Where was this on Friday? I couldn't help but watch this match, which was NEVER in doubt, and wonder how in the world did we lose to this team just days ago? And not just lose, but lose BADLY. For all the criticism that Jurgen Klinsmann has received about inconsistent/questionable lineups and formations, he deserves the credit for getting this one right in a must-win contest. Opting to go with an attack-minded lineup put the pressure on Guatemala early and often, and resulted in a resounding blowout win. The question now is where does the U.S. go from here? Do we continue to play attack-minded soccer (the thing Klinsmann promised us when he took the U.S. job) or will the master tinkerer shift tactics yet again? Here's the changes/"improvements" I'd make going forward:
Left Back - I thought Edgar Castillo was passable against the Guatemalans, but I still like Jorge Villafaña and I think he deserves a shot. If nothing else, I'd at least like to see Villafaña get an invite to camp so we have more than one left back on the roster. I think that putting ourselves in a position where Fabian Johnson is our left back - or even our backup left back - is doing ourselves a disservice.
Center Back - If John Brooks is playing as well as everyone says he is, then he should probably supplant Steve Birnbaum in the Starting XI. I don't have any issues with Birnbaum's performance, and I love what he brings on set pieces, but we need to find a way to get our best players on the field. One thing that came up during the broadcast, and that I actually agree with is that we should probably consider moving Geoff Cameron into the role currently filled by Kyle Beckerman. Beckerman isn't going to be around forever, and with no clear replacement in the pipeline, it's probably worth giving Cameron, a player who can play and has played that position, a look. This way you could also potentially start Brooks and Birnbaum together with Cameron in front of them.
Right Wing - Gyasi Zardes got his name on the scoresheet last night, but he's likely the odd man out in this formation with the return of Jozy Altidore and Fabian Johnson. The question becomes whether Dempsey, who played an inspired match last night, gets the nod over Bobby Wood moving forward. Personally, I don't see Dempsey sticking around for another World Cup, so I think there's value in starting Altidore up top with Wood on the right wing and Fabian Johnson over on the left, just to see if the group has good chemistry together. As so many analysts and soccer pundits have said in recent days, it's all about building effective partnerships.
Attacking Midfielder - Graham Zusi was terrific in the attacking midfield role alongside Michael Bradley, so I think you have to figure he's in the mix moving forward. The question is, who would you start alongside him with Bradley suspended for the next qualifier due to yellow card accumulation? Fortunately the U.S. has options in Darlington Nagbe, Mix Diskerud and Lee Nguyen, so I'd expect Klinsmann to ride the hot hand.
Some quick final thoughts:
1) It was nice to see Christian Pulisic make his USMNT at the age of 17. Still, I think he's got some room to grow physically before becoming a regular member of the squad. It's not to say that he looked out of place, but he wasn't winning any physical challenges, something he'd be expected to do in the tough CONCACAF region.
2) I'm a little surprised that we opted to bring on Jozy Altidore in a 3-0 game when his fitness is questionable. Yes, he scored which was great, but I don't know what the benefit of making that move was in a blowout, especially when we had other options. Bringing on Ethan Finlay made sense because the game was at his home stadium. Bringing on the aforementioned Pulisic made sense because it CAP-ties him to the U.S. But why Altidore instead of, say, Darlington Nagbe? Or Lee Nguyen? Or Mix Diskerud? It just seemed like a risky move to me.
3) Poor Ethan Finlay. He scores his first international goal in front of his home crowd and has it called back (wrongfully) due to an offsides call. On a positive note, Finlay, once again appears well suited to that substitute sparkplug role on the wing. This is two matches in a row for him where he's had an immediate impact.
4) Brad Guzan should be the U.S. keeper moving forward. Tim Howard has had a legendary career, but until he starts coming up big in MLS with the Rapids this summer, he isn't earning his spot on the field in the world of what have you done for me lately.
5) Pretty solid effort by the U.S.'s MLS contingent despite not being in midseason form. Clint Dempsey (Seattle), Gyasi Zardes (LA Galaxy), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Graham Zusi (Sporting KC), and Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC) combined for 3 goals and all 4 assists. And really Ethan Finlay (Columbus) would have added another goal on an assist from Altidore had the officiating been a little cleaner. Nice job, boys! Way to represent!
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Monday, March 28, 2016
Questions Following USA vs Guatemala
I'll be honest, despite the U.S.'s poor play against CONCACAF opponents as of late, I was optimistic heading into Friday night's qualifier against Guatemala. Maybe we wouldn't win, but there was no way we were coming away with less than a draw, right? This is the same Guatemala that we beat 4-0 last July after all. And now here we are, literally backs to the wall, essentially needing to win out just to make it to the hexagonal stage. Yes, this isn't that far from where we were four years ago when we drew in Guatemala and lost in Jamaica at this same stage, but this feels more dire, doesn't it? Anyhow, I really wanted to blame Klinsmann, and solely Klinsmann, immediately following the loss. But while the coach is ultimately responsible, the players bear a significant piece of the burden. After all, some better finishing by Clint Dempsey, Alejandro Bedoya and others, and this isn't a 2-0 game. Some better defense on a corner (Mix Diskerud) and some better communication along the back line (everybody) and we don't concede two goals. Still, I have questions:
1) Is Clint Dempsey still deserving a spot in the USMNT Starting XI? The active leading scorer for the U.S. has struggled out of the gates in 2016. Yes, he notched a Champions League brace against Santos Laguna, but in three MLS appearances (all losses), he's put just one shot on target out of 12, and has no goals, and no assists, despite playing alongside Paraguayan International Nelson Valdez, and one of the U.S.'s top striking prospects in Jordan Morris. I know it's a small sample size, but coupled with his poor showing against Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup last fall, you have to wonder if he's not on the decline. Don't get me wrong, I think Dempsey should have been on the team, but maybe given his recent struggles, and lack of fitness (he was gassed by the end), would it not have served the team better to start someone else and be able to bring Deuce in off the bench for a late spark?
2) Speaking of that someone else, if Jozy Altidore was healthy enough to play, shouldn't he have gotten the start? Even if Jozy only went the opening 45 minutes, don't you want your best striker on the field in a big game like this? Plus, if you lose him to injury or whatever, don't you want that to happen when you have players in reserve, and not after you use him as your last substitute?
3) Why not start Yedlin in the back? DeAndre Yedlin brings blazing speed to the table, but his offensive game (speed aside) is lacking. I get that he's exciting and adds a spark, but his contributions on the attack aren't flashes of brilliance so much as they are a testament to his natural athleticism. I just feel like we had better attacking options in the midfield (Lee Nguyen, Darlington Nagbe, Gyasi Zardes) that would have brought more offense to the table while Yedlin could've been better utilized at the back.
4) Why not start Geoff Cameron in the middle? Cameron started both of the two previous World Cup Qualifiers in the center alongside Matt Besler and we allowed one goal. I understand Besler was hurt in training, but why not start Cameron alongside Gonzalez with Orozco on the right? This is how we lined up Cameron and Orozco against Trinidad and Tobago and we pitched a road shutout. This tinkering with a lineup that was already working seemed unnecessary.
5) Why not start Kyle Beckerman? Beckman's there for his toughness and prowess as a defensive midfielder, right? Two things that make sense to have when playing in Central America. Mix Diskerud is not a defensive midfielder. I love the guy, but his strengths are in going forward. Look how high up the field he's been playing for his club team and it's been working great. If Klinsmann is insistent on playing Bradley and Diskerud together, why not flip them and let Diskerud play up high and Bradley as more of a holding midfielder? Speaking of Bradley...
6) Why don't we play Bradley in the position he plays for his club team? Bradley seems far more comfortable playing deep with Toronto, but for whatever reason, Klinsmann insists on putting him as the attacking central midfielder. This would make sense if we didn't have anyone else, but we have Darlington Nagbe. We have Lee Nguyen. It's just frustrating seeing players consistently played out of position (Yedlin, Johnson, Bradley, Diskerud, Cameron, etc). There's a saying about putting square pegs in round holes that would seem to apply here...
7) Why no Villafaña? I'm still bitter about Jorge Villafaña's omission from the squad. Not that Edgar Castillo had a bad game, but I think Villafaña would have had a better one.
8) Why Tim Howard? I don't want to put this loss on the Secretary of Defense, but Howard's not the keeper he was four years ago when he single handedly (perhaps more accurately he used both hands and feet) kept us in our final World Cup match against Belgium. Since then, he's lost his job with Everton and has committed to a return to MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Bottom line, he hasn't been playing. Brad Guzan has. Tim Howard isn't going to be our keeper in the next World Cup (if we even make it), so why continue to play games about Guzan vs Howard? If it's not Guzan, let's figure out who it is, and get them in net.
9) How short is Klinsmann's leash? Reports I've read suggest Klinsmann has top cover, but for how long? Should we fail to beat Guatemala or fail to reach the hexagonal, shouldn't that be condemning criteria? Is it possible that Klinsmann's grasp of the game fits in Europe (wins over Italy, Germany, Netherlands, etc), but not in CONCACAF (see Gold Cup 2015)? Do the players get up for games for Klinsmann? We've seen a string of uninspired performances, and while that should also fall on the players, doesn't a good coach figure out ways to motivate? Maybe Klinsmann's true talent isn't coaching, but rather to identify talent. He's brought players like Miguel Ibarra, Brandon Vincent, Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood and others into the fold, that most U.S. coaches would surely miss. But he isn't winning, which ultimately coaches are going to be judged on, especially when the talent is there.
10) How much trouble are we in? We'll find out Tuesday, but another uninspired performance against the Guatemalans could make this a disappointing World Cup cycle for fans of the red, white and blue.
1) Is Clint Dempsey still deserving a spot in the USMNT Starting XI? The active leading scorer for the U.S. has struggled out of the gates in 2016. Yes, he notched a Champions League brace against Santos Laguna, but in three MLS appearances (all losses), he's put just one shot on target out of 12, and has no goals, and no assists, despite playing alongside Paraguayan International Nelson Valdez, and one of the U.S.'s top striking prospects in Jordan Morris. I know it's a small sample size, but coupled with his poor showing against Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup last fall, you have to wonder if he's not on the decline. Don't get me wrong, I think Dempsey should have been on the team, but maybe given his recent struggles, and lack of fitness (he was gassed by the end), would it not have served the team better to start someone else and be able to bring Deuce in off the bench for a late spark?
2) Speaking of that someone else, if Jozy Altidore was healthy enough to play, shouldn't he have gotten the start? Even if Jozy only went the opening 45 minutes, don't you want your best striker on the field in a big game like this? Plus, if you lose him to injury or whatever, don't you want that to happen when you have players in reserve, and not after you use him as your last substitute?
3) Why not start Yedlin in the back? DeAndre Yedlin brings blazing speed to the table, but his offensive game (speed aside) is lacking. I get that he's exciting and adds a spark, but his contributions on the attack aren't flashes of brilliance so much as they are a testament to his natural athleticism. I just feel like we had better attacking options in the midfield (Lee Nguyen, Darlington Nagbe, Gyasi Zardes) that would have brought more offense to the table while Yedlin could've been better utilized at the back.
4) Why not start Geoff Cameron in the middle? Cameron started both of the two previous World Cup Qualifiers in the center alongside Matt Besler and we allowed one goal. I understand Besler was hurt in training, but why not start Cameron alongside Gonzalez with Orozco on the right? This is how we lined up Cameron and Orozco against Trinidad and Tobago and we pitched a road shutout. This tinkering with a lineup that was already working seemed unnecessary.
5) Why not start Kyle Beckerman? Beckman's there for his toughness and prowess as a defensive midfielder, right? Two things that make sense to have when playing in Central America. Mix Diskerud is not a defensive midfielder. I love the guy, but his strengths are in going forward. Look how high up the field he's been playing for his club team and it's been working great. If Klinsmann is insistent on playing Bradley and Diskerud together, why not flip them and let Diskerud play up high and Bradley as more of a holding midfielder? Speaking of Bradley...
6) Why don't we play Bradley in the position he plays for his club team? Bradley seems far more comfortable playing deep with Toronto, but for whatever reason, Klinsmann insists on putting him as the attacking central midfielder. This would make sense if we didn't have anyone else, but we have Darlington Nagbe. We have Lee Nguyen. It's just frustrating seeing players consistently played out of position (Yedlin, Johnson, Bradley, Diskerud, Cameron, etc). There's a saying about putting square pegs in round holes that would seem to apply here...
7) Why no Villafaña? I'm still bitter about Jorge Villafaña's omission from the squad. Not that Edgar Castillo had a bad game, but I think Villafaña would have had a better one.
8) Why Tim Howard? I don't want to put this loss on the Secretary of Defense, but Howard's not the keeper he was four years ago when he single handedly (perhaps more accurately he used both hands and feet) kept us in our final World Cup match against Belgium. Since then, he's lost his job with Everton and has committed to a return to MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Bottom line, he hasn't been playing. Brad Guzan has. Tim Howard isn't going to be our keeper in the next World Cup (if we even make it), so why continue to play games about Guzan vs Howard? If it's not Guzan, let's figure out who it is, and get them in net.
9) How short is Klinsmann's leash? Reports I've read suggest Klinsmann has top cover, but for how long? Should we fail to beat Guatemala or fail to reach the hexagonal, shouldn't that be condemning criteria? Is it possible that Klinsmann's grasp of the game fits in Europe (wins over Italy, Germany, Netherlands, etc), but not in CONCACAF (see Gold Cup 2015)? Do the players get up for games for Klinsmann? We've seen a string of uninspired performances, and while that should also fall on the players, doesn't a good coach figure out ways to motivate? Maybe Klinsmann's true talent isn't coaching, but rather to identify talent. He's brought players like Miguel Ibarra, Brandon Vincent, Jordan Morris, Bobby Wood and others into the fold, that most U.S. coaches would surely miss. But he isn't winning, which ultimately coaches are going to be judged on, especially when the talent is there.
10) How much trouble are we in? We'll find out Tuesday, but another uninspired performance against the Guatemalans could make this a disappointing World Cup cycle for fans of the red, white and blue.
Week 4 Rookie Watch
Draftees
33. Timo Pitter (FC Dallas) - Sub vs DC United, 9 mins, 1 shot
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs NYCFC, 10 mins
Homegrowns
Aaron Guillen (Chicago) - Started vs DC United, 90 mins
With only three games on the MLS slate, there wasn't a lot of action on the rookie front, but FC Dallas rookies Aaron Guillen and Timo Pitter each made their MLS debuts in Dallas's 3-0 thrashing of DC United. Guillen started at right back in place of Maynor Figueroa who was away on international duty with Honduras while Pitter spelled Mauro Díaz late in the match.
33. Timo Pitter (FC Dallas) - Sub vs DC United, 9 mins, 1 shot
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs NYCFC, 10 mins
Homegrowns
Aaron Guillen (Chicago) - Started vs DC United, 90 mins
With only three games on the MLS slate, there wasn't a lot of action on the rookie front, but FC Dallas rookies Aaron Guillen and Timo Pitter each made their MLS debuts in Dallas's 3-0 thrashing of DC United. Guillen started at right back in place of Maynor Figueroa who was away on international duty with Honduras while Pitter spelled Mauro Díaz late in the match.
Week 4 Notes
Friday March 25, 2016
Guatemala 2 United States 0 - World Cup Qualifying
Trinidad and Tobago 3 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2 - World Cup Qualifying
Honduras 2 El Salvador 2 - World Cup Qualifying
Mexico 3 Canada 0 - World Cup Qualifying
Jamaica 1 Costa Rica 1 - World Cup Qualifying
Panama 0 Haiti 0 - World Cup Qualifying
United States U-23s 1 Colombia U-23s 1 - Olympic Qualifying
Saturday March 26, 2016
New York City FC 1 New England Revolution 1
FC Dallas 3 DC United 0
Vancouver Whitecaps 1 Houston Dynamo 0
Notable Performances
Michael Barrios - FC Dallas vs DC United - 2 Goals
Mauro Díaz - FC Dallas vs DC United - 2 Assists
David Ousted - Vancouver vs Houston - Shutout, 5 Saves
Chris Seitz - FC Dallas vs DC United - Shutout, 2 Saves
Ejections
Gershon Koffie - New England vs NYCFC - 51' Straight Red
Marcelo Sarvas - DC United vs FCD - 66' Straight Red
Guatemala 2 United States 0 - World Cup Qualifying
Trinidad and Tobago 3 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2 - World Cup Qualifying
Honduras 2 El Salvador 2 - World Cup Qualifying
Mexico 3 Canada 0 - World Cup Qualifying
Jamaica 1 Costa Rica 1 - World Cup Qualifying
Panama 0 Haiti 0 - World Cup Qualifying
United States U-23s 1 Colombia U-23s 1 - Olympic Qualifying
Saturday March 26, 2016
New York City FC 1 New England Revolution 1
FC Dallas 3 DC United 0
Vancouver Whitecaps 1 Houston Dynamo 0
Notable Performances
Michael Barrios - FC Dallas vs DC United - 2 Goals
Mauro Díaz - FC Dallas vs DC United - 2 Assists
David Ousted - Vancouver vs Houston - Shutout, 5 Saves
Chris Seitz - FC Dallas vs DC United - Shutout, 2 Saves
Ejections
Gershon Koffie - New England vs NYCFC - 51' Straight Red
Marcelo Sarvas - DC United vs FCD - 66' Straight Red
Friday, March 25, 2016
MLS Exports - 2016 Edition
South America
Norberto Paparatto - Portland Timbers - Atlético Rafaela (Primera División, Argentina)
Lucas Pittinari - Colorado Rapids - Club Atlético Belgrano (Primera División, Argentina)
Leandro Barrera - San Jose Earthquakes - Club Atlético San Martín (Primera División, Argentina)
Ezequiel Cirigliano - FC Dallas - River Plate (Primera División, Argentina)
Thomás - Seattle Sounders - Joinville Esporte Clube (Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, Brazil)
Sebastián Jaime - Real Salt Lake - Universidad Católica (Campeonato Nacional, Chile)
Andrés Correa - Seattle Sounders - Boyacá Chicó F.C. (Categoría Primera A, Colombia)
Javier Calle - New York City FC - Independiente Medellin (Categoría Primera A, Colombia)
Diego Rodríguez - Vancouver Whitecaps - C.A. Cerro (Primera División Uruguaya, Uruguay)
Gabriel Torres - Colorado Rapids - Zamora FC (Venezuelan Primera División, Venezuela)
Central America/Caribbean
Leonardo González - Seattle Sounders - Herediano (Primera División de Costa Rica, Costa Rica)
Roy Miller - New York Red Bulls - Saprissa (Primera División de Costa Rica, Costa Rica)
Alex López - Houston Dyanmo - Olimpia (Liga Nacional de Honduras, Honduras)
Juninho - LA Galaxy - Club Tijuana (Liga MX, Mexico)
Omar Gonzalez - LA Galaxy - Pachuca (Liga MX, Mexico)
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Querétaro (Liga MX, Mexico)
Jorge Villafaña - Portland Timbers - Santos Laguna (Liga MX, Mexico)
Luis Silva - Real Salt Lake - Tigres UANL (Liga MX, Mexico)
Sebastian Saucedo - Real Salt Lake - Veracruz (Liga MX, Mexico)
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago Fire - W Connection (TT Pro League, Trinidad and Tobago)
Europe
Estrela - Orlando City SC - APOEL (Cypriot First Division, Cyprus)
George Fochive - Portland Timbers - Viborg FF (Danish Superliga, Denmark)
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls - Chelsea (English Premier League, England)
Angeliño - New York City FC - Manchester City (English Premier League, England)
Shay Facey - New York City FC - Rotherdam United FC (Football League Championship, England)
Andy Rose - Seattle Sounders - Coventry City (English League One, England)
Fernando Aristeguieta - Philadelphia Union - Red Star (Ligue 2, France)
Emanuel Pogatetz - Columbus Crew - Union Berlin (2. Bundesliga, Germany)
Caleb Clarke - Vancouver Whitecaps - SpVgg Unterhaching (Regionalliga Bayern, Germany)
Charlie Rugg - LA Galaxy - Eintracht Trier 05 (Regionalliga Südwest, Germany)
Aaron Schoenfeld - Columbus Crew - Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israeli Premier League, Israel)
Rodney Wallace - Portland Timbers - Arouca (Primeira Liga, Portugal)
Steven Vitória - Philadelphia Union - Benfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)
Erik Palmer-Brown - Sporting KC - Porto B (Segunda Liga, Portugal)
Perry Kitchen - DC United - Heart of Midlothian (Scottish Premiership, Scotland)
Chris Konopka - Toronto FC - Ross County (Scottish Premiership, Scotland)
Juan Ramirez - Colorado Rapids - UD Almeria (Segunda División, Spain)
Kristinn Steindórsson - Columbus Crew - GIF Sindsvall (Allsvenskan, Sweden)
David Texeira - FC Dallas - Sivasspor (Süper Lig, Turkey)
Asia
Obafemi Martins - Seattle Sounders - Shanghai Greenland Shenhua (Chinese Super League, China)
Krisztián Németh - Sporting KC - Al-Gharafa (Qatar Stars League, Qatar)
USL
Tony Cascio - Orlando City SC - Arizona United SC
Antoine Hoppenot - Philadelphia Union - FC Cincinnati
Jimmy McLaughlin - Philadelphia Union - FC Cincinnati
Sean Okoli - New England Revolution - FC Cincinnati
Kenney Walker - LA Galaxy - FC Cincinnati
Chandler Hoffman - Houston Dynamo - Louisville City
Lewis Neal - Orlando City SC - Orlando City B
Marius Obekop - New York Red Bulls - Orlando City B
Andre Lewis - Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers 2
Chris Schuler - Real Salt Lake - Real Monarchs
Eric Bird - Philadelphia Union - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Dzenan Catic - Philadelphia Union - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Taylor Hunter - Houston Dynamo - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Memo Rodriguez - Houston Dynamo - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
A.J. Cochran - Houston Dynamo - Saint Louis FC
Carlos Alvarez - Colorado Rapids - San Antonio FC
Josh Ford - Orlando City SC - San Antonio FC
Danny Garcia - FC Dallas - San Antonio FC
Jason Johnson - Chicago Fire - San Antonio FC
Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - San Antonio FC
Jordan Schweitzer - Seattle Sounders - Seattle Sounders FC 2
Tommy Meyer - LA Galaxy - Swope Park Rangers
NASL
Matt Watson - Chicago Fire - Carolina RailHawks
Jon Busch - Chicago Fire - Indy Eleven
Lovel Palmer - Chicago Fire - Indy Eleven
Charles Eloundou - Colorado Rapids - Jacksonville Armada
Adaílton - Chicago Fire - Miami FC
Dane Richards - New York Red Bulls - Miami FC
Bernardo Añor - Sporting KC - Minnesota United FC
Danny Cruz - Philadelphia Union - Minnesota United FC
Damion Lowe - Seattle Sounders - Minnesota United FC
Ben Speas - Columbus Crew - Minnesota United FC
Jairo Arrieta - DC United - New York Cosmos
Michael Lahoud - Philadelphia Union - New York Cosmos
Jimmy Ockford - Seattle Sounders - New York Cosmos
Robbie Findley - Toronto FC - Rayo OKC
Michel - FC Dallas - Rayo OKC
Pecka - Real Salt Lake - Rayo OKC
Sebastián Velásquez - New York City FC - Rayo OKC
Eric Avila - Orlando City SC - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Jeremy Hall - New England Revolution - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Danny Mwanga - Orlando City SC - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Michael Nanchoff - Portland Timbers - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Norberto Paparatto - Portland Timbers - Atlético Rafaela (Primera División, Argentina)
Lucas Pittinari - Colorado Rapids - Club Atlético Belgrano (Primera División, Argentina)
Leandro Barrera - San Jose Earthquakes - Club Atlético San Martín (Primera División, Argentina)
Ezequiel Cirigliano - FC Dallas - River Plate (Primera División, Argentina)
Thomás - Seattle Sounders - Joinville Esporte Clube (Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, Brazil)
Sebastián Jaime - Real Salt Lake - Universidad Católica (Campeonato Nacional, Chile)
Andrés Correa - Seattle Sounders - Boyacá Chicó F.C. (Categoría Primera A, Colombia)
Javier Calle - New York City FC - Independiente Medellin (Categoría Primera A, Colombia)
Diego Rodríguez - Vancouver Whitecaps - C.A. Cerro (Primera División Uruguaya, Uruguay)
Gabriel Torres - Colorado Rapids - Zamora FC (Venezuelan Primera División, Venezuela)
Central America/Caribbean
Leonardo González - Seattle Sounders - Herediano (Primera División de Costa Rica, Costa Rica)
Roy Miller - New York Red Bulls - Saprissa (Primera División de Costa Rica, Costa Rica)
Alex López - Houston Dyanmo - Olimpia (Liga Nacional de Honduras, Honduras)
Juninho - LA Galaxy - Club Tijuana (Liga MX, Mexico)
Omar Gonzalez - LA Galaxy - Pachuca (Liga MX, Mexico)
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - Querétaro (Liga MX, Mexico)
Jorge Villafaña - Portland Timbers - Santos Laguna (Liga MX, Mexico)
Luis Silva - Real Salt Lake - Tigres UANL (Liga MX, Mexico)
Sebastian Saucedo - Real Salt Lake - Veracruz (Liga MX, Mexico)
Daneil Cyrus - Chicago Fire - W Connection (TT Pro League, Trinidad and Tobago)
Europe
Estrela - Orlando City SC - APOEL (Cypriot First Division, Cyprus)
George Fochive - Portland Timbers - Viborg FF (Danish Superliga, Denmark)
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls - Chelsea (English Premier League, England)
Angeliño - New York City FC - Manchester City (English Premier League, England)
Shay Facey - New York City FC - Rotherdam United FC (Football League Championship, England)
Andy Rose - Seattle Sounders - Coventry City (English League One, England)
Fernando Aristeguieta - Philadelphia Union - Red Star (Ligue 2, France)
Emanuel Pogatetz - Columbus Crew - Union Berlin (2. Bundesliga, Germany)
Caleb Clarke - Vancouver Whitecaps - SpVgg Unterhaching (Regionalliga Bayern, Germany)
Charlie Rugg - LA Galaxy - Eintracht Trier 05 (Regionalliga Südwest, Germany)
Aaron Schoenfeld - Columbus Crew - Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israeli Premier League, Israel)
Rodney Wallace - Portland Timbers - Arouca (Primeira Liga, Portugal)
Steven Vitória - Philadelphia Union - Benfica (Primeira Liga, Portugal)
Erik Palmer-Brown - Sporting KC - Porto B (Segunda Liga, Portugal)
Perry Kitchen - DC United - Heart of Midlothian (Scottish Premiership, Scotland)
Chris Konopka - Toronto FC - Ross County (Scottish Premiership, Scotland)
Juan Ramirez - Colorado Rapids - UD Almeria (Segunda División, Spain)
Kristinn Steindórsson - Columbus Crew - GIF Sindsvall (Allsvenskan, Sweden)
David Texeira - FC Dallas - Sivasspor (Süper Lig, Turkey)
Asia
Obafemi Martins - Seattle Sounders - Shanghai Greenland Shenhua (Chinese Super League, China)
Krisztián Németh - Sporting KC - Al-Gharafa (Qatar Stars League, Qatar)
USL
Tony Cascio - Orlando City SC - Arizona United SC
Antoine Hoppenot - Philadelphia Union - FC Cincinnati
Jimmy McLaughlin - Philadelphia Union - FC Cincinnati
Sean Okoli - New England Revolution - FC Cincinnati
Kenney Walker - LA Galaxy - FC Cincinnati
Chandler Hoffman - Houston Dynamo - Louisville City
Lewis Neal - Orlando City SC - Orlando City B
Marius Obekop - New York Red Bulls - Orlando City B
Andre Lewis - Vancouver Whitecaps - Portland Timbers 2
Chris Schuler - Real Salt Lake - Real Monarchs
Eric Bird - Philadelphia Union - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Dzenan Catic - Philadelphia Union - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Taylor Hunter - Houston Dynamo - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
Memo Rodriguez - Houston Dynamo - Rio Grande Valley FC Toros
A.J. Cochran - Houston Dynamo - Saint Louis FC
Carlos Alvarez - Colorado Rapids - San Antonio FC
Josh Ford - Orlando City SC - San Antonio FC
Danny Garcia - FC Dallas - San Antonio FC
Jason Johnson - Chicago Fire - San Antonio FC
Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - San Antonio FC
Jordan Schweitzer - Seattle Sounders - Seattle Sounders FC 2
Tommy Meyer - LA Galaxy - Swope Park Rangers
NASL
Matt Watson - Chicago Fire - Carolina RailHawks
Jon Busch - Chicago Fire - Indy Eleven
Lovel Palmer - Chicago Fire - Indy Eleven
Charles Eloundou - Colorado Rapids - Jacksonville Armada
Adaílton - Chicago Fire - Miami FC
Dane Richards - New York Red Bulls - Miami FC
Bernardo Añor - Sporting KC - Minnesota United FC
Danny Cruz - Philadelphia Union - Minnesota United FC
Damion Lowe - Seattle Sounders - Minnesota United FC
Ben Speas - Columbus Crew - Minnesota United FC
Jairo Arrieta - DC United - New York Cosmos
Michael Lahoud - Philadelphia Union - New York Cosmos
Jimmy Ockford - Seattle Sounders - New York Cosmos
Robbie Findley - Toronto FC - Rayo OKC
Michel - FC Dallas - Rayo OKC
Pecka - Real Salt Lake - Rayo OKC
Sebastián Velásquez - New York City FC - Rayo OKC
Eric Avila - Orlando City SC - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Jeremy Hall - New England Revolution - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Danny Mwanga - Orlando City SC - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Michael Nanchoff - Portland Timbers - Tampa Bay Rowdies
Monday, March 21, 2016
Week 4/5 MLS Power Rankings
1. Sporting Kansas City (3-0-0) - Nice to see Brad Davis get a winner in his new home. Only one MLS team has wins in each of their first three matches so hard to argue someone else should be number one. Last Week: 2
2. FC Dallas (2-1-0) - This is the Dallas people expected to see, as opposed to whoever those guys were that took the field against the Dynamo last week. Last Week: 5
3. Montreal Impact (2-1-0) - Didier Drogba returned, but FC Dallas was too much for the Impact as Montreal suffered their first defeat of 2016. Last Week: 1
4. LA Galaxy (2-1-0) - On paper this makes sense, but in practice, this is probably still too high for the Galaxy. At least they capitalized on their man advantage with San Jose. Last Week: 7
5. Toronto FC (1-1-1) - Finally had Jozy Altidore back in uniform, but that wasn't enough to stop red hot Sporting KC. Last Week: 3
6. Portland Timbers (1-1-1) - Took advantage of two Real Salt Lake red cards to salvage a 2-2 draw with the claret and cobalt. Liam Ridgewell's absence is definitely being felt at the back. Last Week: 4
7. San Jose Earthquakes (2-1-0) - LA and San Jose were tied at 0 when Simon Dawkins was sent off in first half stoppage time, so hard to fault them for their loss to the Galaxy when a man down. That Wondolowski guy is pretty good by the way... Last Week: 6
8. New York Red Bulls (1-2-0) - Felipe bailed out the defense with a pair of late strikes as the Red Bulls snapped an early losing streak in a wild 4-3 win. The reigning Supporter's Shield winners are clearly working some kinks out early in the season. Last Week: 10
9. Philadelphia Union (2-1-0) - Last week is was Chris Pontius, this week it was C.J. Sapong, as the Union have now dispatched the Crew and Revolution in back-to-back matches. Last Week: 17
10. Vancouver Whitecaps (1-2-0) - Took what they were given converting a pair of penalty kicks in knocking off their rivals, the Sounders for their first win of 2016. The Caps aren't playing up to their potential, but it's still early. Last Week: 11
2. FC Dallas (2-1-0) - This is the Dallas people expected to see, as opposed to whoever those guys were that took the field against the Dynamo last week. Last Week: 5
3. Montreal Impact (2-1-0) - Didier Drogba returned, but FC Dallas was too much for the Impact as Montreal suffered their first defeat of 2016. Last Week: 1
4. LA Galaxy (2-1-0) - On paper this makes sense, but in practice, this is probably still too high for the Galaxy. At least they capitalized on their man advantage with San Jose. Last Week: 7
5. Toronto FC (1-1-1) - Finally had Jozy Altidore back in uniform, but that wasn't enough to stop red hot Sporting KC. Last Week: 3
6. Portland Timbers (1-1-1) - Took advantage of two Real Salt Lake red cards to salvage a 2-2 draw with the claret and cobalt. Liam Ridgewell's absence is definitely being felt at the back. Last Week: 4
7. San Jose Earthquakes (2-1-0) - LA and San Jose were tied at 0 when Simon Dawkins was sent off in first half stoppage time, so hard to fault them for their loss to the Galaxy when a man down. That Wondolowski guy is pretty good by the way... Last Week: 6
8. New York Red Bulls (1-2-0) - Felipe bailed out the defense with a pair of late strikes as the Red Bulls snapped an early losing streak in a wild 4-3 win. The reigning Supporter's Shield winners are clearly working some kinks out early in the season. Last Week: 10
9. Philadelphia Union (2-1-0) - Last week is was Chris Pontius, this week it was C.J. Sapong, as the Union have now dispatched the Crew and Revolution in back-to-back matches. Last Week: 17
10. Vancouver Whitecaps (1-2-0) - Took what they were given converting a pair of penalty kicks in knocking off their rivals, the Sounders for their first win of 2016. The Caps aren't playing up to their potential, but it's still early. Last Week: 11
Week 3 Rookie Watch
Draftees
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs New England, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs New England, 1 min, 2 shots
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs Sporting KC, 77 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Started vs LA Galaxy, 90 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Philadelphia, 15 mins
Homegrowns
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs Columbus, 1 min
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Vancouver, 71 mins, 2 shots
The Chicago Fire continue to set the pace for rookies in 2016 with Brandon Vincent, Jonathan Campbell and Joey Calistri all seeing action for the third straight week. Elsewhere, New England's Femi Hollinger-Janzen made his MLS debut as a substitute in New England's blowout loss to the Union. Meanwhile the winless Sounders continue to struggle in Jordan Morris's debut season losing a third straight to start the campaign.
3. Keegan Rosenberry (Philadelphia) - Started vs New England, 90 mins
4. Brandon Vincent (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
6. Fabian Herbers (Philadelphia) - Sub vs New England, 1 min, 2 shots
9. Tsubasa Endoh (Toronto FC) - Started vs Sporting KC, 77 mins, 1 shot
12. Jonathan Campbell (Chicago) - Started vs Columbus, 90 mins
49. Kip Colvey (San Jose) - Started vs LA Galaxy, 90 mins
51. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (New England) - Sub vs Philadelphia, 15 mins
Homegrowns
Joey Calistri (Chicago) - Sub vs Columbus, 1 min
Jordan Morris (Seattle) - Started vs Vancouver, 71 mins, 2 shots
The Chicago Fire continue to set the pace for rookies in 2016 with Brandon Vincent, Jonathan Campbell and Joey Calistri all seeing action for the third straight week. Elsewhere, New England's Femi Hollinger-Janzen made his MLS debut as a substitute in New England's blowout loss to the Union. Meanwhile the winless Sounders continue to struggle in Jordan Morris's debut season losing a third straight to start the campaign.
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