New England Revolution: A MLS History

Last year’s MLS Cup finalists New England Revolution travel to local rivals New York Red Bulls on Saturday night in an Eastern Conference top six clash live on Sky Sports.

With Revs aiming to recreate their form from last season which saw them finish as the East’s second-placed team, we’ve taken a look back over their MLS history.

Captain Jermaine Jones is a USMNT regular

Factfile:

Founded: 1995

Stadium: Gillette Stadium

Best MLS regular season finish: 2^nd overall (2005)

Head Coach: Jay Heaps

Captain: Jermaine Jones

Top MLS goalscorer: Taylor Twellman – 101

Most MLS appearances: Shalrie Joseph – 261

MLS History:

A founding member of the inaugural MLS season in 1996, Revolution reached the play-offs just once in their first four seasons before appointing Liverpool legend Steve Nicol as head coach in 2002.

It was during Nicol’s nine years in charge that the side became challengers, qualifying for the play-offs a league-record eight years in a row and winning Eastern Conference in 2002 and 2005.

However, during this period Revs also gained their reputation as perennial nearly men by losing four MLS Cup finals and two Eastern Conference finals, although they did win the US Open Cup in 2007.

The club returned to the play-offs in 2013 under current coach Jay Heaps but suffered further heartbreak in last season’s MLS Cup final, astonishingly suffering a third extra-time defeat to LA Galaxy in 12 years.

Head Coach:

Now in his third season as head coach, former Revolution defender Jay Heaps has led something of a resurgence at the franchise after the poor last couple of years of Nicol’s reign.

After he led the club to a play-off return in his second season in charge, last year brought even greater improvement as Revs finished second in Eastern Conference, their best placing in seven years.

Heaps is in his third season in charge of Revs

Although Robbie Keane’s extra-time goal killed their MLS Cup dream in the final Heaps has ensured his players strive for the same standards this season, with his side currently occupying joint-second.

Before he was named head coach, the 38-year-old played 238 MLS games for Revolution, the third most in franchise history, including starting all four of their MLS Cup final appearances under Nicol.

Current Stars:

Jermaine Jones

33-year-old Jones spent seven years at Schalke before switching to Revolution as a DP last August following a brief stint with Besiktas, and helped his new side reach last year’s MLS Cup final.

Although the German-born USA international has been restricted to just 19 appearances so far through injury he has already become a key player for the franchise, as well as becoming club captain.

Lee Nguyen

After a nomadic start to his career which included time in Denmark and Vietnam, US international Nguyen returned to the country of his birth in 2012 and instantly became a Revs regular.

However, it was last year that he really exploded onto the scene, scoring 18 goals in 32 games from midfield, including nine matchwinners, and being nominated for the 2014 MLS Most Valuable Player award.

Rivalries:

New York Red Bulls

Revolution’s rivalry with Red Bulls stems from the traditional rivalry between Boston and New York as sporting cities, including the NY Knicks– Boston Celtics rivalry in the NBA and the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry in MLB.

From 2002 until June 2014 Revs held a 20-match undefeated streak against the NYRB at Gillette Stadium, which only served to intensify the animosity.

Chicago Fire

Joseph was an MLS All-Star

However, in a 2009 poll on Revolution’s official website their fans voted the club’s most bitter rival as Chicago Fire, a team that Revs have clashed with numerous times over the years.

Most notably, the two franchises have met in the MLS Cup play-offs on no fewer than 15 occasions, which have produced evenly-spread results and occasional confrontations between players and/or supporters.

Club Legends:

Shalrie Joseph

The man with the most appearances in Revolution history, the defensive midfielder spent ten seasons with the club from 2003-2012, playing 261 times.

The Grenadian was named to the MLS Best XI in 2005 and played the entirety of the 2008 MLS All-Star Game before being named club captain in 2010.

Taylor Twellman

Five-time MLS All-Star, 2005 MVP and Revolution’s all-time leading scorer with 101 goals from 174 matches, Twellman scored more MLS goals than anyone else between 2002 and 2009.

At the time of scoring his 100^th MLS goal he was the youngest person to reach the landmark, but he was forced to retire aged just 30 two years after suffering a serious concussion and neck injury in an on-pitch collision in 2008.

Premier League influences:

Jermaine Jones became something of a fan favourite whilst on loan at Blackburn Rovers from Schalke in 2011, while former Revs players to have graced the Premier League include Clint Dempsey before the American joined Fulham.

Meanwhile, former Manchester City midfielder Ousmane Dabo, ex-Newcastle and Leeds defender Didier Domi and former Reading man Kalifa Cisse all ended their careers – rather unsuccessfully – with brief stints in New England.

Did You Know?

• Revolution’s 2014 defeat to LA Galaxy means that they now hold the unwanted record of being the team to lose the most MLS Cup finals with five defeats, ironically moving one clear of Galaxy’s four.
• Three of those five final defeats were after extra-time, while another was on penalties.
• Revolution’s former home, Foxboro Stadium, hosted the first ever MLS Cup final in 1996.
• Along with FC Dallas, Revs are one of only to franchises to have played all 19 MLS seasons to date and never win either the Supporters Shield or MLS Cup.

Images courtesy of Martin Ros and Winslow Townson, with thanks

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 19

As international Gold Cup action continues, many franchises are still having to learn to adapt to life without some of their key stars of the season so far.

It looked as though we would finally see Frank Lampard in a New York City shirt but we will have to wait a little longer after injury ruled him out. 

Lampard's debut has been delayed by injury

San Jose Earthquakes vs Houston Dynamo – Avaya Stadium

Missing their captain and top scorer Chris Wondolowski through Gold Cup duty, Earthquakes suffered their first defeat in four games with a last-gasp 1-0 loss at Portland Timbers on Sunday.

Despite scoring for the first time in three games, Houston have won just one of their last six after being held to a 1-1 draw at home by MLS bottom side Chicago Fire last Friday.

San Jose won 1-0 in Houston when these two sides met in May, and if the home side can learn to find the net without Wondolowski then they should secure a second victory here.

Verdict: 1-0

New York Red Bulls vs New England Revolution – Red Bull Arena (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 12am)

Anatole Abang’s third goal in the last five games was not enough for Red Bulls, who went down 2-1 at Columbus Crew last weekend for their fifth loss in the last seven.

Revolution are suffering an even worse slide after losing 3-0 in Dallas for their fourth defeat in a row; after winning five from six between March 28 and May 2, they have won just once in their last 11.

That terrible run began the week after Revs beat Red Bulls 2-1 at home but the away side typically struggle at Red Bull Arena something which we think will continue here.

Verdict: 2-0

Philadelphia Union vs Portland Timbers – PPL Park

Union, who haven’t played in the league since drawing 2-2 at home with Montréal Impact on June 27, are struggling in 2015 – they have both conceded and lost more than any other MLS side.

Timbers won for a sixth time in their last seven league games thanks to Jack Jewsbury’s dramatic injury-time winner against San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday.

Another good omen for Portland is that they have never lost to Philadelphia in five all-time meetings, although both previous clashes at PPL Park have been scoreless draws.

Verdict: 1-2

Kaka misses out through suspension

Orlando City vs FC Dallas – Citrus Bowl

For the first time in MLS City will have to cope without star man Kaká, after the Brazilian followed his ninth goal of the season with the first straight red card of his career in the 1-1 draw at Real Salt Lake.

Meanwhile, after returning winless from a five-match run of away games, Mauro Diaz’s goal and assist led a depleted Dallas to a convincing 3-0 victory against New England Revolution on Saturday.

Although both sides are missing key players, Kaká and Cyle Larin have between them scored 15 of Orlando’s 23 goals in MLS this season, and their absences could motivate Dallas to a first away win since May 1.

Verdict: 0-2

Montreal Impact vs Columbus Crew – Stade Saputo

Impact’s four-match home winning streak in the league was ended by a 2-1 defeat to New York City on Saturday to leave the Canadians without a victory in their last three matches.

Ethan Finlay’s brace led Crew to a 2-1 win against New York Red Bulls which extended their unbeaten run to four – the influential midfielder now has a goal and/or an assist in four consecutive matches.

Montreal’s 2-1 win in Columbus a month ago was only the second victory by the team playing away in these franchises’ 10 all-time meetings, and we think the points will be shared here.

Verdict: 2-2

Chicago Fire vs Seattle Sounders – Toyota Park

Patrick Nyarko’s first goal since returning from a 10-month injury absence ended Fire’s 285-minute goalless drought and their four-game losing streak by salvaging a 1-1 draw at Houston Dynamo.

Sounders returned to the Western Conference summit on goal difference after ex-Burnley and Bolton Wanderers right-back Tyrone Mears’ first MLS goal secured a late 1-0 win over MLS leaders D.C. United.

Seattle have never lost to Chicago in nine all-time meetings in MLS, and Fire have not won in the league at all since May 30 – even without Clint Dempsey or Obafemi Martins, Sounders should win here.

Verdict: 1-2

Colorado Rapids vs Real Salt Lake – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Kevin Doyle’s matchwinner – his first goal since arriving in MLS – ended Colorado’s six-game streak without a victory as they overcame Western leaders Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 last Saturday.

Real Salt Lake have just one win from the last seven after failing to capitalise on Kaká’s red card in the 1-1 draw with Orlando City.

These rivals, who play for the Rocky Mountain Cup each season, drew 0-0 at Rio Tinto Stadium a month ago, and though RSL haven’t lost in the last five meetings, we think that could change here.

Verdict: 2-1

Altidore is away with the USMNT

New York City vs Toronto FC – Yankee Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 8pm)

David Villa now has six goals in his last six games after scoring twice to propel an improving City to their fourth win in the last five last weekend, a 2-1 victory over Montréal Impact.

Toronto suffered badly without international absentees including Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, thrashed 4-0 at LA Galaxy in the first half of their tricky coast-to-coast trip this week. 

Villa scored a brace when NYC beat Toronto at BMO Field three weeks ago and we can only see this going one way, despite Lampard’s absence.

Verdict: 3-0

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Sporting Kansas City – BC Place

Whitecaps’ arduous five-game road trip finished on a low note with the 2-1 defeat to Western bottom side Colorado, although they will be relatively happy with their total of three wins and two defeats.

Sporting KC return after a weekend off on a run of just one defeat in their last nine matches since April 25 after beating Colorado on June 27.

These teams are joint-top and sixth respectively but separated by just five points in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, and a refreshed KC could capitalise on what is likely to be a tired Whitecaps side.

Verdict: 1-3

Images courtesy of Shaun Botterill, Alex Menendez and Bongarts2, with thanks

All-Stars: MLS Week 18

LA Galaxy’s latest high-profile recruit is expected to make his MLS debut next weekend but who is Steven Gerrard likely to be competing with to make our line-up?

Here is our MLS team of the week…

Goalkeeper – Josh Saunders (New York City)

The stopper denied Montreal Impact time and again as his side continued to show their defensive frailties with the home side racking up 25 shots in total.

Tyrone Mears opened his MLS account

Eight of those were on target and Saunders was more than up to the challenge, even going the right way for Ignacio Piatti’s penalty that just eluded him.

Right Back – Tyrone Mears (Seattle Sounders) 

The former Bolton Wanderers defender makes it in not for his defending abilities but his goal scoring prowess this week as he opened his MLS account.

Playing against 10 men for much of the game the Sounders backline were rarely troubled but Mears’ appetite to get forward eventually resulted in him thumping in the winner. 

Centre Back – Liam Ridgewell (Portland Timbers)

The former Birmingham City defender was known, particularly in his early days at Aston Villa, as a goal scoring defender and probably should have scored this weekend.

Despite heading straight at the goalkeeper when well placed his blushes were spared and he turned in a strong performance at the other end to keep a clean sheet.

Left Back – Je-Vaughn Watson (FC Dallas)

The Jamaican full back rounds off a clean sweep of shutouts for our defenders this week and was the standout performer in his side’s display against New England Revolution.

Aggressive in his play, Watson was strong in the tackle and quick to read the play as Revolution were limited to very little in front of goal.

Finlay's an All-Star again this week

Right Midfield – Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew)

The winger is on fire at the minute and makes it back-to-back inclusions in our All-Stars as he added another two goals to his growing tally this season.

His first was a sublime curling effort that left the goalkeeper with no chance before he again came in off the wing to head home the match winner.

Centre Midfield – Mauro Diaz (FC Dallas)

The Argentine playmaker was at the heart of everything good for Dallas and got them off to the perfect start when he fired his free-kick underneath the jumping wall.

He then turned provider, first for Fabian Castillo after intercepting a New England exchange before teeing up Michael Barrios with a perfectly weighted through ball.

Centre Midfield – Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers)

For the second time this season Portland’s veteran captain scored a stoppage-time winner to send the home fans into raptures and turn pressure into points.

Timbers dominated against San Jose Earthquakes but could not find the breakthrough until Jewsbury came to the rescue and eventually overshadowed some questionable officiating.

Left Midfield – Sebastian Lletget (LA Galaxy)

The American midfielder, who returned from a six-year spell with West Ham United in May, has had a growing influence on the Galaxy midfield in recent weeks.

He was again involved heavily against Toronto, winning a penalty and adding his side’s fourth goal – his fourth in just seven league games for his new side.

Villa has 3 goals in 2 games against Impact

Striker – Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew)

The former Norwich City man may not have found the net this week but his combination with team mate Finlay continued to devastate defences.

The forward set up both goals in an unselfish display, to take his partnership with Finlay to 18 goals and 16 assists already this season.

Striker – David Villa (New York City)

The Spaniard loves playing Montreal Impact and now has three goals in two appearances against the Champions League finalists after scoring both this weekend.

The first highlighted his awareness as his first touch deceived the Montreal defenders to create the space to fire in, before curling in a delightful trademark free-kick.

Striker – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

Determined not to be outshone by the arrival of the former Liverpool captain, Keane’s hat-trick showed he still has plenty left to offer the MLS Cup holders.

After scoring from the spot, he was in the right place to slide home a cross for his second before latching onto a poor back pass and rounding the keeper.

Images courtesy of Chris Brunskill, Jamie Sabau and Elsa, with thanks

MLS 360: Week 18

Steven Gerrard was introduced to the LA Galaxy fans but his former Liverpool team mate Robbie Keane’s hat-trick stole the headlines in their 4-0 demolition of Toronto.

Keane’s first came from the penalty spot, before tapping in from close range and then intercepting a back pass for his third, with Sebastian Lletget also netting late on. 

New signing Gerrard was introduced to the LA Galaxy fans

FC Dallas were also comfortable 3-0 winners against New England Revolution with star of the show Mauro Diaz opening the scoring with a free-kick.

The young Argentine then set up Fabian Castillo who scored at the second time of asking, before sliding in Michael Barrios for his first MLS goal.

Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay combined again as the deadly duo helped Columbus Crew battle back from Anatole Abang’s early opener to beat New York Red Bulls 2-1.

First Finlay streaked onto a Kamara header and perfectly curled the ball into the far corner, before they combined again for the American to add his second.

New York’s other side had their own two-goal hero as David Villa struck twice to hand NYCFC a 2-1 win against Montreal Impact.

He showed his individual brilliance either side of an Ignacio Piatti penalty, first firing into the bottom corner before bending in a superb free-kick.

Colorado Rapids also had a DP to thank as Kevin Doyle’s first MLS goal earned them a 2-1 win against in-form Vancouver Whitecaps.

Doyle scored his first MLS goal

Vicente Sanchez got the hosts off to a flyer inside three minutes before Kekuta Manneh connected with a

Mauro Rosales cross to equalise for the Canadians.

Tyrone Mears snatched a late winner for Seattle Sounders as they beat 10-man D.C. United 1-0 to move joint-top of the Western Conference with Vancouver.

There was late drama in the live Sky Sports game too, as Jack Jewsbury netted the only goal of the game for Portland Timbers against San Jose Earthquakes.

Kaka scored and was then sent off as Orlando City battled to a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake with Sebastian Jaime scoring for the fourth straight game.

Patrick Nyarko made a goal-scoring return for Chicago Fire as he cancelled out Alex’s strike for Houston Dynamo in the weekend opener.

Images courtesy of Kevork Djansezian and Ben Hoskins, with thanks.

Columbus Crew: A MLS History

Columbus Crew host New York Red Bulls live on Sky Sports 1 tonight with both sides currently occupying a play-off spot in the Eastern Conference.

Crew are looking to recreate their successes of the last decade this year, and ahead of the crunch clash we’ve taken a look back at their history.

Captain Michael Parkhurst in action

Factfile:

Founded: 1994

Stadium: MAPFRE Stadium (19,968)

Best MLS regular season finish: Supporters Shield winners 2004, 2008 and 2009

Head Coach: Gregg Berhalter

Captain: Michael Parkhurst

Top MLS goalscorer: Jeff Cunningham – 64

Most MLS appearances: Chad Marshall – 253

MLS History:

Crew are a franchise with a rich MLS history, frequently qualifying for the MLS Cup play-offs since their inception as one of the league’s ten founding members in 1994.

They moved into their current home in 1999, and after finishing second in their conference four times in seven seasons they finally secured the Supporters Shield in 2004.

In 2008 they enjoyed their most successful season, following up a second Shield win with their only MLS Cup triumph, beating New York Red Bulls 3-1 in the final.

The following season brought a second consecutive Shield and continued their MLS dominance, but the franchise have since failed to reach the same heights.

Head Coach:

Gregg Berhalter took charge in November 2013 after becoming the first American to coach a European football club with his year-and-a-half in charge of Swedish side Hammarby.

In his first season the former USA international guided Crew to third in Eastern Conference, their highest finish since 2010, to ensure a return to the post season.

Gregg Berhalter has been in charge since November 2013

For this achievement Berhalter was nominated for the Head Coach of the Year award, and is looking for similar success this year with Crew in sixth place in the East.

As a player his career included long spells in the Netherlands and Germany, a brief stint at Crystal Palace, and two successful seasons as a veteran at LA Galaxy.

Cream of the Crew:

Kei Kamara

The former Norwich City and Middlesbrough striker is in his second spell in Columbus after scoring five goals in 36 appearances for the side in 2006 and 2007.

The 30-year-old Sierra Leonean rejoined in January and has reached unprecedented heights since his return, leading the 2015 MLS scoring charts with 12 goals in 17 games.

Ethan Finlay

While Kamara has been lethal up front this year, Crew’s main creative force has been Finlay who has recorded a MLS-high 10 assists in 17 matches.

The midfielder joined in 2012 and after two years as a bit-part player he enjoyed his breakthrough last season, recording 11 goals and 7 assists in 29 games.

Federico Higuain

Older brother of Napoli and Argentina forward Gonzalo, Higuain arrived as a Designated Player in 2012 and won MLS Newcomer of the Year in his first season.

Higuain's brother is Napoli star Gonzalo

The 30-year-old attacker has been a crucial attacking asset for Columbus since his arrival, racking up 31 goals and 26 assists in just 87 games. 

Rivalries:

Chicago Fire

A natural geographic rivalry between both franchises hailing from the Midwest, the increased animosity between these sides dates back to the 1998 US Open Cup final.

Postponed due to a hurricane, the match was controversially relocated to Fire’s then-home Soldier Field and subsequently won by the ‘home’ side – Crew’s 2008 Eastern Conference final victory was a belated revenge of sorts.

Toronto FC

Since Toronto’s second season in MLS in 2008 the Trillium Cup has been awarded each season to the aggregate winner of the MLS series between the teams.

Named for the official flower of both Ontario and Ohio, to date, Crew lead with five wins to Toronto’s two which includes a 2-0 win earlier this season.

Club Legends:

Brian McBride

Later to rise to prominence in the Premier League with Fulham, McBride joined Crew from Wolfsburg in in 1996 as the first pick in the inaugural MLS Draft.

The former USA international stayed with the club for eight years, amassing 62 goals – the second-highest total in franchise history – and 45 assists in 161 games.

In 2005 he was named in the MLS All-Time Best XI and in 2011 Crew rightfully honoured him by naming him the inaugural member of its Circle of Honour.

McBride turned out for Fulham too

Frankie Hejduk

Only one player has joined McBride in the Circle of Honour and that is former USA fullback Frankie Hejduk, inducted in 2014.

After spells with Bayer Leverkusen and Swiss side St. Gallen he joined in 2003 and was crucial to the club’s mid-2000s success, scoring in the 2008 MLS Cup final win.

The defender left in 2010 after making 147 appearances for the franchise and since 2012 he has continued his association with the team, this time as their Brand Ambassador.

Premier League influences:

Aside from Kamara, Crew’s current squad includes former Middlesbrough captain Emanuel Pogatetz, and past players who have starred in the Premier League include McBride.

After scoring 44 goals in 55 games in two seasons for Crew, Stern John went on to count then-Premier League Birmingham City amongst his English clubs.

Brad Friedel’s year in Columbus was followed by a move to Liverpool in 1997, while Crew flop Ian Woan spent the entire 1990s with Nottingham Forest.

Did You Know?

• The club’s MAPFRE Stadium, known as the Columbus Crew Stadium from 1999 until the start of this season, was the first soccer-specific stadium to be built in the USA.
• Crew are one of just four sides to win the MLS Cup and Supporters Shield in the same season, D.C. United, Kansas City Wizards and LA Galaxy are the others.
• The 19-game unbeaten streak enjoyed by the club from July 3 2004 until April 2 2005 is still a joint record in MLS, matched only by FC Dallas in 2010.

Images courtesy of Jamie Sabau, Alex Menendez and Jo Caird, with thanks.

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 18

After a busy week of US Open Cup last 16 action, MLS enters the weekend with several franchises missing a host of key players because of Gold Cup duty.

With this sure to affect the outcome of some fixtures, here are our predictions.

Houston Dynamo vs Chicago Fire – BBVA Compass Stadium

Joevin Jones is hoping to end Chicago's losing streak

Dynamo lost a second Texas Derby of the season last weekend, but did progress to the US Open Cup quarter-finals with a 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.

Fire also went through in the cup with victory over Charlotte Independence but they’ve lost four MLS games in a row, equalling their longest league losing streak since 1998. 

There’s more bad news for Chicago fans as their side have never won at BBVA Compass Stadium and haven’t won in Houston since 2007 – we don’t see that changing.

Verdict: 3-0

Seattle Sounders vs D.C. United – CenturyLink Field

The slide which has seen Sounders slip from the top of Western Conference continued after painfully suffering their third consecutive defeat with a 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Portland Timbers.

D.C. crashed out of the cup to 10-man Philadelphia Union but are three unbeaten in MLS and 11 points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference.

United haven’t beaten Seattle in the league since 2011 and Sounders, despite missing Obafemi Martins through injury and Clint Dempsey through Gold Cup action, could stop the slump.

Verdict: 1-1

Finlay is one of Crew's danger men

Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls – MAPFRE Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 12:30am)

After being knocked out of the cup by Orlando, Crew will be hoping to improve on a run of just one win in their last eight MLS matches.

Red Bulls secured two New York derby wins in a week, beating NASL side New York Cosmos in the cup after last weekend’s victory over New York City.

NYRB won at MAPFRE in March and have taken points on five of their last six visits to Columbus but will

need to stop the danger-pair of Kei Kamara and Ethan Finlay.

Verdict: 2-2

Montreal Impact vs New York City FC – Stade Saputo

Impact drew for the first time since March at Philadelphia Union last Saturday but will have to make do this weekend without suspended captain Patrice Bernier.

Meanwhile, NYC’s winning run was ended after three games in the derby defeat to Red Bulls, leaving them still struggling and sitting second bottom of the Eastern Conference.

David Villa scored one of his six goals this season in City’s 3-1 home victory over Impact three weeks ago, but even his improved form will not be enough.

Verdict: 1-0

FC Dallas vs New England Revolution – Toyota Stadium

Despite ending their six-game winless slide in the Texas Derby last Friday, Dallas must recover from being thrashed 6-2 by Sporting Kansas City in the US Open Cup.

Revolution lost 2-1 for the third consecutive game last weekend to leave them with just one victory in their last ten league matches since May 2.

Dallas have not lost at home to New England since 2008 and despite missing important players such as Blas Perez they will still pick up a point.

Ousted is June's player of the month

Verdict: 2-2

Colorado Rapids vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

MLS’ bottom side Rapids are winless in six league matches, with just one win in their last 12, and were knocked out of the cup by Houston Dynamo.

New Western Conference leaders Whitecaps have won three away games in a row and goalkeeper David Ousted was named MLS player of the month for June. 

The teams’ first meeting saw one of Rapids’ two victories in 2015 but with Vancouver in form and Rapids missing top scorer Gabriel Torres, we can’t foresee a repeat.

Verdict: 0-2

Real Salt Lake vs Orlando City – Rio Tinto Stadium

RSL have won once in the last six and have a raft of players away on international duty, including goalkeeper Nick Rimando, captain Kyle Beckerman and joint-top scorer Alvaro Saborio.

Orlando have won 2-0 twice this week with victories over Colorado and Columbus in the cup, but they will be missing prolific 20-year-old Canadian striker Cyle Larin.

Kaka scored in both Orlando wins, taking him to eight on his debut season, but Real, although depleted, are unbeaten at home in six – this could be interesting.

Verdict: 1-1

LA Galaxy vs Toronto FC – StubHub Center

Galaxy come into this game after two California Clasicos, they lost 3-1 at arch-rivals San Jose Earthquakes in the league, before exacting cup revenge thanks to a 1-0 win.

Toronto count invaluable captain Michael Bradley and striker Jozy Altidore amongst their international absentees, but they do still have the in-form Sebastian Giovinco as a potential match winner.

Galaxy have not lost to the Canadians in the league since 2008 and have suffered just once at StubHub this season so this one is a home banker.

Verdict: 4-1

Captain Wondolowski will be a big miss for Earthquakes

Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes – Providence Park (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Monday 4am)

Timbers have five wins in their last six MLS games after a tremendous 4-1 win against arch-rivals Seattle, although they did crash out of the cup at Real Salt Lake.

Matias Perez Garcia has a goal and three assists in his last two MLS matches after setting up two in Earthquakes’ win over their rivals LA Galaxy last weekend.

The Gold Cup absence of Chris Wondolowski, whose nine goals is the second-most in MLS, will be a devastating loss for San Jose and could be costly.

Verdict: 3-0

Images courtesy of Jonathan Daniel, Jamie Sabau, Derek Leung 2 and Ronald Martinez, with thanks.

MLS All Stars: Week 17

Portland Timbers wrapped up MLS Rivalry Week with a resounding 4-1 victory over Seattle Sounders after New York Red Bulls made it two wins from two New York derbies.

Here’s who made our MLS team of the week...

Robles was in top form as Red Bulls won twice

Goalkeeper – Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls)

Robles helped the Red Bulls end a run of four straight defeats in midweek, keeping a cleansheet as New York claimed a crucial 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake.

The goalkeeper was on hand again in their local derby with New York City making four saves to keep the Red Bulls lead and maintain the bragging rights in the Big Apple.

Right Back – Steve Birnbaum (DC United)

DC United will be delighted to have taken four points from their two road games in Week 17 – after scoring just once they have their defence to thank.

Birnbaum was immense as DC kept cleansheets against Chicago Fire and then in Toronto to stretch their lead in the Eastern Conference to 11 points.

Centre Back – Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls)

Two wins and only one goal conceded in 180 minutes would please any defender but Miazga has the added bonus of scoring the game-winning goal in the New York derby in Week 17.

Despite losing four on the bounce before this week, the Red Bulls are just one point off second place in the Eastern Conference and will continue to move up on the back of a resolute defence.

Centre Back – Bobby Boswell (DC United)

Boswell is the rock at the heart of DC’s defence which has conceded one goal or fewer in 17 of their 20 regular season fixtures in 2015 – it’s early but they surely can’t miss out on the play-offs now.

Only San Jose have conceded fewer goals in MLS this season than DC’s 17, and they have played four games fewer than the current Supporters’ Shield leaders.

Rogers scored his first goal in over four years

Left Back – Robbie Rogers (LA Galaxy)

The former Leeds United full back could do little to prevent San Jose Earthquakes’ comfortable win on Saturday but makes the team for his goal in Galaxy’s 5-0 rout over Philadelphia Union.

Rogers scored his first goal in over four years to make it 2-0 on the night and kick-off a weekend of celebrations for the LGBT community after gay marriage was declared legal by the Supreme Court.

Right Midfield – Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew)

MLS’ leading assist maker showed he wasn’t just a one trick pony as he added a goal to his two assists in Week 17.

Finlay is the first player to reach 10 assists for the season and with Kei Kamara heading the goalscoring chart, we should see Crew moving swiftly up a congested Eastern Conference.

Centre Midfield – Juninho (LA Galaxy)

Two games and two goals for Juninho in Week 17 – the midfielder is the key to this current Galaxy side, who have scored 11 in their last three matches.

Galaxy’s early season slump came as the midfield failed to pick decisive passes, Juninho provides the cutting edge and has the ability to keep the game moving swiftly turning defence to attack.

Left Midfield – Fabian Castillo (FC Dallas)

Following a blistering start to the season Castillo’s form dipped and FC Dallas’ results followed – Week 17 saw him return to top form and Dallas to winning ways.

Castillo was a constant menace for local rivals Houston Dynamo; his deflected shot opened the scoring before he found the bottom corner unassisted to seal a 2-0 win.

Striker – Fanendo Adi (Portland Timbers)

After being selected to start for the first time in six matches, Adi repaid his manager in style by notching his third brace of the season as Portland hammered local rivals Seattle 4-1.

Wondolowski is San Jose's topscorer with nine goal in 2015

His two late goals included the matchwinner and helped the Timbers to their first regular season MLS victory over Seattle since 2013.

Striker – Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)

Wondo sparked San Jose’s comeback victory over MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy with a majestic right-foot volley that shot into the top corner in a flash.

Wondolowski is the perfect captain for the Earthquakes – so often he is the inspiration behind their best performances and he led from the front again as San Jose claimed a memorable victory.

Striker – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

Keane was abnormally quiet against San Jose but he showed why is a class above most in MLS, producing a majestic performance, as Galaxy swept aside Philadelphia in midweek.

The Irishman produced two assists, including a wonderful one-two with Juninho and got on the scoresheet himself, grabbing his third of the season from the penalty spot.

Images courtesy of Jeff Zelevansky, Shaun Clark and Ronald Martinez, with thanks.

MLS 360: Week 17

Second half goals from Chris Duvall, Bradley Wright-Phillips and Matt Miazga completed a comeback to hand New York Red Bulls a 3-1 derby victory.

Thomas McNamara gave New York City an early lead but it was not enough to extend their winning run in front of a sold out Yankee Stadium.

Nagbe scored his first of the season for Timbers

Portland Timbers also secured a derby victory as they dispatched Seattle Sounders 4-1 with Darlington Nagbe ending his season-long scoring drought.

Lamar Neagle equalized for Seattle but a brace from Fanendo Adi and a stoppage-time strike from Rodney Wallace secured the bragging rights. 

After scoring 10 in their last two matches LA Galaxy were brought back down with a bump, losing 3-1 away at San Jose Earthquakes.

A Juninho wonder strike gave the visitors the lead before Earthquakes battled back through Chris Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson’s first goal in eight years and Cordell Cato.

In a weekend of local clashes, FC Dallas beat Houston Dynamo 2-0 in the Texas derby as they returned to the Toyota Stadium for the first time since May 15.

Storms delayed kick-off but it did not dampen Dallas spirits with a Jermaine Taylor own-goal and Fabian Castillo’s effort securing victory.

The weather also played a part as Philadelphia Union and Montreal Impact played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, with Eric Ayuk Mbu giving Union the lead before seeing red.

Nemeth has scored 7 goals from 7 shots

Goals from Ignacio Piatti and Jack McInerney put Montreal in front but following Patrice Bernier’s dismissal Maurice Edu levelled.

Real Salt Lake versus Columbus Crew ended 2-2 as Olmes García gave the hosts the lead but Tony Tchani equalised before the interval.

Sebastian Jaime restored Salt Lake’s lead but Ethan Finlay pegged them back again as Real finished with 10 following Jordan Allen’s straight red.

Vancouver Whitecaps reclaimed top spot in the Western Conference after Cristian Techera’s opener and an Octavio Rivero penalty cancelled out Teal Bunbury’s goal for New England Revolution.

Krisztian Nemeth scored his seventh goal to add to a Sam Cronin own-goal as Sporting Kansas City ran out 2-0 winners against Colorado Rapids.

Toronto and D.C. United played out the only 0-0 draw but both remain in the hunt for the Eastern Conference.

Images courtesy of Rich Lam and Kyle Rivas, with thanks

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 17

The first instalment of MLS Rivalry Week provided some classic games, eye-raising results and confirmation that LA Galaxy are back – they thrashed Portland Timbers 5-0.

With Texas and New York derbies and the bitter Portland-Seattle feud among the grudge matches to look forward to, here are our weekend predictions.

Perez and Co. will be happy to return home

FC Dallas vs Houston Dynamo – Toyota Stadium

The action begins on Friday with the second Texas Derby of the season – Dallas won 4-1 in Houston on May 1, their fifth consecutive win over their arch-rivals in all competitions.

This is Dallas’ first home game since May 15; they’ve taken just two points from five away matches since then, a streak which has seen them fall to sixth in the Western Conference.

However, Dynamo have won just once away from home all season and have not beaten their rivals since June 2012 – this one should be a home banker.

Verdict: 3-1

Toronto FC vs D.C. United – BMO Field

TFC emerged victorious in the 401 Derby against Montreal in midweek as goals from DPs Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco capped a fine attacking performance in a 3-1 victory.

Giovinco scored twice against DC in their 2-1 win earlier in the season and has directly contributed to more goals than any other MLS player in 2015, with eight goals and seven assists.

However, DC are 10 points clear at the top of Eastern Conference and five ahead in the Supporters’ Shield race: a tight affair that should end all square.

Verdict: 1-1

Philadelphia Union vs Montreal Impact – PPL Park

C.J. Sapong continued his rich vein of form in midweek, scoring for the fourth straight game to lead Union to a 1-0 victory over a depleted Seattle Sounders and make it five goals in his last six.

Impact went down 3-1 to an on-song Toronto to leave them still with just one win outside of Quebec in the league this season.

The visiting franchise has never won when these two sides have met and with both teams in inconsistent form, Philadelphia’s home advantage could decide this one.

Verdict: 2-1

New England Revolution vs Vancouver Whitecaps – Gillette Stadium

Jones is missing the game vs Vancouver with a hernia injury

Revolution’s 2-1 loss in Columbus saw the gap between themselves and D.C. United at the top of Eastern Conference to widen even further and they have now won just one of their last nine.

Whitecaps recorded a second impressive away victory in a row at NY Red Bulls last Saturday as David Ousted became the third MLS goalkeeper to save two penalties in one game.

The continued absence of US international Jermaine Jones is a huge blow for Revolution, and we’re backing Whitecaps to move clear as Western leaders with a win.

Verdict: 0-1

Sporting Kansas City vs Colorado Rapids – Sporting Park

Sporting KC’s  seven-match league unbeaten run was ended last time out despite Benny Feilhaber’s eighth assist of the season setting up Dom Dwyer’s fifth goal of 2015.

Colorado surrendered in the second half to lose 2-0 in Orlando in midweek and remain rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference with no win from their last five.

Sporting have not lost to the Rapids since March 2009 and haven’t been beaten by them in Kansas City in 13 years – surely there can only be one winner.

Verdict: 2-0

Real Salt Lake vs Columbus Crew – Rio Tinto Stadium

RSL will have to do without Demar Phillips and joint-top scorer Javier Morales after both were sent off in the 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls earlier this week.

MLS’ top scorer Kei Kamara has his best-ever season tally less than halfway through the current campaign after taking his tally to 12 in Crew’s 2-1 victory over New England Revolution.

However, Crew have scored just four of their 23 goals this season away from home and that win was their first in seven games – both teams could cancel each other out.

Verdict: 1-1

Galaxy have returned to top form in the past 10 days

San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy – Stanford Stadium

Earthquakes head into the first California Clasico of the season on the back of their first win in four games, DP Matias Perez Garcia inspiring them to a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders last weekend.

Galaxy moved to within a point of the Western Conference summit by thrashing Portland and it’s difficult to know what do when Bruce Arena’s side hit top form.

The MLS Cup haven’t won any of their nine away matches in 2015, but their free-scoring form suggests we can rip up the formbook on this occasion.

Verdict: 1-3

New York City FC vs New York Red Bulls – Yankee Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 10pm)

This is the second NY derby in MLS history after Bradley Wright-Phillips’ brace secured a 2-1 home win for Red Bulls on May 10 at Red Bull Arena.

David Villa moved to six goals for the season as his first MLS double led City to a 2-0 win in Toronto on Saturday to extend their winning streak to three.

Red Bulls ended their four-game losing streak on Wednesday night but City’s improved form and the motivation of their first home derby will see them edge this.

Verdict: 1-0

Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders – Providence Park (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Monday 12am)

Clint Dempsey won the first meeting of these sides in 2015 but was sent off in the recent 3-1 US Open Cup loss that made it one win a piece.

All eyes will be on this clash after the feisty cup meeting just over a week ago – Portland are the form side despite their heavy defeat to Galaxy, while Seattle are struggling.

Seattle have scored four times on both of their last two trips to Portland but without Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, Portland will edge this fierce rivalry.

Verdict: 2-1

Images courtesy of R.Yeatts, RevolutionCommunications and Bay Area Bias, with thanks.

Stat-Attack: MLS Week 17

As MLS reaches the halfway point in the regular season, here are all the facts and figures you need to know ahead of Week 17.

0 – The away side has never won in MLS matches between Montreal Impact and Philadelphia Union.

Ousted saved two penalties v the Red Bulls

1 – LA Galaxy have won just one of their last ten regular season games in San Jose.

2 – Vancouver’s David Ousted became the third goalkeeper in league history to save two penalties in a game. Bradley Wright-Phillips is the first player ever to miss two in the same MLS match.

3 – Despite topping the Western Conference, Seattle Sounders have lost three of their last four league games.

4 – CJ Sapong has scored in each of the Union’s last four games, a career best run – the striker has scored five in his last six matches.

5 – FC Dallas might be on a six-game winless streak but they have won their previous matches in all competitions against local rivals Houston Dynamo.

7 – New England Revolution striker Charlie Davies has scored more goals this season than in his entire MLS career.

10 – DC United lead the Eastern Conference by ten points, and the Supporters’ Shield race by five points ahead of Week 17.

RSL have 3 more goals than Kamara 

12 – Kei Kamara’s 12 goals for Columbus Crew mean that he has scored as many as Real Salt Lake’s seven highest scorers put together.

13 – Colorado Rapids haven’t won in Kansas City since a 2-1 victory in 2002, 13 years ago.

19 – New York Red Bulls have scored and conceded 19 goals in their 15 games; they have won five, drawn five and lost five in a perfectly symmetrical start.

20 – New York City will go level on points with the Red Bulls, if they can claim a first MLS victory over their local rivals in the second New York derby of the season.

26 – After a stuttering start LA Galaxy are now MLS’ top scorers with 26 goals after scoring ten times in the last two matches.

Finlay has one more assist than Feilhaber

73- Toronto’s three designated players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore have scored 73% of their sides 22 goals this season.

Overall MLS Stats:

Supporters’ Shield Leader: DC United

Most Goals: Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew) – 12

Most Assists: Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew) – 9

Most Cleansheets: Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders) – 8

Most Yellow Cards: Andy Dorman (New England Revolution) – 8

Most Red Cards: Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake) – 2 

Images courtesy of Derek Leung and Jamie Sabau, with thanks.

MLS 360

Robbie Keane inspired LA Galaxy to a 5-0 victory over Portland Timbers which lifted the MLS Cup holders to within one point of first place in the Western Conference.
Former West Ham player Sebastian Lletget scored for the fourth straight game to open the scoring before Keane doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

Keane scored his third goal of the season after injury

The Irishman then assisted Robbie Rogers to score his first in over four years and Juninho who made it 4-0 minutes before Liam Ridgewell was dismissed for kicking Alan Gordon.
Jose Villarreal’s late freekick put the icing on the cake as Portland’s four-match winning streak came to an abrupt halt.

Toronto’s trio of designated players all found the net as they came from behind to beat Montreal Impact 3-1 at BMO Field.
Ambroise Oyongo’s blistering left-foot volley gave Impact the lead but Sebastian Giovinco set up Michael Bradley to level near the half hour mark.
Jozy Altidore gave Toronto the lead on 56 minutes before Giovinco earned a late penalty, which he scored, to seal victory.

Kamara is MLS' top scorer with 12 goals

MLS’ leading scorer, Kei Kamara, helped Columbus Crew end their six-game winless run by scoring twice in a 2-1 comeback win against New England Revolution.
Lee Nguyen side-footed the opener for New England inside the opening minute but Kamara’s 11^th and 12^th goals of the season were enough for Crew to take the points.

Revolution’s defeat allowed DC United to move 10 points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference as Conor Doyle’s 25-yard thunderbolt earned a 1-0 victory over Chicago Fire.

The win also extends DC’s lead in the Supporters’ Shield race as closest rivals Seattle Sounders’ poor form continued against Philadelphia Union.
Seattle’s Stefan Frei saved Maurice Edu’s first-half penalty but CJ Sapong’s fourth goal in as many games was enough to claim a 1-0 win.

Second half strikes from rookie striker Cyle Larin and leading scorer Kaka helped Orlando continue their fine recent form and cruise to a 2-0 home victory over Colorado Rapids.

Real Salt Lake finished with nine men as Javier Morales and Demar Phillips saw red in their 1-0 defeat at New York Red Bulls – Mike Grella scored the winner after four minutes.

Images courtesy of Bay Area Bias and Jamie Sabau, with thanks.

Previews and Predictions: MLS Midweek 17

MLS makes up for the recent stunted international weekend of fixtures with a busy programme this week.
With seven midweek matches including some of the league’s heavyweights and a bitter local derby to get stuck into before the weekend games begin on Friday, here are our midweek predictions.
 

Seattle are struggling without their star duo

Philadelphia Union vs Seattle Sounders – PPL Park
Union must recover from a 5-1 thrashing at LA Galaxy at the weekend, a result which matched the heaviest defeat in their history and cemented their status as the worst defence in MLS in 2015.
In contrast, Sounders’ defence and attack are both the joint-best in the league, although the side suffered their first home MLS defeat since March 14 against San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
Union have never lost to Seattle at PPL Park and with Obafemi Martins and Clint Dempsey missing, this record could be preserved against the Western Conference leaders.
Prediction: 1-1
 
New York Red Bulls vs Real Salt Lake – Red Bull Arena
Red Bulls have lost four consecutive games for the first time in five years after a catastrophic 2-1 defeat to Vancouver Whitecap, where top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips missed two penalties.
RSL won for the first time in four games with a 2-1 victory against Sporting KC at the weekend but MLS’ second-lowest scorers have just five goals from eight away games in 2015.
The Red Bulls have nosedived after going the first seven unbeaten, but despite the absences of Sacha Kljestan and Lloyd Sam we think they will stop the rot here.
Verdict: 2-0
 

Kamara could be the difference for Crew

Columbus Crew vs New England Revolution – MAPFRE Stadium
Crew are without a league win in six games after drawing 1-1 with LA Galaxy on June 13, but they have hit 17 of their 21 goals this year at home.
Revolution remain second in Eastern Conference despite losing 2-1 at D.C. United on Sunday, a result which leaves them with just a single victory in their last nine matches.
Though these sides drew 0-0 at Gillette Stadium in April, the combined 32 games played by these sides in 2015 have seen 88 goals – we could be in for a classic here.
Verdict: 3-2
 
Orlando City vs Colorado Rapids – Citrus Bowl
Despite their first defeat in seven games at Montréal on Saturday, the MLS debutants’ recent good form sees them occupy third place in Eastern Conference.
Colorado are in miserable form with just one win from their last 10 in the league and are comfortably the league’s lowest scorers with a mere 12 goals.
However, the Western Conference bottom side have incredibly conceded just 13 times, only tasting defeat on four occasions, and their miserly resilience could be enough for a point in Orlando.
Verdict: 0-0
 
Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact – BMO Field
These bitter rivals exchanged victories in the two-legged Canadian Championship semi-final last month, with Impact progressing on away goals.
Toronto failed to score in MLS for the first time since March 14 and saw their club record three-match winning streak ended by David Villa and Co. last time out.
Impact have won five of their last seven in the league but have never beaten Toronto at BMO in eight meetings since joining MLS – we’re predicting sparks to fly and the points to be shared.
Verdict: 2-2

Maloney is out of action for Chicago

Chicago Fire vs DC United – Toyota Park
It’s bottom against top in this Eastern Conference clash as these franchises meet for the second time this season. DC won 3-1 when these teams met at RFK Stadium just three weeks ago.
Fire have lost their last three and DP Shaun Maloney is likely to miss at least a fortnight with a back injury.
They will take heart from the fact DC have only scored four times in seven away games this year but United should prove too good for Chicago.
Verdict: 0-2
 
LA Galaxy vs Portland Timbers – StubHub Center
Galaxy have scored 11 goals in their last two competitive matches after a 5-1 win against Philadelphia Union on Saturday and a 6-1 thrashing of amateur side PSA Elite in the U.S. Open Cup.
With their 2-0 win against Houston Dynamo, Timbers set a franchise record of four MLS wins in a row, and they have also recorded three clean sheets in that time.
These sides are level on 25 points and shared a 2-2 draw at Providence Park in March, but with Galaxy almost invincible at home there can surely be only one winner this time.
Verdict: 4-1

Images courtesy of Otto Greule Jr, Jamie Sabau and Thearon W Henderson, with thanks.