MLS at 20: Birth to Present Day

This week Minnesota was announced as the 24^th franchise to join the MLS and North American soccer's current stock continues to go from strength to strength. 

So we’ve decided to take a look back at the league's rise and fall since its inception 20 seasons ago.

In the beginning

When the MLS was formed, as a result of the USA being awarded the 1994 FIFA World Cup, ten teams were included after a 12-year domestic hiatus.

US international Alexis Lalas was one of the first star names

The North American Soccer League collapsed in 1984 and authorities had to ensure they learnt from its mistakes if the game was to be a success.

More than 31,000 fans packed into the Spartan Stadium to see the first game as San Jose Clash defeated D.C. United, who incidentally went on to win the inaugural MLS Cup.

There was a buzz surrounding the league and they managed to secure several high profile names, including Alexi Lalas, that played in the ’94 World Cup.

First expansion

Only two years later Miami Fusion and Chicago Fire were added to the league, with Fire winning the MLS Cup to break D.C.’s monopoly in 1998.

Despite reaching the target of 12 teams in the league, cracks were beginning to show again and those in the know were worried.

Initially high attendance levels dropped dramatically and to make matters worse the league had severe financial problems - clubs were operating with unsustainable losses.

Talks of further expansion were designed to reassure fans but in August 1999 the original MLS Commissioner Doug Logan was sacked and replaced by current incumbent Don Garber.

International success

After Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion’s departures were announced in January 2002 the league had taken a step back, despite Columbus Crew’s construction of a soccer-specific stadium.

But after finishing bottom of their group in France ’98, the US men’s team surprised many by reaching the quarter finals of the 2002 World Cup.

This upturn in fortunes benefitted the league as a record 61,316 watched the 2002 MLS Cup and foreign teams started eyeing up the new generation of American stars.

Becks led the second raft of superstars to the US

Tim Howard’s $4 million move to Manchester United was one of the most lucrative deals in MLS history and he led a raft of stars to Europe’s top divisions.

David Beckham fever

The 2007 season started with the introduction of Toronto, MLS’ first move into Canada, and in a huge coup for the league, Beckham left Real Madrid for LA Galaxy.

This was made possible by the Designated Player Rule, where certain player’s wages can exceed the salary cap, and allowed the league to compete on the global market.

Between 2007 and 2012 the league grew even further with several new franchises set up and more soccer-specific stadiums built to appease the demand.

In 2011 the league reached a milestone moment by surpassing the NHL and NBA for average attendances, in doing so, showing that soccer was here to stay.

Living in the present

In 2013 Manchester City’s venture into the league was announced and New York City were born shortly before Orlando City became the 21^st addition.

Chivas USA left after the 2014 campaign but this latest era has seen current US internationals return home as they finally have a domestic scene of the required quality.

USA captain Clint Dempsey returned and Michael Bradley left Italian giants AS Roma to sign for Toronto FC ahead of the national team's successful tournament in Brazil.

This shift, along with the fact that 15 of the 19 MLS coaches in 2014 had played in the league, demonstrates a degree of self sustenance that soccer has never had before.

The future
It’s difficult to predict with certainty what’s around the corner but with four expansion sides in the pipeline, keep an eye out for our analysis of what’s next for Major League Soccer.

Images courtesy of Keith Lam and Timothy Hollywood Kahn, with thanks.

MLS Week Four: Five lessons from this week...

New York Red Bulls are top of the Eastern Conference, Chicago Fire, New England Revolution and Real Salt Lake all won and Dallas lost their perfect record against Seattle.

A lot can change in a week but Colorado Rapids still haven't scored an MLS goal this season.

Here are five things we learnt in MLS Week Four...

1)      US Soccer unites after tragic loss

We join with Cal in mourning the loss of soccer player Eloi Vasquez. (via @CalAthletics) pic.twitter.com/T7jn6tEIkF
— NCAA (@NCAA) March 31, 2015

The death of UC Berkeley freshman Eloi Vasquez has sent shockwaves through the US soccer family, who have come together to mourn his loss.

The missing 20-year-old died in an horrific car accident in the early hours of Saturday morning and his tragic death has seen an outpour of support from MLS Clubs, Colleges and soccer fans.

The freshman was considered a strong prospect at Berkeley. All our thoughts go out to Eloi’s family and friends.

Doyle has scored 14 goals for Ireland

2)      Colorado need a rapid solution

Colorado Rapids have gone 510 minutes without scoring, they have just sold last season’s top scorer Deshorn Brown and Kevin Doyle doesn’t arrive until July 1.

The Rapids are on a 17 match winless run and, given their current nightmares in front of goal, seem doomed to pass the all time MLS record of 19 matches without a win.

Doyle will be a great addition but it might be too late to save their season come July – Pablo Mastroeni needs to sign a striker now.

3)      FC Dallas steeled for Supporters’ Shield

When Kellyn Acosta received his marching orders after 18 minutes of Dallas’ match with Seattle Sounders, most people assumed the game would signal the end of their unbeaten start.

However, led by Zach Loyd, Dallas produced a remarkable defensive display to prevent the Sounders from having a single shot on target.

With Blas Perez returning from international duty, Oscar Pareja has a side capable of claiming Dallas’ second Supporters’ Shield.

4)      Shipp floats Chicago’s boat

Harry Shipp was leagues ahead of everyone else on the pitch, producing a sparkling man of the match display, as Chicago Fire claimed their first win of the season over Philadelphia Union.

The homegrown player racked up seven goals and six assists in his first MLS season and already has a goal and Sunday’s match-winning assist this time round.

In a wavy second half run Shipp breezed past Union’s defence in a manner reminiscent of Moses’ parting of the Red Sea – one to watch for fantasy league fans.

Adu won the MLS Cup at 15

5)      Much Adu about nothing?

He scored his first MLS goal aged 14, won his first MLS Cup with DC United aged 15, and was even touted as the next Pele.

Adu has just signed for Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura, quite the fall from grace for the man who once played alongside Rui Costa and Angel di Maria at Benfica.

At 25 his best years might still be ahead of him, but time and opportunities are starting to run out for Nike’s childhood superstar.

Images courtesy of Bongarts and Drew Hallowell, with thanks.

3 Good, 3 Bad - Week Four

Debut strikes, historic goals, red cards and the curse of a former England international, find out who were the real winners and losers this weekend.

Flying high:

1) Robbie Earnshaw’s back with a bang

He is the only man to have scored a hat-trick internationally, in the Premier League, the FA Cup, the League Cup and in all three tiers of the Football League – and he’s at it again.

Jumping for joy after opening his Vancouver account

The diminutive Welshman was only on the field for five minutes but in that time he still managed to bag the winner for his new side the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Having only signed for fellow Welshman Carl Robinsion on the Wednesday, the former Cardiff City striker took very little time to repay that faith.

This isn’t a new phenomenon for the 33-year-old however, having also netted on his debut for Chicago Fire and twice on his home bow for Toronto FC.

2) Orlando’s deadly duo

While Kaka’s reputation precedes him, his midfield partner in crime Pedro Ribeiro is a somewhat lesser known talent but not after this weekend’s display.

The two combined with devastating effect, turning round a two-goal deficit in the space of just one minute and 22 seconds to rescue a point for Orlando.

Ribeiro was fed by the former AC Milan superstar before returning the favour, as City maintain their unbeaten start and both make our All-Stars team of the week.

Red Bulls hit their 1,000 goal

3) Red Bulls join 1,000 club

New York Red Bulls became just the fifth franchise to score 1,000 MLS goals after Mike Grella’s historic contribution in their weekend win over Columbus Crew.

Venezuelan international Giovanni Savarese got the Red Bulls going on April 13 1996, scoring for MetroStars as they were then known.

And Grella has ensured his name will go down in folklore, with his side joining LA Galaxy (1,222), D.C. United (1,182), FC Dallas (1,040) and Columbus (1,010) in an illustrious club.

In the pits:

1) Seattle flounders

Seattle have taken one point from their past two games – worrying when you consider they have played the majority of these with a man advantage.

Last year’s Supporters’ Shield winners played 38minutes a man up in their 3-2 defeat to San Jose and a massive 72minutes this weekend against a ten-man FC Dallas.

However, they scored just once during this period and failed to register a single shot on target against Dallas in the absence of Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins.

New York fell to their 1st defeat as Lampard watched on

2) Frank’s bad omen

Expansion franchise New York City FC were unbeaten in their first three MLS games, until Frank Lampard came to town.

New York’s incoming star flew out to watch his teammates in action against Sporting Kansas City during the Premier League’s international break.

In an ominous sign for NYCFC fans the Man City midfielder’s arrival coincided with his new side’s first defeat – is this a sign of things to come...

3) Hot head Fred

Philadelphia Union coach Jim Curtin turned to Fred in the 67^th minute of their 1-0 defeat to Chicago, 5 minutes later he was taking an early bath.

The attacking midfielder was brought on to inspire a Union comeback but his mindless swipe at Harry Shipp in the 72^nd minute only served to curtail a Philadelphia fightback.

As it is Union remain winless but at least Fred maintained MLS’s crazy record of three red cards a week in 2015.

Images courtesy of Rich Lam, Jeff Zelevansky and The Sport Review, with thanks

MLS All-Stars: Week Four

Our watertight back five didn’t concede a goal this weekend, two even netted at the other end, and Robbie Earnshaw did what he does best in a five minute cameo.

Here is our team of the week….

Deric back in the good books

Goalkeeper – Tyler Deric (Houston Dynamo)

The Dynamo keeper has featured at both ends of our three good, three bad this season but this is his first venture into the team of the week. 

He pulled off a stunning save to deny Marcelo Sarvas, somehow turning the ball over the bar when the striker was six yards out in another outstanding performance.

Right Back – Zach Loyd (FC Dallas)

Loyd and co were up against it when fellow defender Kellyn Acosta was given his marching orders 20 minutes into the game against Seattle.

Although normally a centre back his display was so good that we just had to get him in, as the visitors didn’t even manage to have a shot on target.

Centre Back – Michael Harrington (Colorado Rapids)

With his Rapids side setting up for a point and trying to hit Houston on the counter attack, there was plenty of defending to be done.

But Harrington marshalled his defence and ensured his side became the first team in MLS history to start a season with three consecutive clean sheets.

Opara showed his ability at both ends

Centre Back – Ike Opara (Sporting Kansas City)

Sporting upset the odds when they claimed their first win of the season against unbeaten New York City with Opara’s goal enough for all three points.

He struck after 13 minutes, heading home USA international Matt Besler’s long throw with a thumping header that capped off an impressive 90 minutes.

Left Back – Adailton (Chicago Fire)

The Brazilian defender, who can boast Champions League experience with Rennes, was the difference at both ends of the field as Fire picked up their first win.

The 31-year-old glanced in fellow All Star Harry Shipp’s free kick and that proved to be enough as Chicago held on to end a run of three straight defeats.

Right Midfield – Harry Shipp (Chicago Fire)

Along with his whipped free-kick that caught out Philadelphia goalkeeper Rais Mbolhi for Adailton's goal, all of Fire’s attacks went through Shipp.

His jinking run in the second half summed up his performance, gliding between two Union players before fizzing a delightful ball across the face of goal. 

Centre Midfield – Kaka (Orlando City SC)

The former Real Madrid man has made an instant impact for the new franchise and again showed why he was at one time the world’s most expensive footballer.

With his side two goals down, he inspired their comeback by setting up Pedro Ribeiro for the first and when the two combined again he curled in an exquisite equaliser.

Ribeiro even outshone Kaka

Centre Midfield – Pedro Ribeiro (Orlando City SC) 

To outshine a Ballon d’Or winner you have to put in quite a display and that is exactly what Ribeiro did, producing a man of the match performance.

Like his Brazilian midfield partner he scored and grabbed an assist but his threat was not limited there as he ran the show for Orlando.  

Left Midfield – Kelyn Rowe (New England Revolution)

New England hadn’t scored in their first three games but Rowe was a man possessed as he set-out on a one man mission to resolve Revolution’s scoring problems. 
Rowe grabbed New England’s first goal of the year with a deflected strike, and forced a diving save out of David Bingham before tapping in his second in the 35th minute – a brilliant midfield display.

Grella's goal was sublime

Striker – Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls)

The former Leeds United striker came off the bench to win the game with first MLS goal, and what a goal it was. 
The ball fell to Grella 25 yards out and his delicate chip swirved and drifted over the helpless Steve Clark in the Columbus goal.

Striker – Robbie Earnshaw (Vancouver Whitecaps)

He only signed for the Whitecaps last Wednesday and he announced himself with an extra-time winner that moved his new side within a point of FC Dallas a top the Western Conference. 
At 33, the Welsh striker is now at his 12th professional club, and should provide the perfect back up to Octavio Rivero who has three goals already this season.

Images courtesy of Jamie Squire and Scott Halleran, with thanks.

MLS 360

DC United ended a seven-year wait for an MLS victory over LA Galaxy, as Chris Pontius’ stoppage time header earned a 1-0 victory.

Rowe scored his second MLS brace

The Galaxy had 17 shots but without last season’s MVP Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, both on international duty, they could not pierce DC’s defence.

New England Revolution picked up their first win, 2-1 over San Jose Earthquakes, thanks to Kelyn Rowe’s second MLS brace.

Chris Wondolowski’s penalty pulled one back for the Quakes but their two game winning streak came to an end.

New York Red Bulls moved top of the Eastern Conference as Mike Grella scored the club’s 1,000^th MLS goal in a 2-1 win over Columbus Crew.

Earlier, Tony Tchani cancelled out Bradley Wright-Phillips’ penalty but Grella’s delightful lob deserved all three points – Federico Higuain saw red for the Crew late on.

Debutant Robbie Earnshaw came off the bench to score a last-minute winner for Vancouver Whitecaps, who beat Portland Timbers 2-1.

Nicolas Mezquida’s 25-yard free kick put Vancouver ahead but Fanendo Adi’s third of the season looked to have earned the Timbers a point until Earnshaw’s last-gasp winner.

Real Salt Lake earned their first win, and remain unbeaten, beating Toronto FC 2-1 courtesy of Jordan Allen’s first MLS goal.

Kaka has two goals so far

With two minutes remaining Toronto’s Jackson toe-poked home to cancel out Luke Mulholland’s first-half header, but Allen struck less than a minute later to ensure victory.

Orlando City scored twice in two minutes, through Kaka and Pedro Ribeiro, to cancel out Ignacio Piatti’s penalty and Jack McInerney’s first goal of the season and claim a point at Montreal Impact.

Adailton headed home Harry Shipp’s whipped free kick as Chicago Fire won 1-0 against Philadelpia Union, who saw substitute Fred sent off for punching Shipp.

Ike Opara’s thunderous header helped Sporting Kansas City beat New York City 1-0 in front of a sell-out crowd at the Yankee Stadium.

FC Dallas lost their perfect record but remain unbeaten after drawing 0-0 with Seattle Sounders despite playing with ten for over 70 minutes following Kellyn Acosta’s red card.

Tyler Deric was outstanding again as Colorado Rapids recorded a record breaking third straight 0-0 draw against Houston Dynamo.

Images courtesy of Elsa, Thearon W. Henderson and Daniel Ruyter, with thanks.

Preview and Predictions: MLS Week Four

It’s a testing time for all 20 MLS sides with star names away on international duty and domestic action in full flow.

We've taken out our crystal ball and here are our predictions for Game Week Four.

New England Revolution vs San Jose Earthquakes – Gillette Stadium

Revolution are only 58 minutes way from breaking the MLS record for the longest run without scoring at the start of a season, having failed to find the back of the net in their three games.

Earthquakes christened their Avaya Stadium with a 2-1 win against Chicago Fire last time out, their second consecutive victory after a 16-game winless streak.

However, after Revolution secured their first point against Montréal Impact on Saturday, they should get another positive result here.

Montreal's goal drought should end at the Olympic Stadium

Verdict: 1-1

Montreal Impact vs Orlando City – Olympic Stadium

Impact are also yet to find the net in the MLS, but five goals in three CONCACAF Champions League matches in 2015 shows their attacking threat.

Orlando suffered injury-time defeat to Vancouver last weekend and are missing seven players through international involvement alone.

These forced changes could unsettle the away team and it’s a great chance for Montreal to secure their first league win.

Verdict: 2-1

D.C. United vs LA Galaxy – RFK Stadium (Live on Sky Sports 5 – Saturday 11pm)

United suffered their first defeat of the season against New York Red Bulls last time out and haven’t beaten Galaxy in 10 meetings.

LA remain undefeated despite failing to win since the opening day, but captain and star man Robbie Keane will be a huge loss.

But with the likes of Jose Villarreal, who has a goal and two assists from three games, the away side should still have enough quality.

Verdict: 2-2

New York City vs Sporting Kansas City – Yankee Stadium

NYCFC’s three-game unbeaten start to their MLS history matches the longest undefeated run by any expansion team and they have also recorded back-to-back clean sheets.

Captain David Villa has hit the ground running with a goal and assist already and his current international absence will serve as a big boost for his club.

Sporting KC are winless in their last five league matches since the end of last season and it’s difficult to predict anything other than a home victory.

Verdict: 3-0

  

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Portland Timbers – BC Place

Vancouver will hope to call on new signing Rob Earnshaw 

Vancouver may have brought in veteran striker Robert Earnshaw, but it’s 23-year-old Uruguayan Octavio Rivero stealing the headlines with all three of his side’s goals this campaign.

The Timbers have drawn their three matches and are winless in March during coach Caleb Porter’s three year reign.

Whitecaps have won just once in 11 MLS meetings with Portland but their Rivero-led firepower probably makes them slight favourites.

Verdict: 1-0

Columbus Crew vs New York Red Bulls – MAPFRE Stadium

With these two sides having played just two games apiece, it’s difficult to assess their respective starts to the season.

The Crew have a win and a loss so far, while Red Bulls secured their first win under new boss Jesse Marsch last weekend.

And Marsch will be hoping the flourishing partnership between Lloyd Sam and this week’s MVP Bradley Wright-Phillips can propel his side to victory.

Verdict: 1-3

Houston Dynamo vs Colorado Rapids – BBVA Compass Stadium

Dynamo have made an inconsistent start with a win, a draw and a loss so far and will be without four players including ex-Derby forward Giles Barnes.

Colorado could do with Kevin Doyle arriving sooner rather than later – although undefeated, the side are struggling in front of goal.

But Dynamo haven’t beaten Rapids in the MLS since 2009 so we’re predicting the sides will share the points in a tight encounter.

Verdict: 0-0

FC Dallas vs Seattle Sounders – Toyota Stadium

We're predicting defeat for the Supporters Shield holders

Dallas are the only MLS side with maximum points but will be missing six players because of international commitments.

Sounders have relied heavily on the partnership between Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins, but the US international is currently sidelined through injury.

The two sides met five times last season, Sounders winning two out of three league games and progressing in the Western Conference semi-final tie on away goals.

Verdict: 3-2

Chicago Fire vs Philadelphia Union – Toyota Park (Live on Sky Sports 1 – Sunday 10pm)

Fire are rock bottom of the overall MLS table and they will have to make do without Scottish call-up and Throwback Thursday star Shaun Maloney.

Union have also failed to win but only fell to their first defeat of 2015 against table-topping Dallas last Saturday.

The teams drew all three matches against each other last year and Fire haven’t beaten their opponents at home since 2012 – something we can’t see changing.

Verdict: 0-2

Real Salt Lake vs Toronto FC – Rio Tinto Stadium

Both teams last played a fortnight ago, RSL drawing a 3-3 thriller with Philadelphia Union and Toronto losing the second of their seven-game run of away matches 2-0 in Columbus.

RSL have also won the last three against Toronto, as well as every meeting at Rio Tinto Stadium.

So the pressure is on MLS top-earner Sebastian Giovinco if the the Canadian side are to have any hope in Utah.

Verdict: 3-1

Images courtesy of Mila Araujo, Jon Candy and al'sview, with thanks.

MLS Stat Attack

Week Four sees all 20 MLS teams in action; we take a look at the numbers that tell the season’s story so far.

Clint Irwin is yet to concede a goal

0: There have been no goals in Colorado Rapids opening two MLS matches; the Rapids haven’t scored themselves in 420 minutes.

1: Chicago Fire are the only team yet to get off the mark this season having lost their first three games against LA Galaxy, Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes.

2: The two New York franchises, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, occupy the top two spots in the Eastern Conference; the expansion side sit top but the Red Bulls have a game in hand.

3: Tesho Akindele and Ryan Hollingshead scored the goals as FC Dallas made it three wins from three matches last weekend.

7: Seven teams remain unbeaten across both conferences this campaign.

Akindele got off the mark against Union 

9: There have been nine red cards so far this season, three each week.

10: Ten out of the 26 MLS games this season have been drawn – Portland Timbers have drawn all three of their matches.

17: Orlando City coach Adrian Heath warned that his side might only be able to field 17 players against Montreal Impact due to a combination of injuries and international call-ups.

24: Minnesota United FC were named as the 24^th MLS Franchise on Wednesday and will join the league for the 2018 campaign.

51: There have been 51 goals in the first three rounds of MLS fixtures this season.

57: Teams will be without 57 players who are away on international duty for gameweek four.

100: Ty Harden scored his first MLS goal in his 100^th league appearance in San Jose’s first game at the Avaya Stadium.

Van der Vaart is rumoured to have
agreed a 2.5 year deal with Kansas

109: The number of Netherlands caps that Rafael van der Vaart, who is reported to have agreed a move to Sporting Kansas City, has made since his debut in 2001.

23,406: The average attendance at the 26 MLS matches that have taken place so far this season.

Overall MLS Stats:

Supporters’ Shield Leaders: FC Dallas

Top Scorer: Blas Perez (FC Dallas), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) and Octavio Rivero (Vancouver Whitecaps) – 3

Most Assists: Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City), Michel, Fabian Castillo (Both FC Dallas), Jose Villarreal (LA Galaxy), and Ned Grabavoy (New York City) – 2

Most Bookings: Nine players – 2

Images courtesy of Bob Levey, R.Yeatts and Bongarts with thanks.

Red, White and Blue Review

The United States’ struggles continued in the wake of their eye-catching World Cup performance, as they conceded twice in the last ten minutes in a 3-2 defeat in Denmark.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side have lost four of their last five and have won just two of eight games since their extra-time defeat to Belgium last summer.

Rimando was exemplary in the US goal against Denmark

Nicklas Bendtner was the destroyer in chief, scoring his first international hat-trick, which included a sublime, volleyed winner that left Nick Rimando with no chance in the US goal.

Results carry less importance in international friendlies but Klinsmann’s side are developing a bad habit of conceding late goals – here we take a look at the positives and negatives from yesterday’s game.

Stat Attack:

v  The USA scored with their only two shots on target.

v  Denmark had twelve shots, three times more than Jurgen Klinsmann’s team.

v  Since last year’s World Cup, USA have lost 11-1 overall in the second half of their nine matches.

v  The US have conceded seven goals after the 80^th minute in their last seven games.

Klinsmann faces hard times

Curious Klinsmann:

Klinsmann experimented in Denmark, and this time it didn’t come off. The US were overrun in midfield, disjointed in attack and nervy at the back.

The decision to play Alejandro Bedoya in central midfield left Michael Bradley isolated in the middle, while Gyasi Zardes struggled in an unfamiliar midfield position.

Aron Johannsson was conspicuous in his absence before tapping into an open net and one can’t help but believe that Zardes would have offered more in his regular position as a striker.

It is difficult to know what the manager thinks is his best team at the moment; with tough fixtures ahead he needs a settled starting XI.

Clocking off early:

They don’t play a competitive game until July but the US are developing a worrying habit of switching off after taking a lead.

Klinsmann’s side have scored first in five of their last six games but only gone on to win one of these.

Ecuador and Honduras both equalised after the 85^th minute, while Colombia and Chile both beat the US having been behind at half-time.

Denmark were 2-1 down with 10 minutes to go in Aarhus before Bendtner struck twice – whether it is a mental problem or a fitness issue, the US most find a way to last the full 90 minutes.

Altidore is the US's 5th highest goalscorer

Looking Good:

1)Jozy Altidore

The Toronto striker notched his 27^th international goal with a sublime left-foot volley from Tim Chandler’s long ball and was comfortably America’s most dangerous player.

He could have scored again but selflessly squared for his strike partner Aron Johannsson to score his first international goal in 2015.

Altidore’s goal came out of the blue and Klinsmann will be pleased to see the striker return to top form after his second failed spell in the English Premier League, this time with Sunderland.

His record of five goals in 80 appearances in England means he probably won’t get a third chance to prove himself but at international level he is quickly writing himself into US football folklore.

2)Nick Rimando

One position where the US do not need to worry is in goal.

Despite Tim Howard’s temporary retirement, Klinsmann has a number of quality to choose between in his absence.

Even when conceding three goals, Rimando was excellent in Denmark and has shown in his 12 caps that he is more than capable at this level.

He only made one save but was quick off his line on a number of occasions and should keep his place in Switzerland next Tuesday.

Work in Progress:

Zardes made his US debut
in February this year

1)Gyasi Zardes

LA Galaxy’s rising star was making just his third international appearance in Aarhus but has a long way to go before he is ready to play right midfield for the USA.

Zardes scored 19 goals playing upfront for the Galaxy last season and Klinsmann should consider keeping him there – the youngster struggled in Denmark both on and off the ball.

Positionally Zardes seemed unsure when to attack and when to defend, and was guilty of recklessly sacrificing possession in dangerous areas on too many occasions.

He should improve at this level, and surely has a long international future ahead of him, but he needs to learn the importance of possession and positioning at the highest level.

2)The Defence

The USA have leaked 12 goals in their past five matches, including a clean sheet against Panama, and have only kept two clean sheets in their last 14 outings.

Admittedly they have scored in all but one of those games, a 1-0 defeat to World Cup winners Germany, but they need to improve if they are to make the next step at international level.

John Brooks and Michael Orozco started in central defence instead of regulars Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler and coped reasonably well under intense pressure for the first 80 minutes.

Dempsey is currently injured

However, after Klinsmann replaced Orozco with debutant Ventura Alvarado with ten minutes to go, the US were cut apart by Denmark, almost at will.

Looking Ahead:

Switzerland, ranked 12 in the FIFA world rankings, are next up for Klinsmann, whose young team continue to gather experience.

Avoiding defeat would be a good result away from home, but of greater importance is the performance.

The US need to improve, quickly. After Switzerland they face top quality opposition in the shape of Mexico, the Netherlands and Germany in their next three matches.

Clint Dempsey, Besler and Gonzalez will surely return for the biggest games, but Klinsmann faces a lot of problems and he will worry that he won’t be able to find answers soon enough.

Images courtesy of Gene Sweeney Jr., Bongarts, seriouslysilly, Victor Decolongon and EDrost88 with thanks.

Throwback Thursday: Shaun Maloney

Shaun Maloney played 45 minutes as Scotland beat Northern Ireland 1-0 at Hampden Park last night ahead of their crucial European Championship qualifier with Gibraltar on Sunday.

The former Aston Villa midfielder has scored twice in four qualifying matches as Scotland have enjoyed a promising start to their campaign.

After 13 seasons in British football the veteran free-kick specialist is now plying his trade in the MLS with Chicago Fire and will be key to Scottish hopes.

As a nation waits with baited breath, we take a look at Maloney's career to date.

Maloney playing for Scotland

Factfile:

Full Name: Shaun Richard Maloney
Date of Birth: 24/1/1983
Nationality: Scottish
Height: 1.70m
Clubs: Celtic, Aston Villa, Wigan Athletic, Chicago Fire*
Club Appearances: 342*
Club Goals: 74*

International Appearances: 35*

International Goals: 4*

Honours: 

Scottish Premier League 2000/01, 01/02, 03/04, 05/06 & 06/07

Scottish Cup 2001, 04, 05, 07, 11

Scottish League Cup 2001, 06, 09

FA Cup 2013

Scottish PFA Player of the Year 2006

Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year 2006

The Early Years:

Born in Malaysia, Maloney moved to Aberdeen aged five before joining Celtic in 1999 making his debut two years later against in the Old Firm Derby against Rangers.

The young forward played a bit part role as the Bhoys completed a domestic treble in his first season in the first team.

However, Maloney did score in a quarter-final against Stuttgart as Celtic made the 2003 UEFA Cup Final – he came on as a substitute in the final but Jose Mourinho’s Porto won 3-2 after extra time.

The Scottish midfielder scored six times in the 2003/04 season but just as he was establishing himself in the side he picked up a cruciate ligament injury which saw him miss over a year of football.

Maloney celebrate's scoring in the 2006 Scottish league cup final

Scottish Highs and English Woes:

Maloney finally shot to stardom during a sparkling 2005/06 season which saw him earn his first Scotland captain and win the Scottish PFA Player of the Year award.

Celtic won the league and the League Cup as Maloney scored 16 and made 28 assists from his new position on the left of a midfield four.

Despite his wonderful season the club could not agree a new contract with Maloney and he joined Aston Villa for £1million in January 2007 having made 138 appearances for Celtic.

Maloney joined former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill at Villa but he struggled with homesickness and was unable to find the form that had seen him shine in Scotland.

Homecoming:

Maloney scored seven times in 33 appearances for Aston Villa, including a brace in a memorable 4-4 draw with Chelsea, before returning to Celtic for £3million in August 2008.

He marked his second debut with a man of the match performance in a 3-0 victory over Falkirk, coming off the bench to make two assists.

A series of injuries hampered Maloney’s second spell at Celtic, he made just 77 appearances in four seasons.

Even so, the midfielder had won 13 major trophies and scored 52 times in 215 appearances for the club by the time he left for Wigan in 2011.

The Scot in action for Chicago Fire

Wembley Wonderland:

Now 28, Maloney signed for Roberto Martinez’s side for £850,000 on a three-year deal and scored three crucial goals as Wigan avoided relegation in 2012.

The following year Maloney won a place in English football history in 2013 as Wigan became the first Premier League side to win the FA Cup and be relegated in the same season.

Maloney scored in their Wembley semi-final victory over Millwall and provided the assist for Ben Watson’s winner as the Latics pulled off a stunning 1-0 win over Manchester City in the final.

Wigan were relegated three days later and Maloney spent two years in the Championship before agreeing a move to Chicago Fire ahead of MLS’s 2015 season.

What’s Next:

The former Celtic man is one of Chicago’s designated players but has been helpless to prevent his side suffering defeat in their opening three games.

Still only 32, Maloney could return to European football but for now his sights are set on helping Scotland qualify for a first major tournament since the 1998 World Cup.

Under Gordon Strachan’s guidance Scotland lie in one of the three qualifying positions in their group after four games.

Images courtesy of Jeff J Mitchell, Alex Livesey and Thearon W. Henderson with thanks

MLS Week Three: Five things we learnt this week...

Week Three is finished and MLS 2015 is now in full swing – as the league’s international stars jet off we have taken a look back at the past seven days.

Dallas made it three straight wins, New England and Colorado still haven't scored and San Jose began life at the Avaya Stadium with victory.

Here are the five things we have learnt this week...

1) More people watch MLS than English Championship games

MLS fans have poured through the gates so far this season

It’s official the average attendance at this season’s MLS games is higher than the average attendance in the English Championship.

Over 26 games so far average MLS attendance is 23,406, almost 6,000 more than the Championship’s average of 17,599.

That’s no small feat considering the Championship includes clubs with huge fanbases such as Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Derby County.

2) Bradley Wright-Phillips is back

He was MLS’s top scorer last year with 27 goals and he sprung into life in Week Three – Wright-Phillips volleyed home his side’s opener before assisting Lloyd Sam for their second.

Some doubted whether the striker, who scored at better than four goals every five games last season, would succeed in the absence of Thierry Henry.

After Sunday, the answer has to be yes. The former Manchester City player was outstanding against DC United, and will be key for the Red Bulls again this time round.

3)Each MLS gameweek there are three red cards

Shelton has earned a call up to USA's U-23's

The red mist is descending on MLS. In three weeks there have been nine red cards – that is three a week, every week, no more, no less.

Week three saw Zach Pfeffer, Hassoun Camara and Shay Facey take part in the trend that is sweeping through the MLS as players hunt down last season’s tally of 34 red cards.

If the reds keep coming at this rate there will be a staggering 102 dismissals in the regular season
alone!

4)Rookies are proving their worth

Last season’s rookie of the year, FC Dallas’ Tesho Akindele, didn’t make his debut until April 12 in his side’s sixth match of the season.

Fast forward a year and eight of the SuperDraft first-round picks have played, and starred, in the opening three weeks of the season.

Fourth pick Fatai Alashe scored the first goal at the Avaya Stadium, Axel Sjoberg, No.7 pick, has been splendid in defence for Colorado and Khiry Shelton has shone as a substitute for New York City.

Tradition suggests rookies have more impact later in the season; if so the class of 2015 are definitely worth getting excited about!

5)There is no international break for MLS sides

Heath is struggling to name a full squad amid an injury crisis

As we prepared to settle into an in depth analysis of this week’s international football, the MLS weekend fixture list took us by surprise.

Having grown accustomed to Europe’s top leagues taking a short break for international fixtures at least we have an excuse.

On the other hand, Orlando really should have known – as it is their coach Adrian Heath is struggling to name a full 18 for their clash with Montreal due to injuries and absentees.

Images courtesy of Ultras Montreal [UMO2], Elsa and Alex Menendez, with thanks.