So back in March, for kicks we put together a U.S. roster comprised of players that were not on the World Cup Qualifying Roster or the Olympic Qualifying Roster to see what kind of team we could throw together. Now with Copa América looming and the U.S.'s 40-man preliminary roster in place, I thought it might be fun to do it again. Our roster's going to look a little bit different this time with some players getting called up (Nick Rimando, Eric Lichaj, Danny Williams, Graham Zusi, Tim Ream and Perry Kitchen) and others hampered by injuries (Quincy Amarikwa), but I still think this is a halfway decent - if MLS-biased - roster. Here's what I came up with:
STARTERS
Goalkeeper - Luis Robles - New York Red Bulls - The reigning MLS goalkeeper of the year who hasn't missed a start since 2012 has had a rough start to 2016, but much of that can be attributed to the porous defense in front of him. CAPS: 2
Left Back - Jorge Villafaña - Santos Laguna - For whatever reason, despite the lack of left backs in the system, Villafaña still isn't getting a look with the USMNT. Well, he's a staple at left back for our B Team. CAPS: 0
Center Back - Nat Borchers - Portland Timbers - The Wyndham Rewards Wizard is still plugging away at Age 35. He's not a long term solution, but he brings toughness and savvy to the table without being a high risk for cards (just one yellow in his last 41 regular season matches. CAPS: 3
Center Back - Chad Marshall - Seattle Sounders - The 6'4" Marshall is exceptional in the air and already has a pair of goals for the Sounders this season. Paired with Borchers, Marshall would make the U.S. tough on set pieces on both ends of the field. CAPS: 11
Right Back - Robbie Rogers - LA Galaxy - Rogers is better on the left than on the right, but he's shown this year after Ashley Cole took the left back spot that he can play on either side of the field. With his attacking background, Rogers is always dangerous moving forward and would give the U.S. an effective attack out of the back. CAPS: 18
Defensive Midfield - Wil Trapp - Columbus Crew - One of many young players looking to be the heir apparent to Kyle Beckerman, Trapp helped the Crew reach the MLS Cup in 2015, and has started every game for them in 2016. CAPS: 2
Defensive Midfield - Dax McCarty - New York Red Bulls - Full disclosure, I would have liked to put Matt Polster in this spot alongside Trapp, but Polster's banged up, so instead we'll go with the veteran. McCarty was a huge reason for the Red Bulls' success in 2015, and after a slow start he's playing better of late. CAPS: 5
Left Wing - Brek Shea - Orlando City SC - He's been playing more left back than left wing, but he's got the athleticism and the attacking skillset to allow him to slot in here without a huge drop in play. CAPS: 34
Attacking Midfield - Benny Feilhaber - Sporting Kansas City - Klinsmann may not like Feilhaber, but I do. He's a playmaker, and has a great engine, and while he may not be Michael Bradley, he could certainly run this offense. CAPS: 41
Right Wing - Mike Grella - New York Red Bulls - An exciting winger, Grella burst onto the scene in 2015 after spending 2014 in the NASL and delivered 9 goals and 7 assists for the Supporters Shield Winners. And to show it wasn't a fluke, Grella is off to a fast start in 2016 with three goals already. CAPS: 0
Striker - C.J. Sapong - Philadelphia Union - One of the more notable snubs, Sapong is really coming into his own with the Union and is a big reason they've turned their fortunes around. CAPS: 2.
BENCH
Goalkeeper - Clint Irwin - Toronto FC - CAPS: 0
Goalkeeper - Tim Melia - Sporting Kansas City - CAPS: 0
Left Back - Jonathan Bornstein - Querétaro FC - CAPS: 38
Center Back - Michael Parkhurst - Columbus Crew - CAPS: 25
Center Back - Marvell Wynne - San Jose Earthquakes - CAPS: 5
Right Back - Jonathan Spector - Birmingham City - CAPS: 36
Defensive Midfield - Scott Caldwell - New England Revolution - CAPS: 0
Attack Midfield - Sacha Kljestan - New York Red Bulls - CAPS: 46
Left Wing - Chris Rolfe - DC United - CAPS: 10
Right Wing - Chris Pontius - Philadelphia Union - CAPS: 0
Striker - Juan Agudelo - New England Revolution - CAPS: 20
Striker - Jack McInerney - Portland Timbers - CAPS: 0
Showing posts with label Orlando City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orlando City. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2016
Monday, April 4, 2016
Thoughts on Portland vs Orlando City SC
1. If you knew nothing about either of these teams, I'm betting you would not have been able to determine that the Timbers are the reigning league champs by watching this match. Orlando City just absolutely blew the doors off the Timbers last night, and the biggest reason was their big #10, Kaká. The Brazilian playmaker did not disappoint last night delivering a pinpoint free kick delivery to set up the first goal, a nifty 1-2 with Brek Shea for the second, and then coolly slotted home goal number three for good measure. Even better, when Kevin Molino was tripped up in the box, he made sure the young Trinidad and Tobago speedster got to take the spot kick for his first MLS goal. That's more than a world class footballer, that's a leader, and if Kaká is healthy and productive like that all year, the rest of the league should watch out. What's even more impressive was that City lost two starters to injuries in the opening 45 minutes - rookie of the year Cyle Larin and young center back Tommy Redding - and you couldn't tell. That's how good Orlando City was last night.
2. Lucas Melano is crazy fast... BUT, he continues to struggle to turn that speed into something productive. I remember watching him in last year's playoffs and while he was able to use his speed to get into good positions, he seldom capitalized on the opportunities he was given. Melano is still young (he just turned 23) so there's still time for him to clean up his finishing, but you have to wonder how long he can hold off Jack McInerney and Darren Mattocks if he doesn't start producing.
3. Where was Darlington Nagbe last night? I don't know if it was Orlando City's tactics, or Caleb Porter's lack of adjustments, but Darlington Nagbe was a complete non-factor in last night's blowout loss. There were extensive periods of the game where he just wasn't involved to the point where you almost forgot he was on the field. Everyone has bad days, but I expected more from the USMNT darling. And maybe that's our fault seeing how much hype Nagbe has gotten in recent months. We've built him up to be this world beater and maybe that's not him. Still, I'm hoping it was just a bad night for Nagbe and the Timbers, and that we'll see him bounce back next week.
4. Holy crap, Brek Shea. That goal was absolutely ridiculous. Is someone making a case for the U.S.'s left back job? If he can stay healthy (big if for Brek), he has to at least be in the conversation, right? I would venture that offensively speaking, there aren't a lot of left backs in the player pool who have the offensive skill set that Brek Shea has (once upon a time you could make a case for DaMarcus Beasley, but he's past his prime). Shea did, after all, score 11 goals for FC Dallas in 2011 and we saw him deliver twice for the U.S. during the 2013 Gold Cup (both game winners in 1-0 affairs) and two more times just last year against Chile and Switzerland. If he can shore up the defending, he'll at least be exciting to watch if nothing else.
5. Is anyone else surprised by how little love Jack McInerney gets? Jack Mack won't turn 24 until August, but he already has 40 goals in his MLS career. In his last 8 regular season MLS matches (following his trade from Montreal to Columbus), despite playing just 258 minutes (less than three full games) he has four goals and an assist. He has two goals this season despite logging just 87 minutes without the benefit of a start. So why no love for the guy? Despite his gaudy numbers, he's on his fourth team since 2014 and he hasn't been a regular starter since making 25 starts between the Union and Impact that season. Is the guy a huge jerk? Bad locker room guy? Whatever the issue, at some point, I'd like to see him get some more playing time.
6. It's obvious that Portland really misses Liam Ridgewell (and Jorge Villafaña). Jermaine Taylor is a solid defender, but he's not the game changer that Ridgewell has been for Portland, and I feel like Ridgewell's partnership with Nat Borchers was much more cohesive. That said, Taylor and Borchers haven't been together that long and things can change, but obviously this isn't the start to the season that the defending champs were hoping for.
7. Almost forgot to mention this, but Joe Bendik's denial of Fanendo Adi's first half penalty kick when the score was still 2-0 was probably the biggest play of the night. No disrespect to any of the amazing stuff Kaká did, but if Adi scores there right before halftime, it's a huge momentum changer and maybe City doesn't run away with this game early in the second half. It's an even bigger deal when you consider that Bendik had only stopped one kick out of 12 in his MLS career before that one, and bigger still because Bendik made his MLS debut with the Timbers in 2012 before getting traded to Toronto.
8. I thought it was somewhat comical when Alexi Lalas was talking about the chances of Brek Shea returning to the USMNT roster this summer, and he said something to the effect of: I know not to rule anyone out, except Benny Feilhaber. Poor guy. I do think Feilhaber has been treated just a bit harshly by Klinsmann. Granted, he's been injured so the recent qualifiers weren't up for debate, but to say he's not at an international level,' or whatever the language Klinsmann used, is a little harsh, right? We're talking about a player who scored 10 goals to go along with 15 assists last season in MLS. Michael Bradley and Darlington Nagbe COMBINED for 10 goals and 11 assists. Lee Nguyen and Mix Diskerud COMBINED for 10 goals and 11 assists. With chance creation an issue for the U.S., wouldn't you at least bring him in to push the players 'ahead of him' on the depth chart?
2. Lucas Melano is crazy fast... BUT, he continues to struggle to turn that speed into something productive. I remember watching him in last year's playoffs and while he was able to use his speed to get into good positions, he seldom capitalized on the opportunities he was given. Melano is still young (he just turned 23) so there's still time for him to clean up his finishing, but you have to wonder how long he can hold off Jack McInerney and Darren Mattocks if he doesn't start producing.
3. Where was Darlington Nagbe last night? I don't know if it was Orlando City's tactics, or Caleb Porter's lack of adjustments, but Darlington Nagbe was a complete non-factor in last night's blowout loss. There were extensive periods of the game where he just wasn't involved to the point where you almost forgot he was on the field. Everyone has bad days, but I expected more from the USMNT darling. And maybe that's our fault seeing how much hype Nagbe has gotten in recent months. We've built him up to be this world beater and maybe that's not him. Still, I'm hoping it was just a bad night for Nagbe and the Timbers, and that we'll see him bounce back next week.
4. Holy crap, Brek Shea. That goal was absolutely ridiculous. Is someone making a case for the U.S.'s left back job? If he can stay healthy (big if for Brek), he has to at least be in the conversation, right? I would venture that offensively speaking, there aren't a lot of left backs in the player pool who have the offensive skill set that Brek Shea has (once upon a time you could make a case for DaMarcus Beasley, but he's past his prime). Shea did, after all, score 11 goals for FC Dallas in 2011 and we saw him deliver twice for the U.S. during the 2013 Gold Cup (both game winners in 1-0 affairs) and two more times just last year against Chile and Switzerland. If he can shore up the defending, he'll at least be exciting to watch if nothing else.
5. Is anyone else surprised by how little love Jack McInerney gets? Jack Mack won't turn 24 until August, but he already has 40 goals in his MLS career. In his last 8 regular season MLS matches (following his trade from Montreal to Columbus), despite playing just 258 minutes (less than three full games) he has four goals and an assist. He has two goals this season despite logging just 87 minutes without the benefit of a start. So why no love for the guy? Despite his gaudy numbers, he's on his fourth team since 2014 and he hasn't been a regular starter since making 25 starts between the Union and Impact that season. Is the guy a huge jerk? Bad locker room guy? Whatever the issue, at some point, I'd like to see him get some more playing time.
6. It's obvious that Portland really misses Liam Ridgewell (and Jorge Villafaña). Jermaine Taylor is a solid defender, but he's not the game changer that Ridgewell has been for Portland, and I feel like Ridgewell's partnership with Nat Borchers was much more cohesive. That said, Taylor and Borchers haven't been together that long and things can change, but obviously this isn't the start to the season that the defending champs were hoping for.
7. Almost forgot to mention this, but Joe Bendik's denial of Fanendo Adi's first half penalty kick when the score was still 2-0 was probably the biggest play of the night. No disrespect to any of the amazing stuff Kaká did, but if Adi scores there right before halftime, it's a huge momentum changer and maybe City doesn't run away with this game early in the second half. It's an even bigger deal when you consider that Bendik had only stopped one kick out of 12 in his MLS career before that one, and bigger still because Bendik made his MLS debut with the Timbers in 2012 before getting traded to Toronto.
8. I thought it was somewhat comical when Alexi Lalas was talking about the chances of Brek Shea returning to the USMNT roster this summer, and he said something to the effect of: I know not to rule anyone out, except Benny Feilhaber. Poor guy. I do think Feilhaber has been treated just a bit harshly by Klinsmann. Granted, he's been injured so the recent qualifiers weren't up for debate, but to say he's not at an international level,' or whatever the language Klinsmann used, is a little harsh, right? We're talking about a player who scored 10 goals to go along with 15 assists last season in MLS. Michael Bradley and Darlington Nagbe COMBINED for 10 goals and 11 assists. Lee Nguyen and Mix Diskerud COMBINED for 10 goals and 11 assists. With chance creation an issue for the U.S., wouldn't you at least bring him in to push the players 'ahead of him' on the depth chart?
Monday, March 7, 2016
Week 1 Rookie Watch
Draftees
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs FCD, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs FCD, 7 mins, 1 shot
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs NYRB, 84 mins, 2 shots
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs LA, 15 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 45 mins, 1 shot
13. Hadji Barry (Orlando City) - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 13 mins, 1 shot, 1 assist
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Sub vs Colorado, 45 mins
Homegrowns
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 9 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Sporting KC, 83 mins, 1 shot
10 rookies were in action yesterday as the 2016 MLS campaign kicked off with a bang. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia), Brandon Vincent (Chicago), Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto) and Jordan Morris (Seattle) all made the Starting Eleven for their respective clubs, but only Orlando City's Hadji Barry made the scoresheet with a stoppage time assist in Orlando City's wild 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake.
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs FCD, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs FCD, 7 mins, 1 shot
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs NYRB, 84 mins, 2 shots
11. Julian Buescher (DC United) - Sub vs LA, 15 mins
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 45 mins, 1 shot
13. Hadji Barry (Orlando City) - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 13 mins, 1 shot, 1 assist
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Sub vs Colorado, 45 mins
Homegrowns
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs NYCFC, 9 mins
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Sporting KC, 83 mins, 1 shot
10 rookies were in action yesterday as the 2016 MLS campaign kicked off with a bang. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia), Brandon Vincent (Chicago), Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto) and Jordan Morris (Seattle) all made the Starting Eleven for their respective clubs, but only Orlando City's Hadji Barry made the scoresheet with a stoppage time assist in Orlando City's wild 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake.
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
Who's Adding Who - Orlando City SC
In:
GK Mason Stajduhar (11/9/15 - Homegrown) - A keeper for the U.S. U-20s and a member of the U-18 USSDA Best XI team, Stajduhar has been a member of Orlando City's academy teams in recent years.
GK Joe Bendik (12/21/15 - trade from Toronto) - With the departure of Tally Hall, Joe Bendik is the favorite to start in net for City in 2015. Bendik started his professional career in Norway before signing in MLS in 2012 with the Portland Timbers. After a year in Portland, he assumed the starting keeper job in Toronto until losing playing time to Chris Konopka in 2015. Bendik is 18-37-23 in his career with nine shutouts in 76 starts.
M Richmond Laryea (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - Laryea scored 11 goals and added seven assists in his breakout 2015 campaign with Akron. The NSCAA Third Team All-American hails from Toronto and was a member of the Canadian U-18 National Team. He was selected with the seventh overall pick in the draft.
F Hadji Barry (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - Barry played collegiately for UCF and led the Knights with 11 goals in 17 starts in 2015. Barry was selected with the 13th overall pick in the draft.
D/M Devron Garcia (1/27/16 - transfer from CD Victoria) - The 19 year-old defensive midfielder teamed with Orlando City teammate Bryan Róchez with Honduras at the U-20 World Cup. He's represented Honduras at both the U-17 and U-20 level.
M Antonio Nocerino (2/18/16 - trade from D.C. United) - The 30 year-old Nocerino has played professionally with both Juventus and Milan where he played alongside current teammate Kaká. A versatile midfielder, Nocerino has earned 15 CAPs with Italy's National Team, and was named to the 2011-12 Serie A team of the year.
Out:
GK Tally Hall (11/25/15 - option declined)
GK Josh Ford (11/25/15 - option declined) - San Antonio FC (USL)
D Corey Ashe (11/25/15 - option declined) - Columbus Crew
M Eric Avila (11/25/15 - option declined) - Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
M Lewis Neal (11/25/15 - option declined) - Orlando City B (USL)
F Danny Mwanga (11/25/15 - option declined) - Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
F Adam Bedell (11/25/15 - option declined)
F Sidney Rivera (11/25/15 - option declined)
M Tony Cascio (11/25/15 - out of contract)
M Estrela (1/30/16 - waived) - APOEL FC (Cyprus)
GK Mason Stajduhar (11/9/15 - Homegrown) - A keeper for the U.S. U-20s and a member of the U-18 USSDA Best XI team, Stajduhar has been a member of Orlando City's academy teams in recent years.
GK Joe Bendik (12/21/15 - trade from Toronto) - With the departure of Tally Hall, Joe Bendik is the favorite to start in net for City in 2015. Bendik started his professional career in Norway before signing in MLS in 2012 with the Portland Timbers. After a year in Portland, he assumed the starting keeper job in Toronto until losing playing time to Chris Konopka in 2015. Bendik is 18-37-23 in his career with nine shutouts in 76 starts.
M Richmond Laryea (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - Laryea scored 11 goals and added seven assists in his breakout 2015 campaign with Akron. The NSCAA Third Team All-American hails from Toronto and was a member of the Canadian U-18 National Team. He was selected with the seventh overall pick in the draft.
F Hadji Barry (1/14/16 - SuperDraft) - Barry played collegiately for UCF and led the Knights with 11 goals in 17 starts in 2015. Barry was selected with the 13th overall pick in the draft.
D/M Devron Garcia (1/27/16 - transfer from CD Victoria) - The 19 year-old defensive midfielder teamed with Orlando City teammate Bryan Róchez with Honduras at the U-20 World Cup. He's represented Honduras at both the U-17 and U-20 level.
M Antonio Nocerino (2/18/16 - trade from D.C. United) - The 30 year-old Nocerino has played professionally with both Juventus and Milan where he played alongside current teammate Kaká. A versatile midfielder, Nocerino has earned 15 CAPs with Italy's National Team, and was named to the 2011-12 Serie A team of the year.
Out:
GK Tally Hall (11/25/15 - option declined)
GK Josh Ford (11/25/15 - option declined) - San Antonio FC (USL)
D Corey Ashe (11/25/15 - option declined) - Columbus Crew
M Eric Avila (11/25/15 - option declined) - Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
M Lewis Neal (11/25/15 - option declined) - Orlando City B (USL)
F Danny Mwanga (11/25/15 - option declined) - Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL)
F Adam Bedell (11/25/15 - option declined)
F Sidney Rivera (11/25/15 - option declined)
M Tony Cascio (11/25/15 - out of contract)
M Estrela (1/30/16 - waived) - APOEL FC (Cyprus)
Monday, October 26, 2015
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
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
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 33
Cyle Larin continued his sensational rookie campaign with two more goals against New York City FC as Orlando City won a fifth straight match. Larin now has 17 goals this season which is substantially more than all other members of the 2015 SuperDraft Class combined. Otherwise things were pretty quiet as we get ready for the final week of the 2015 regular season. Here's a rundown of all the action from last week:
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs NYCFC, 81 mins, 7 shots, 2 goals
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs OCSC, 24 mins, 1 shot
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Sub vs DC United, 22 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs San Jose, 26 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs NYCFC, 81 mins, 7 shots, 2 goals
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs OCSC, 24 mins, 1 shot
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Sub vs DC United, 22 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs San Jose, 26 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
Friday, October 9, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 31
Cyle Larin scored his 15th goal of the season, extending his rookie record, and Sporting Kansas City defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0 with three rookies in the starting lineup. Elsewhere, Houston's Rob Lovejoy and Colorado's Dominique Badji each returned to action for their respective clubs. Lovejoy had been out since June when he left Houston's match against Dallas with an injury, while Badji was making just his third appearance since losing his starting job in May. Here's a rundown of all the action:
US Open Cup Final
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Philadelphia, 42 mins, 2 shots
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs DC United, 8 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 45 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs FC Dallas, 29 mins, 2 shots
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 12 mins
US Open Cup Final
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Philadelphia, 42 mins, 2 shots
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs DC United, 8 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 45 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs FC Dallas, 29 mins, 2 shots
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 12 mins
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Rookie Stats Through September
Here's a look at your MLS Superdraftees who've seen MLS action in 2015:
1 - Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 24 apps, 21 starts, 1645 mins, 54 shots, 14 goals, 1 red
2 - Khiry Shelton (New York City FC) - 14 apps, 6 starts, 736 mins, 12 shots, 1 goal, 1 assist
3 - Romario Williams (Montreal) - 2 apps, 7 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe (San Jose) - 26 apps, 25 starts, 2137 mins, 17 shots, 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 yellows, 1 red
7 - Matt Polster (Chicago) - 28 apps, 26 starts, 2310 mins, 9 shots, 9 yellows
8 - Zach Steinberger (Houston) - 3 apps, 29 mins, 1 shot
9 - Clement Simonin (Toronto FC) - 2 apps, 2 starts, 171 mins, 1 shot, 1 yellow
10 - Connor Hallisey (Sporting KC) - 12 apps, 5 starts, 471 mins, 8 shots, 1 assist
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam (Sporting KC) - 18 apps, 7 starts, 778 mins, 4 shots, 1 assist, 1 yellow
13 - Tim Parker (Vancouver) - 11 apps, 10 starts, 902 mins, 4 shots, 2 yellows
14 - Axel Sjöberg (Colorado) - 11 apps, 11 starts, 989 mins, 11 shots, 5 yellows, 1 red
16 - Cristian Roldan (Seattle) - 22 apps, 11 starts, 1114 mins, 12 shots, 1 assist, 1 yellow
17 - Miguel Aguilar (DC United) - 17 apps, 4 starts, 528 mins, 4 shots, 1 yellow
19 - Sergio Campbell (Columbus) - 1 app, 1 start, 90 mins, 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia (Sporting KC) - 21 apps, 12 starts, 1227 mins, 5 shots, 1 assist, 2 yellows
21 - Ignacio Maganto (LA Galaxy) - 13 apps, 6 starts, 524 mins, 8 shots, 1 goal, 2 assists
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - 1 app, 1 start, 14 mins
23 - Connor Brandt (New York City FC) - 1 app, 9 mins
26 - Joseph Greenspan (Colorado) - 2 apps, 2 starts, 180 mins, 1 yellow
27 - Boyd Okwuonu (Real Salt Lake) - 3 apps, 1 start, 118 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy (Houston) - 14 apps, 2 starts, 306 mins, 6 shots, 1 goal, 1 assist
40 - Oniel Fisher (Seattle) - 11 apps, 9 starts, 844 mins, 6 shots, 4 yellows
45 - Cameron Porter (Montreal) - 2 apps, 1 start, 39 mins, 1 shot
48 - Andy Craven (Seattle) - 3 apps, 67 mins, 2 shots, 1 yellow
49 - Taylor Hunter (Houston) - 1 app, 1 start, 90 mins
67 - Dominique Badji (Colorado) - 11 apps, 6 starts, 546 mins, 13 shots, 1 goal, 1 yellow
71 - Raymond Lee (Philadelphia) - 1 app, 12 mins
79 - Manolo Sanchez (New York Red Bulls) - 3 apps, 22 mins, 6 shots
Here's a look at your leaders in various categories:
Appearances: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 28
Starts: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 26
Minutes: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 2310
Shots: Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 54
Goals: Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 14
Assists: Ignacio Maganto (LA Galaxy) - 2
Yellow Cards: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 9
Red Cards: Cyle Larin (Orlando City), Fatai Alashe (San Jose), Axel Sjöberg (Colorado) - 1
1 - Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 24 apps, 21 starts, 1645 mins, 54 shots, 14 goals, 1 red
2 - Khiry Shelton (New York City FC) - 14 apps, 6 starts, 736 mins, 12 shots, 1 goal, 1 assist
3 - Romario Williams (Montreal) - 2 apps, 7 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe (San Jose) - 26 apps, 25 starts, 2137 mins, 17 shots, 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 yellows, 1 red
7 - Matt Polster (Chicago) - 28 apps, 26 starts, 2310 mins, 9 shots, 9 yellows
8 - Zach Steinberger (Houston) - 3 apps, 29 mins, 1 shot
9 - Clement Simonin (Toronto FC) - 2 apps, 2 starts, 171 mins, 1 shot, 1 yellow
10 - Connor Hallisey (Sporting KC) - 12 apps, 5 starts, 471 mins, 8 shots, 1 assist
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam (Sporting KC) - 18 apps, 7 starts, 778 mins, 4 shots, 1 assist, 1 yellow
13 - Tim Parker (Vancouver) - 11 apps, 10 starts, 902 mins, 4 shots, 2 yellows
14 - Axel Sjöberg (Colorado) - 11 apps, 11 starts, 989 mins, 11 shots, 5 yellows, 1 red
16 - Cristian Roldan (Seattle) - 22 apps, 11 starts, 1114 mins, 12 shots, 1 assist, 1 yellow
17 - Miguel Aguilar (DC United) - 17 apps, 4 starts, 528 mins, 4 shots, 1 yellow
19 - Sergio Campbell (Columbus) - 1 app, 1 start, 90 mins, 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia (Sporting KC) - 21 apps, 12 starts, 1227 mins, 5 shots, 1 assist, 2 yellows
21 - Ignacio Maganto (LA Galaxy) - 13 apps, 6 starts, 524 mins, 8 shots, 1 goal, 2 assists
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - 1 app, 1 start, 14 mins
23 - Connor Brandt (New York City FC) - 1 app, 9 mins
26 - Joseph Greenspan (Colorado) - 2 apps, 2 starts, 180 mins, 1 yellow
27 - Boyd Okwuonu (Real Salt Lake) - 3 apps, 1 start, 118 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy (Houston) - 14 apps, 2 starts, 306 mins, 6 shots, 1 goal, 1 assist
40 - Oniel Fisher (Seattle) - 11 apps, 9 starts, 844 mins, 6 shots, 4 yellows
45 - Cameron Porter (Montreal) - 2 apps, 1 start, 39 mins, 1 shot
48 - Andy Craven (Seattle) - 3 apps, 67 mins, 2 shots, 1 yellow
49 - Taylor Hunter (Houston) - 1 app, 1 start, 90 mins
67 - Dominique Badji (Colorado) - 11 apps, 6 starts, 546 mins, 13 shots, 1 goal, 1 yellow
71 - Raymond Lee (Philadelphia) - 1 app, 12 mins
79 - Manolo Sanchez (New York Red Bulls) - 3 apps, 22 mins, 6 shots
Here's a look at your leaders in various categories:
Appearances: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 28
Starts: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 26
Minutes: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 2310
Shots: Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 54
Goals: Cyle Larin (Orlando City) - 14
Assists: Ignacio Maganto (LA Galaxy) - 2
Yellow Cards: Matt Polster (Chicago) - 9
Red Cards: Cyle Larin (Orlando City), Fatai Alashe (San Jose), Axel Sjöberg (Colorado) - 1
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
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
Monday, September 21, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 29
Khiry Shelton returned to action this week and Seattle's Cristian Roldan tallied his first career MLS assist in what was another relatively quiet week for this year's SuperDraft class. Shelton hadn't appeared in a match for City since May. In other action, Chicago regular Matt Polster missed this week due to yellow card accumulation and San Jose's Fatai Alashe started a pair of matches on the back line. Here's a rundown of all the action:
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 5 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Sub vs Árabe Unido, 20 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 71 mins, 2 shots
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs Toronto FC, 17 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs FC Dallas, 20 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Vancouver, 16 mins, 1 assist
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 5 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Sub vs Árabe Unido, 20 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 71 mins, 2 shots
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Sub vs Toronto FC, 17 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs NYCFC, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs FC Dallas, 20 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Vancouver, 16 mins, 1 assist
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
Sunday, September 13, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 28
Fatai Alashe scored his second goal of the season in San Jose's 1-1 draw with Seattle to highlight the rookie class's performance in Week 28. Elsewhere Cyle Larin did double duty starting for both the Canadian National Team in World Cup Qualifying and in Orlando's 3-1 win over Sporting Kansas City, while Saad Abdul-Salaam made a pair of starts for Sporting KC. Here's a rundown of all the action:
World Cup Qualifying
1 - Cyle Larin - Canada - Started vs Belize, 90 mins, 1 shot
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Sporting KC, 57 mins, 1 shot
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 62 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins, 1 shot
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs DC United, 26 mins
World Cup Qualifying
1 - Cyle Larin - Canada - Started vs Belize, 90 mins, 1 shot
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Sporting KC, 57 mins, 1 shot
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Portland, 62 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins, 1 shot
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs San Jose, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs DC United, 26 mins
Monday, September 7, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 27
Pretty quiet week for the rookie class with only ten teams in action, but we saw the return of Clément Simonin, the 9th overall pick in the draft, who hadn't played in an MLS match since March 29th. Here's a rundown of all the action:
National Team Duty
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City (Canada) - Started vs Belize, 68 mins, 5 shots
MLS
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
9 - Clément Simonin - Toronto FC - Started vs Seattle, 81 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins
National Team Duty
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City (Canada) - Started vs Belize, 68 mins, 5 shots
MLS
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
9 - Clément Simonin - Toronto FC - Started vs Seattle, 81 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins
Friday, September 4, 2015
Four MLSers Lead Canada to World Cup Qualifying Win over Belize
It wasn't as pretty as Canadian fans might have hoped, but Canada will head into their second leg against Belize with a 3-0 advantage thanks to a pair of goals by Tosaint Ricketts. Ricketts, who plays professionally in Turkey for Boluspor, now has four goals in World Cup Qualifying having also scored twice in Canada's match-up with Dominica back in June. Four MLSers saw action in the win as Will Johnson (Portland), Cyle Larin (Orlando City) and Marcel de Jong (Sporting Kansas City) all started and Vancouver's Russell Teibert coming off the bench adding an assist. The two countries will play their second leg on September 8th in Belize.
In other action, Columbus's Justin Meram scored his first international goal for Iraq in their 5-1 win over Chinese Taipei when he converted a late penalty. Meram has four goals and five assists this year for the Crew. Meanwhile, over in Europe, Robbie Keane continues to drink from the Fountain of Youth as he scored two more goals for Ireland in Euro 2016 Qualifying as the Irish defeated Gibraltar 4-0. Keane has 67 goals for Ireland in 18 years as a member of their National Team.
The U.S. also won their Friday friendly, defeating Peru 2-1, but we'll talk more about that tomorrow.
In other action, Columbus's Justin Meram scored his first international goal for Iraq in their 5-1 win over Chinese Taipei when he converted a late penalty. Meram has four goals and five assists this year for the Crew. Meanwhile, over in Europe, Robbie Keane continues to drink from the Fountain of Youth as he scored two more goals for Ireland in Euro 2016 Qualifying as the Irish defeated Gibraltar 4-0. Keane has 67 goals for Ireland in 18 years as a member of their National Team.
The U.S. also won their Friday friendly, defeating Peru 2-1, but we'll talk more about that tomorrow.
Monday, August 31, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Report, Week 26
Tim Parker and Miguel Aguilar led the rookie class this week as both scored goals in tournament play. Parker scored a clinching goal in the Canadian Championship as Vancouver claimed the tournament championship for the first time while Aguilar scored his second consecutive game winner in the Champions League for DC United. In other action, Cyle Larin just missed being credited with his record-setting 12th goal of the year, but while the ball wound up in the net, it was ruled an own goal by the officials. Elsewhere the cards were flying as four different players, Matt Polster, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Axel Sjöberg and Oniel Fisher all picked up yellows in a busy week. Here's a rundown of all the action:
Canadian Championship
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Montego Bay United, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 82 mins, 2 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Colorado, 66 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Portland, 27 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs San Jose, 2 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Sporting KC, 28 mins, 1 shot
Canadian Championship
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Montego Bay United, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 82 mins, 2 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Colorado, 66 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Portland, 27 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs San Jose, 2 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Sporting KC, 28 mins, 1 shot
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 25
DC United's Miguel Aguilar provided all of the offense in DC United's 1-0 Champions League win over Árabe Unido highlighting a productive week from the rookie class. San Jose's Fatai Alashe and Sporting KC's Saad Abdul-Salaam each added assists while LA's Ignacio Maganto and Seattle's Cristian Roldan each earned Champions League starts. Here's a rundown of all the action:
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Árabe Unido, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal, yellow card
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins, 2 shots
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Orlando City SC, 65 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Sporting KC, 82 mins, 2 shots, 1 assist
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs DC United, 67 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins, 1 assist
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 shot
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs San Jose, 45 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Columbus, 33 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins, yellow card
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Árabe Unido, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal, yellow card
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins, 2 shots
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Orlando City SC, 65 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Sporting KC, 82 mins, 2 shots, 1 assist
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs DC United, 67 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins, 1 assist
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 shot
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs San Jose, 45 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Columbus, 33 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins, yellow card
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Looking Back at #1 Draft Picks
No doubt that Orlando City has few regrets about taking Canadian phenom Cyle Larin with the top pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, but let's look back at how other strikers drafted number one have fared in their MLS careers:
2015 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - 11 goals in 19 games
2012 - Andrew Wenger - Montreal - 4 goals in 23 games // 13 goals in 100 games
2011 - Omar Salgado - Vancouver - 1 goal in 14 games // 1 goal in 29 games
2010 - Danny Mwanga - Philadelphia - 7 goals in 24 games // 15 goals in 101 games
2009 - Steve Zakuani - Seattle - 4 goals in 29 games // 17 goals in 97 games
2004 - Freddy Adu - DC United - 5 goals in 30 games // 19 goals in 133 games
2003 - Alecko Eskandarian - DC United - 3 goal in 23 games // 30 goals in 125 games
2001 - Chris Carrieri - San Jose - 5 goals in 19 games // 19 goals in 75 games
2011 - Omar Salgado - Vancouver - 1 goal in 14 games // 1 goal in 29 games
2010 - Danny Mwanga - Philadelphia - 7 goals in 24 games // 15 goals in 101 games
2009 - Steve Zakuani - Seattle - 4 goals in 29 games // 17 goals in 97 games
2004 - Freddy Adu - DC United - 5 goals in 30 games // 19 goals in 133 games
2003 - Alecko Eskandarian - DC United - 3 goal in 23 games // 30 goals in 125 games
2001 - Chris Carrieri - San Jose - 5 goals in 19 games // 19 goals in 75 games
Monday, August 17, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 24
Sporting Kansas City continues to lean heavily on its rookie class as Amadou Dia, Saad Abdul-Salaam and Connor Hallisey all made starts this week as Sporting advanced to the U.S. Open Cup finals and rallied for a big regular season win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. In other action, Oniel Fisher started in the back for the Sounders as they snapped a 5-game losing streak with a shutout win. Here's a rundown of all the action:
U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Philadelphia, 77 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 26 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 89 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins, 1 shot
Canadian Championship Finals
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Seattle, 67 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Sub vs Philadelphia, 16 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Vancouver, 45 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Vancouver, 73 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Orlando City, 9 mins, 2 shots
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Sub vs NYCFC, 11 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Vancouver, 56 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
U.S. Open Cup Semifinals
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Philadelphia, 77 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 26 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 89 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Real Salt Lake, 90 mins, 1 shot
Canadian Championship Finals
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Seattle, 67 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Sub vs Philadelphia, 16 mins
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Vancouver, 45 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Vancouver, 73 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Orlando City, 9 mins, 2 shots
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Sub vs NYCFC, 11 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Vancouver, 56 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 23
Orlando City's Conor Donovan made his MLS debut against Philadelphia, but hobbled off in the first half with a knee injury. Elsewhere, ejections were the name of the game this week as both San Jose's Fatai Alashe and Colorado's Axel Sjöberg earned double yellows and were sent off in their respective club's losses. Meanwhile, four rookies got Champions League starts with both Vancouver's Tim Parker and LA's Ignacio Maganto finding the back of the net. Here's a rundown of all the action:
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Toronto FC, 90 mins, 3 shots
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 2 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Houston, 60 mins, yellow card, red card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 14 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Columbus, 89 mins, yellow card, red card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 86 mins 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 2 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 14 mins
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Sub vs Vancouver, 18 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 30 mins, 2 shots, yellow card
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Central, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Toronto FC, 90 mins, 3 shots
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 2 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Houston, 60 mins, yellow card, red card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 14 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Columbus, 89 mins, yellow card, red card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 86 mins 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 2 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 14 mins
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Sub vs Vancouver, 18 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 30 mins, 2 shots, yellow card
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Central, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
Monday, August 3, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 22
As we enter the second half of the season, with the Gold Cup now over and teams starting to bring in talent through the transfer window, we're seeing fewer rookies actually getting onto the field which is going to make Cyle Larin's quest to win the Rookie of the Year that much more of a no-brainer. The Canadian striker scored two more goals to tie the rookie record of 11 in one season and it's only the beginning of August. In other action, Fatai Alashe and Matt Polster both turned in strong shifts in the midfield for their respective clubs and Amadou Dia went the distance for Sporting Kansas City in the back. Here's the complete rundown:
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Columbus, 78 mins, 8 shots, 2 goals
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Dallas, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Houston, 11 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Vancouver, 30 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Columbus, 78 mins, 8 shots, 2 goals
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Dallas, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Houston, 11 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Vancouver, 30 mins
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
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