that Jozy Altidore scored in both matches, and getting him on a hot streak in 2016 would be huge given some of the other question marks surrounding the USMNT.

2. I thought Brandon Vincent looked excellent in his National Team debut at left back. It wasn't a perfect outing or anything, but he looked confident and comfortable. Canada failed to do anything of note down his side, and Vincent was effective at getting into the attack even forcing a tough save in an attempt on goal. With lots of question marks on defense, it was nice to see a newcomer really seize the opportunity given him in the January camp, and there's good reason to be excited if you're a Chicago Fire fan.

U.S. U-23s Throttled in Loss to Brazil, 5-1

An early 1-0 lead quickly became a distant memory as the U.S. U-23s found themselves on the wrong end of a rout in Brazil. The two teams went into halftime tied at one goal apiece before the floodgates opened up and Brazil wound up winning 5-1. The U.S. were outscored 7-2 in their two game series with the Brazilians. It was a disappointing trip for the U.S. as they get ready for next year's two-game series with Colombia to determine the final spot in the 2016 Olympics. Colombia split two games with Brazil earlier this year in the South American Youth Football Championship, dropping their first match 2-1, before beating them 3-0. Here's a look at how MLS was represented in the Starting XI of today's defeat:

Starters vs Brazil

Dave Romney - LA Galaxy
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC

U-23s Drop Opener in Brazil, 2-1

The U.S. U-23s dropped the first of two friendlies scheduled with Brazil, 2-1 on Wednesday. Jerome Kiesewetter, who scored 4 goals during Olympic Qualifying, converted a penalty kick for the U.S.'s only goal after they'd already fallen behind 2-0. Of the 11 U.S. starters, four weren't a part of the group that participated in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament (John Brooks, Eric Miller, Julian Green, Khiry Shelton), and a fifth (goalkeeper Charlie Horton) was on the U.S. roster, but didn't appear in any matches. Here's a look at how MLS was represented in the Starting XI.
 
Starters vs Brazil
 
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC

Season in Review: New York City FC

Record: 10-17-7, 37 pts, 8th Place Eastern Conference
Goals For: 49
Goals Against: 58

Team Leaders

Goals: David Villa - 18
Assists: David Villa - 8
Shutouts: Josh Saunders - 4
All-Stars: David Villa, Frank Lampard

Year in Review

New York City FC stormed out of the gates with a win and a draw in their first two matches, but followed that up with an eleven game winless streak (0-7-4), and despite winning four of their next five, they never truly recovered. Ultimately, they capped their season with a three-game losing streak, a three-game winning streak, and finally another three-game losing streak. The season started without franchise centerpiece Frank Lampard, as his loan to Manchester City was extended, and when Lampard finally did arrive, City lost the first four games he played in. Lampard would play in only 10 matches all year during which City went 3-7-0. Mix Diskerud struggled mightily in his first MLS season scoring just three goals in 27 appearances, injuries tabled top draft pick Khiry Shelton and striker Tony Taylor for much of the season, and while the mercurial Andrea Pirlo brought sensational playmaking to the table, he didn't help City's defense which allowed a league-worst 58 goals. Still, despite the struggles and the disappointment of missing the postseason, David Villa showcased his abilities to the tune of 18 goals and 8 assists in his MLS debut season and youngster Kwadwo Poku was a great story as he delivered four goals and seven assists despite starting just 6 matches and logging less than 1000 minutes on the season. Still, when you have Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard, David Villa and Mix Diskerud, you expect to win more than a third of your matches, and an eighth place finish in the East was seen as cause to fire first-year head coach Jason Kreis.

What's Next?

City is going to have to address their defense moving forward. Just four shutouts in 34 matches and a league-worst 58 goals surrendered was more than their offensive arsenal could overcome. Josh Saunders faced 20 more shots than any other keeper in the league and while he led the league in saves, he also led the league in goals allowed. I would expect to see improvement in the back as City's ownership has not shown themselves to be the types to sit idly by. For example, this past season they brought in RJ Allen, Angeliño, Andoni Iraola, Jefferson Mena and Pirlo; all months after the season began. While the offense certainly wasn't a weak point in 2015, I'd expect to see it be even stronger in 2016. Mix Diskerud should improve upon his poor showing (3 goals, 1 assist), Lampard and Pirlo will have a full season to get used to playing together, and youngsters like Shelton and Poku should get more time on the field. It will be interesting to see how City goes upon filling the vacancy left by Kreis, as that will go along way in deciding just how far City can go next season.

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 34

As the 2015 MLS regular season drew to a close yesterday, we saw 11 different rookies take the field across various competitions during the final week of the season. Highlights included Dominique Badji's second goal of the season, Fatai Alashe's second assist of the season, and multiple starts by Sporting KC's Saad Abdul-Salaam, as well as Colorado's Axel Sjöberg and Badji. Here's a rundown of all the rookie action in the final week of the season:

MLS

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 1 shot
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs New England, 56 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 assist
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC -  Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs LA, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston - 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Vancouver, 1 min
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 20 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 74 mins, 1 shot
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal

CCL

13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 28 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins

2012 Olympic Qualifying - Where Are They Now?

As the U.S. U-23s get set to take on Honduras tomorrow with a spot in the 2016 Olympics on the line, I thought it would be fun to look back at the ill-fated U.S. squad from 2012 and see where they are now:

Bill Hamid - Now in his sixth MLS season, Hamid continues to man the pipes in DC with 138 regular season starts under his belt to go along with 37 shutouts. After a dismal 2013 that saw him post a record of 2-17-6 in 25 starts, Hamid bounced back to win the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award in 2014. Now 24, Hamid has 2 CAPs for the USMNT.

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 30

Cyle Larin stole the show as he has for much of the season shattering the rookie scoring record in style with a hat trick against the New York Red Bulls. With 14 goals, Larin is tied for sixth in the league in scoring. In other action, LA's Ignacio Maganto notched a Champions League assist, and Sporting's Amadou Dia picked up an assist in league play. Finally, third overall pick Romario Williams made his first appearance March logging some garbage time for Montreal against DC United on Saturday night. Here's a rundown of all the action:

CCL

13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Montego Bay, 90 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Central FC, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 assist

MLS

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs NYRB, 76 mins, 3 shots, 3 goals
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Appeared as sub vs Vancouver, 15 mins 
3 - Romario Williams - Montreal - Sub vs DC United, 1 min
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, Yellow Card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Toronto, 67 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Seattle, 24 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 assist
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins

USMNT Friendly Commentary - Part 1 of 2

So I'm finally getting around to watching the two USMNT friendlies against Peru and Brazil (that's how it goes when you have kids). Here's my thoughts as they happen (on DVR) on both matches.

USMNT vs PERU

0' I'll be honest, I'm a little surprised to see Jozy Altidore wearing the captain's armband, especially given his rough 2015. That said, with Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey both gone, I don't know who's a better candidate. Brad Guzan? Jermaine Jones? I guess this really isn't a veteran group out there. Hopefully he doesn't run his mouth and get sent off again. Speaking of Jermaine Jones, I still don't know how I feel about him. He definitely brings tenacity and athleticism, but I feel like it also comes with some shaky passing and a high risk of cautions. I guess when you look at the impact he has with his club team - the Revs are substantially better when he plays - it's not hard to draw a correlation to what he can do for the U.S. Anyhow, we're underway from RFK.

MLS Weekly Recap, Week 18

Here's this week's recap:

First, the US Open Cup's 5th Round: The Union lost CJ Sapong less than 30 minutes into the match to a red card, but still managed to score twice while a man down and stun DC United to advance to the quarterfinals... Carlos Rivas scored for the fourth time in the tournament as Columbus was shutout 2-0, but more importantly, the Crew's Will Trapp returned after a 3-month absence following a concussion. Trapp had not played in a match since April 8th against Vancouver... Mike Magee scored his first two goals of 2015 as Chicago rallied from a 1-0 deficit and knocked the USL's last representative out of this year's tournament... Joe Willis picked up his second shutout in a row and 19 year-old Colombian Mauro Manotas supplied all of the offense as Houston knocked off the Rapids 1-0... The Red Bulls rocked another crosstown rival as they defeated the Cosmos 4-1, but lost right back Chris Duvall in the process to a broken leg. 18 year-old Anatole Abang (Cameroon) continued his hot streak as he added another goal in the win... Dom Dwyer scored FOUR times, Krisztián Németh scored twice, and Benny Feilhaber tallied three assists as Sporting KC destroyed FC Dallas 6-2. Dwyer needed less than a half to achieve his hat trick... The Portland Timbers couldn't solve Real Salt Lake and despite knocking out their nemesis, the Seattle Sounders, they will not advance to the quarterfinals... Jose Villarreal scored early and the Wondo-less (read punchless) Quakes had no answer as they came up short against their intrastate rivals.

Now, onto league play: Alex came off the bench to score against the team that traded him, but Houston couldn't hold a late lead against Chicago. Patrick Nyarko entered the match at halftime for Chicago making his 2015 debut and scored the equalizer... DC United's Fabián Espíndola was sent off in the opening 30 minutes and the Sounders eventually took advantage behind Tyrone Mears' first MLS goal... Normally on the distributing end, Ethan Finlay scored twice in Columbus's 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Red Bulls. Kei Kamara assisted on both goals while youngster Anatole Abang continued his hot streak by adding another goal for New York. Will Trapp appeared in his first MLS match since April when he came off the bench in the 88th minute... David Villa scored twice as New York City FC knocked off Montreal 2-1. The Spaniard has 5 goals in his last four matches including a pair of braces... New England's struggles continue as they got buried 3-0 by FC Dallas. New England has lost four straight and won just once since May 2nd... Irish international Kevin Doyle opened his MLS account with a game winner against Vancouver. It was just Colorado's third win of the season and their first since May 23rd, ironically also against the Whitecaps... Kaká scored and then earned his first red card EVER as Orlando City was forced to settle for a draw with Real Salt Lake... Robbie Keane scored three times and the Galaxy routed Toronto 4-0 in Stefan Ishizaki's last game as a member of the Galaxy before he heads back to Sweden. Toronto played without Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore who are both with the U.S. for the Gold Cup... Jack Jewsbury scored in stoppage time as the Timbers snuck by the Earthquakes 1-0. Portland has won six of seven and is 5-0-0 in games started by Will Johnson.

MLS Weekly Recap - Week 15

Here's this week's recap:

Not a lot of action in MLS this week with only five games on the slate, but more big news on the National Team front as the U.S. stunned Germany in Germany 2-1. New York City FC midfielder Mix Diskerud notched the equalizer while Bobby Wood scored the game winner for a second straight match. It marked the first time the U.S. had ever beaten the Germans in Germany... Canada won their World Cup Qualifying opener against Dominica behind goals from MLSers Cyle Larin (Orlando City) and Russell Teibert (Vancouver). The second leg will be played today (6/16)... The U.S. U-20s lost a heartbreaker in the U-20 World Cup quarterfinals falling on penalties 6-5 after playing to a 0-0 draw with Serbia... New York City FC won their second straight behind goals by David Villa and Diskerud... Seattle scored three times in the second half as they routed FC Dallas and became the first MLS team to nine wins this year... Bill Hamid saved a Kaká penalty, but couldn't recover for the rebound as DC United fell 1-0 to the suddenly surging Florida-based football club. Kaká has seven goals on the season and his club is unbeaten in their last five matches... The Galaxy continue to tread water and salvaged a point against the Columbus Crew despite no Steven Gerrard (still), no Robbie Keane, and Gyasi Zardes being limited to 30 minutes off the bench.

Here's a rundown of all the action:

RESULTS

WEDNESDAY

United States 2 Germany 1

THURSDAY

Canada 2 Dominica 0 (World Cup Qualifying)

SATURDAY

New York City FC 3 Montreal Impact 1
Columbus Crew 1 LA Galaxy 1
New England Revolution 2 Chicago Fire 0
Seattle Sounders 3 FC Dallas 0

SUNDAY

Orlando City SC 1 DC United 0

Wins and Wins and Wins for the US

The U.S. is on a hot streak right now. Men's, Women's, Senior Teams, Youth Teams, everything is coming up red, white and blue. Here's a rundown of the past couple days in case you've missed it.

Women's World Cup

Megan Rapinoe scored on either side of intermission and Christen Press delivered the game winner as the U.S. defeated Australia 3-1 in their opening match of the World Cup. Hope Solo added five saves and Alex Morgan turned in an 11-minute shift off the bench as the U.S. jumped to the top of Group D. Next up for the Americans, a showdown against their former coach, Pia Sundhage, who now coaches her native Sweden. The two sides will face off on Friday night in Winnipeg. Sweden drew with Nigeria 3-3 in their opener after blowing leads of 2-0 and 3-2.

U-20 World Cup

Rubio Rubin scored the lone goal of the match and goalkeeper Zack Steffen saved a late penalty by Jarlan Barrera as the U.S. upended Colombia 1-0 and advanced the World Cup quarterfinals. MLSers Matt Miazga (NYRB), Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Marky Delgado (FC Toronto) and Bradford Jamieson (LA Galaxy) all started for the U.S., however Jamieson left 11 minutes in with an injury and Acosta was ejected following his second yellow card in the 81st minute. Jordan Allen (Real Salt Lake) and Tommy Thompson (San Jose) both made appearances off the bench for the U.S. Next up for the U.S. is Serbia who edged out Hungary 2-1 in extra time. Serbia won Group D with a 2-1-0 record outscoring their opponents 4-1. Six different players have scored for the Serbians so far in the tournament.

U-23 Toulon Tournament

The U.S. capped off a successful run with a 2-1 win over England to take third place in the prestigious Toulon Tournament. The two U.S. goals both came by way of the penalty spot with Alonso Hernandez scoring in the first half and Benji Joya, who spent part of the 2014 season on loan to the Chicago Fire, scoring the game winner in the second. The third place finish tied for the best finish ever for the U.S. in the tournament tying the 1989 U.S. team that also finished in third, ironically also thanks to a win over England.

Men's National Team Friendly

Days after pulling off a stunning come-from-behind win over the Netherlands in Amsterdam, the U.S. Men were at it again doing the unthinkable and going toe-to-toe with Germany IN GERMANY, and coming away with a 2-1 win. The unlikely hero? Once again, for the second time in as many matches, Bobby Wood scored the game winner, this one on a blistering left-footed shot from outside the box that found the side netting at the far post. The U.S. also got a goal from New York City FC's Mix Diskerud who took a cross from Michael Bradley (Toronto FC) off his chest before flicking the equalizer past German keeper Ron-Robert Zieler. The U.S. men have now won three straight knocking off Mexico, the 3rd place team from the 2014 World Cup, and the 2014 World Cup Champions. Not a bad time to be clicking with the Gold Cup looming.

9 MLSers On Latest USMNT Roster

Despite the absence of mainstays Clint Dempsey, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler and Jozy Altidore, nine MLSers still got picked up for the U.S. Men's National Team's upcoming trip to Europe where they'll face off against Germany and the Netherlands. Here's a look at the nine:

Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) - 5 shutouts in 12 apps for RSL, 21 CAPs for USMNT

Brad Evans (Seattle) - 13 apps for SEA, 1 goal in 18 CAPs for USMNT

Brek Shea (Orlando City) - 1 assist in 11 apps for OCSC, 4 goals in 32 CAPs for USMNT

Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake) - 1 assist in 14 apps for RSL, 1 goal in 43 CAPs for USMNT

Michael Bradley (Toronto) - 1 goal, 2 assists in 10 apps for TOR, 13 goals in 96 CAPs for USMNT

Mix Diskerud (New York City FC) - 1 goal in 11 apps for NYCFC, 5 goals in 28 CAPs for USMNT

Jermaine Jones (New England) - 9 apps for NE, 3 goals in 50 CAPs for USMNT

Juan Agudelo (New England) - 4 goals, 2 assists in 14 apps for NE, 3 goals in 19 CAPs for USMNT

Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy) - 3 goals in 14 apps for LA, 5 CAPs for USMNT

And the rest of the U.S. roster:

GK - Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)
GK - William Yarbrough (Club León)
DEF - Ventura Alvarado (Club América)
DEF - John Brooks (Hertha Berlin)
DEF - Timmy Chandler (Eintracht Frankfurt)
DEF - Michael Orozco (Puebla)
DEF - DeAndre Yedlin (Tottenham Hotspur)
MID - Miguel Ibarra (Minnesota United FC)
MID - Fabian Johnson (Borussia Mönchengladbach)
MID - Alfredo Morales (Ingolstadt)
MID - Danny Williams (Reading)
FWD - Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar)
FWD - Bobby Wood (Erzgebirge Aue)

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 12

Busy week for the rookie class as two more members of the 2015 SuperDraft made their MLS debuts. Saad Abdul-Salaam made his first two appearances for short-handed Sporting KC while Connor Brandt debuted for New York City FC. In other action, Vancouver's Tim Parker picked up the game-winning assist to put the Caps through to the Canadian Championship Finals, Amadou Dia made a pair of starts for Sporting, and a couple of draftees playing in the USL scored in the U.S. Open Cup. Here's the complete rundown:

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs San Jose, 84 mins
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 66 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins, 2 shots
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs New England, 11 mins,1 shot
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Seattle, 34 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs New England, 1 min
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Seattle, 32 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Edmonton FC (CC), 90 mins, 1 assist
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Appeared a a sub vs Sporting KC, 17 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs New England, 90 mins, yellow card
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Appeared as sub vs Houston - 5 mins
23 - Connor Brandt - New York City FC - Appeared as sub vs Real Salt Lake, 9 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Appeared as sub vs LA - 2 mins

US Open Cup

34 - Kharlton Belmar - Portland - Timbers 2 (USL) vs Michigan Bucks, 1 goal
48 - Andy Craven - Seattle - Sounders 2 (USL) vs Kitsap Pumas, 1 goal

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 10

Cyle Larin's second goal of the season opened the door for Orlando City to rally from two goals down to draw with the Revs on Saturday. Larin becomes the first member of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft class to score two goals. In other action, Fatai Alashe left San Jose's midweek match with an injury, Vancouver's Tim Parker made his first start in a rout of Philadelphia, and Chicago's Matt Polster picked up his third yellow card of the season. Here's a rundown of all the action:

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs New England, 81 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Houston, (left w/ injury), 29 mins
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins, Yellow Card
8 - Zach Steinberger - Houston - Appeared as sub vs Toronto, 7 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs DC United, 5 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, Shutout
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins, 3 shots
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Appeared as sub vs Sporting KC, 2 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs DC United, 1 min
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Appeared as sub vs RSL, 18 mins, 1 shot
21 - Igancio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs FC Dallas, 74 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Appeared as sub vs San Jose, 16 mins, 2 shots
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Appeared as sub vs Toronto, 16 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs San Jose, 45 mins, 2 shots

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 9

Week Nine featured the debuts of Vancouver's Tim Parker and LA's Ignacio Maganto, in addition to a pair of starts by Colorado's Axel Sjöberg in their draws against the Red Bulls and Galaxy. We also saw the usual suspects, Khiry Shelton, Fatai Alashe and Matt Polster all make starts for their respective clubs. No goals or assists this week though. Here's the complete rundown.

2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 3 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 1 shot
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Appeared as sub vs Portland, 2 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, 1 shot
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs LA, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs NYCFC, 1 min
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Appeared as sub vs Columbus, 4 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Chicago, 13 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Colorado, 72 mins, 1 shot
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Appeared as sub vs FC Dallas, 23 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs NYRB, 73 mins, 3 shots
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Appeared as sub vs LA, 28 mins, 1 shot

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 8

Week 8 pitted Khiry Shelton and New York City FC against Matt Polster and the Chicago Fire with Polster and company coming away with a 1-0 win. Sporting Kansas City's Connor Hallisey made his MLS debut with a cameo against Houston while Colorado's tandem of Sjöberg and Badji appeared together in the starting lineup for the first time since the 21st of March. Here's a rundown of all the action:

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Toronto, 67 mins, 2 shots
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs Chicago, 90 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins, 2 shots
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Houston, 1 min
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Houston, 27 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs FC Dallas, 65 mins

MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 7

Khiry Shelton finally got his first start with City and he picked up his first assist. Cyle Larin's second start was cut short thanks to a Rafael Ramos red card. Around the rest of the league, Fatai Alashe continued his role as a regular in San Jose, while a slough of others enjoyed second half cameos. Here's the full rundown:

1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Columbus, 36 mins, 1 shot
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 assist
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 2 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Chicago, 90 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs Colorado, 9 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Appeared as sub vs Houston, 10 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs LA, 15 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Appeared as sub vs DC United, 10 mins