Throwback Thursday: Giles Barnes

When Giles Barnes won Derby County’s young player of the year award in their 2006/07 promotion-winning season, many were predicting a career at the top of English football.

Almost a decade later the striker finds himself in his fourth MLS season with Houston Dynamo and far from the thoughts of the British press that once adored him.

Not that he will mind after scoring twice in a mesmerising 4-4 draw with Sporting Kansas City last weekend.

We look back at the development of a boy who was once destined for glory...

Barnes is enjoying life in the United States

Factfile:

Full Name: Giles Gordon K.Barnes

Date of Birth: 05/08/1988

Nationality: Jamaican

Place of Birth: London, England

Height: 1.85m

Clubs: Derby County, Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, Doncaster Rovers, Houston Dynamo

Club Appearances: 237*

Club Goals: 37*

International Appearances: 2*

International Goals: 1*

Honours: Championship Play-off final winner 2006/07

Dazzling at Derby:

Barnes signed his first professional contract with Derby County on his 17^th birthday and made his first team debut in a 1-0 League Cup defeat to Grimsby Town in the 2005/06 season.

The forward became a key figure in the second half of the season and scored his first goal in a 2-2 draw against Watford that helped his side avoid relegation from the English Championship.

The following season Barnes dazzled in the championship scoring eight goals and making the assist that saw Stephen Pearson score the only goal in their play-off final victory over West Brom.

His efforts saw him earn a call up to the England Under-19 side, who he scored seven times for in 12 appearances, and, bizarrely, earn a reputation for saying ‘Whoosh’ as he ran past defenders.

Premier League problems:

The forward was named Derby’s young player of the year, but medical staff discovered Barnes had been playing with a broken foot, which kept him out for the first month of the 2007/08 season.

By the time Barnes made his Premier League debut on 22 September, his side were already struggling badly and would go onto earn a record low of 11 points.

Barnes made 21 league appearances but was unable to replicate his Championship form, scoring just once in a 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.

Barnes in Premier League action for Derby

After undergoing knee surgery at the back end of Derby’s dismal campaign Barnes returned to the first team in January 2009 but joined Premier League Fulham on loan on transfer deadline day.

Horrid Hodgson:

However, his loan spell never got going as he failed to make an appearance for Roy Hodgson’s side despite scoring seven in eight for Fulham’s reserves.

Barnes returned to Derby but didn’t make another first team appearance and was released in December 2009 having scored 13 times in 94 appearances for the club.

He joined West Brom on an 18-month deal, but despite starting well, his contract was not renewed as he failed to make an appearance following Hodgson’s appointment as manager in January 2011.

Once again Barnes was forced to drop out of the Premier League – he spent the 2011/12 season at Champhionship side Doncaster Rovers, making 36 appearances in his final season in England.

Houston Dynamite:

In August 2012 Barnes signed for Houston Dynamo and scored his first goal for the club in a CONCACAF Champions League game against CD FAS of El Salvador.

Houston reached the quarter-finals and Barnes also made seven league appearances to help the side to the MLS Cup final, where they were beaten 3-1 by David Beckham’s LA Galaxy.

Barnes scored 11 times last year to be named Dynamo's MVP

The Jamaican forward scored his first MLS goal on March 23 2013 in a 2-1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps and scored nine times in total as his side reached the Conference Finals.

Barnes improved again in his second full season in the States scoring 11 league goals in a struggling Dynamo side, in doing so establishing himself as one of Houston’s key players.

What’s Next...

Now under the management of former Bolton and Burnley manager Owen Coyle, Houston sit fifth in the Western Conference as they look to improve on last year’s eighth-place finish.

Barnes is tied third in the league’s scoring charts with four goals in seven appearances, and needs just 10 more to break Houston’s record for most goals in a season.

After opting to represent Jamaice, the striker made his international debut in March and scored the equaliser in a 2-1 win against Venezuela.

The Reggae Boyz compete in this year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup where the former English wonderkid could finally get his first taste of competitive international football, ten years after his Derby debut.

Images courtesy of Bob Levey and Ross Kinnaird, with thanks.

Champions League glory or heartbreak?

They may have finished at the foot of the Eastern Conference last season but Montreal Impact are on the verge of becoming Canada’s first Champions League winners.

Impact drew 1-1 with Club America in the first leg and now welcome the five-time winners to the Olympic Stadium in front of a sellout 61,004 crowd – a Canadian soccer record.

Piatti celebrates his first leg goal

If Montreal triumph in the two-legged showpiece they will qualify for the 2015 FIFA Club World Cup to be held in Japan in December.

The Canadian outfit are only the fourth MLS side to navigate their way to the final but how have their predecessors fared? 

Champions’ Cup Pioneers

The Champions League previously ran under a different name and a different format before its 2008/09 overhaul and LA Galaxy were first to make an impression.

The 1997 tournament was the first year that MLS franchises took part in the competition and Galaxy had a remarkable story ended by Cruz Azul in the final.

Washington D.C. hosted six of the eight games in the final tournament and saw an all-American semi final as LA knocked out D.C. United.

Mexican outfit Azul proved to be one step too far for the West Coast side as they succumb to a 5-3 defeat in a highly entertaining affair.

If at first you don't succeed 

After finishing joint third in 1997, following a 2-2 draw in the third place play-off, D.C. United were determined to translate their domestic dominance to the Champions’ Cup.

All eight matches were again played in the US capital as America continued to show they could compete with the continent’s best sides.

In front of 12,607 fans they secured MLS’ first international crown, just two years after the league had been formed to show soccer really was developing.

Eddie Pope, the second overall draft in 1996, scored the only goal in United’s win over Club Toluca in the same year he was voted MLS’ Defender of the Year.

Hendrickson led LA Galaxy to Champions League glory

Guess who’s back?

After missing out in 1997, LA Galaxy had learnt from their mistakes and ensured that the new Millennium began with another American winner.

With the final tournament now moved to Los Angeles, the home crowd helped the franchise overcome Club Deportivo Olimpia of Honduras.

Again knocking out D.C. in the semi-finals, Carey Talley joint top scored in the finals, netting three goals in just three games.

But he didn’t turn out to be the match winner, that honour fell to Ezra Hendrickson who grabbed his second of the day 12 minutes from time to seal a 3-2 win and the trophy with it. 

MLS resurgence

After Galaxy’s victory secured a second title in three seasons for MLS, it would be a decade before another American side made it to the final.

Real Salt Lake were MLS’ first finalists in the Champions League era but were left heartbroken after losing 1-0 at home to hand the trophy to Monterrey.

The Mexican side went on to win three successive titles so it was no disgrace to lose to such a strong team, but having secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg they were in a commanding position.

Nat Borchers and Javier Morales scored in Mexico but they could not get over the line – something all the Montreal Impact players and staff will want to avoid tonight. 

Images courtesy of Hector Vivas/STR and AFP, with thanks

3 Good, 3 Bad: Week Eight

Former USA internationals and potential future USMNT stars were impressing this week, but the bad news continues for both of MLS’ new franchises. 

Feilhaber has the most MLS assists

Flying high…

1) Benny Feilhaber showing MVP form

The Sporting Kansas City midfielder was the hero in his side’s 4-4 draw against Houston Dynamo, scoring an added time pile driver to rescue a point.

He also slotted home from the penalty spot to level the game at 3-3, registering his first two goals of the season to add to his league-high five assists.

That meant Feilhaber has now been involved in seven goals this season, only Kei Kamara can match that, and could be set to smash his personal tallies for both.

If the 30-year-old can maintain his current form then surely he will be in the running to take Robbie Keane’s Most Valuable Player award in 2015.

2) Bradford Jamieson IV grabs his first senior goal

After making his full debut in Game Week Seven, the 18-year-old LA Galaxy striker went one better this week when he netted his side’s goal against unbeaten New York Red Bulls.

The former Chivas USA academy product cut between Dax McCarty and Chris Duvall before firing inside the far post as he made a big impression.

But it wasn’t just his goal that caught the eye, his work rate and willingness to do the ‘dirty side’ of the game for his side showed a maturity that will serve him well.

Jones says Caldwell is his long-term successor

3) Scott Caldwell fulfilling his promise

Earlier this month USMNT midfielder Jermaine Jones boldly proclaimed franchise teammate Scott Caldwell would be his long-term successor on the international stage.

But Caldwell’s recent form suggests that Jones might be right and that the New England Revolution holding man could be set for big things in his third MLS campaign.

In Game Week Eight he scored his first MLS goal, set up another, and is the only midfielder or forward to play every minute of Rev’s current six-match unbeaten run.

In the pits…

1) Evan Bush watching from the stands

Goalkeeper Evan Bush saw no action this weekend as Montreal Impact were given a rest weekend ahead of their Champions League final second leg.

But unfortunately for the stopper, CONCACAF have announced that they did not accept Impact’s appeal to overturn Bush’s yellow card from the first leg.

Having now received two bookings since the start of the semi-final stage, the 29-year-old will be forced to sit in the stands and watch with the other 61,000 spectators.

With the tie against Club America finely poised at 1-1 it’s not good news for Montreal, but we can’t begin to imagine how Bush is feeling knowing he’ll miss out on the showpiece!

2) Citrus Bowl leaving a sour taste in the mouth

Orlando's DP is their only home scorer this season

Orlando City suffered their third straight home defeat at the hands of Toronto FC, meaning they are still to win in front of their own fans this season.

After drawing 1-1 in the curtain raiser against New York City it looked promising for the new franchise but since then they have failed to score and it’s becoming a growing concern.

Former Real Madrid ace Kaka scored against NYCFC and admitted their form in front of goal is an issue: “I don’t know what it is here but we can’t score at the moment.”

3) NYCFC injury room filling up

New York City will be hoping Frank Lampard can arrive a little sooner than planned as their squad is stretched to its limits because of injuries and suspensions.

Javier Calle was forced off against Chicago Fire because of a groin injury, Adam Nemec felt the force of a full blooded tackle on his ankle and Andrew Jacobson saw red.

Jason Kreis already has captain David Villa, defender Jason Hernandez, Tony Taylor, centre back George John, Josh Williams and Manchester City loanee Shay Facey sidelined.

Images courtesy of brent flanders, Bay Area Bias and Alex Menendez, with thanks

MLS Stars' 7 Most Bizarre Injuries

Rogers survived the linesman's attack

We all love when daft things happen to soccer's biggest stars and this week it was Robbie Rogers turn to be left red faced.

The LA Galaxy left back is used to battling with wingers, but he got more than he bargained for when he was nearly blinded by the linesman against New York Red Bulls on Sunday.

Attempting to signal a Red Bulls throw in, the linesman sent Rogers tumbling to the floor after striking him in the face with his flag.

Luckily Rogers avoided serious injury. However, some of his MLS colleagues were not so lucky as we look back at MLS stars’ seven most bizarre injuries...

Beckham won the MLS Cup with LA

1) David Beckham

Beckham might have the best right foot in English history but that did not save him from the wrath of then Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson following an FA Cup loss to Arsenal.

Goldenballs was left with a gash above his eye after the Scot kicked a boot at the former England captain during the most infamous dressing room bust up in British football history.

2) Patrick Ianni

Former MLS Cup winner Ianni might be best remembered for scoring MLS’ Goal of the Year in 2012, but the retired defender makes this list with an injury sustained in pre-season 2013.

After landing awkwardly in a simple jump test, an MRI scan revealed the American had broken a bone in his foot – the injury kept Pianni out for six weeks.

Keller in his Seattle days

3) Kasey Keller

US soccer’s latest hall of fame initiate needed an emergency trip to the dentist after knocking out his front teeth while trying to take his golf clubs out of his car.

We are not sure how he managed it either but fortunately for Keller his hands were steadier on the football pitch as he notched over 100 appearances for the USA.

4) Darren Mattocks

The second overall pick in the 2012 SuperDraft missed six weeks of his rookie season after suffering severe burns to his arm and shoulder while cooking a Jamaican chicken dish.

After oil splashed up his arm, Mattocks spent a week in hospital, and missed eight games for Vancouver due to the accident – perhaps he will hire a chef in future...

Nesta won the World Cup in 2006

5) Alessandro Nesta

The World Cup winning Italian spent 18 months with Montreal Impact as he neared the end of a fiercely competitive career, spent on large with Lazio and AC Milan.

However, his competitive nature didn’t stop on the pitch – Nesta once missed a month of action for AC and required surgery after tearing tendons in his left hand while playing FIFA.

6) Nigel Reo-Coker

Whitecaps’ were hit by another freak injury in 2013 when former West Ham and Aston Villa star Nigel Reo-Coker tripped over a bike rack.

Reo-Coker suffered concussion as well as injuries to his head and face and missed the game against Houston Dynamo after what was described by MLS’ website as an ‘off-field walking accident.’

Le Toux doesn't like ads

7) Sebastien Le Toux

Rogers wasn’t the first bizarre injury of the season as Philadelphia Union’s Le Toux had to be substituted in their 2-1 victory over New York City after colliding with an advertising board.

The frenchman’s arm was bleeding heavily and required five stitches following the second-half collision with the advertising board, which in Le Toux’s own words, ‘really hurt’.

And finally...

Norwegian defender Svein Grondalen had to withdraw from a World Cup Qualifier during the 1970’s after a freak collision with a moose while out jogging.

He never played in the United States, but we couldn’t leave him out.

Images courtesy of Victor Decolongon, Joscarfas, t i g ,abdallahh and Nick Klein, with thanks.

MLS Round Eight: 5 things we learnt...

With 28 goals in nine games MLS Week Eight was one to remember as New York Red Bulls clung onto their unbeaten record and Benny Feilhaber snatched a point for Sporting Kansas City.

Here are the five biggest lessons we took from Week Eight...

Dempsey and Martins have both scored four goals this season

1)Dempsey the difference

Clint Dempsey’s sixth goal against Portland Timbers made him the all time top scorer in fixtures between the Cascadia Cup rivals.

Deuce’s fourth of the season proved to be the only goal of the game as Seattle claimed a third win in four and moved three points behind Western Conference leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.

With eight goals already, Dempsey’s partnership with Obafemi Martins is the most frightening in MLS this season, and their goals could see them retain the Supporters’ Shield.

2) Real Salt Lake run dry

After starting the season with a five-game unbeaten run, Real Salt Lake have lost their last two and failed to scored in any of their past three fixtures.

With just six goals Jeff Cassar’s team are the Western Conference’s joint lowest scorers with Colorado Rapids, who took more than four games to get off the mark this campaign.

With home games against fellow strugglers San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy, who haven’t won in ten on the road, coming up Cassar needs to find the goals to kickstart their season.

Altidore is becoming Toronto's lucky omen

3) Altidore is Toronto’s lucky omen

Since returning to MLS from his second stint in the Premier League Jozy Altidore has scored four times, and each time he scores, Toronto win.

Unfortunately for Toronto, those goals came in pairs and represent Greg Vanney’s sole victories of the season so far.

However, with Sebastian Giovinco also in red hot form of late, Toronto could climb the Eastern Conference quickly in the coming weeks.

4) Big name’s finding form

After FC Dallas and Vancouver set the early pace in MLS 2015, the leagues traditional big hitters are starting to find the form to match their reputation.

DC United sit level on points with last year’s MLS Cup finalists New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference, just ahead of perennial underachievers New York Red Bulls.

Meanwhile, the Sounders and Galaxy, who have taken seven points from their last nine, are reeling in the Caps’ at the top of the Western Conference.

5) No beginners luck for expansion sides

After promising starts to the season New York City and Orlando City are finding out the hard way just how unforgiving MLS can be.

Orlando are clinging onto a play-off spot but have lost three of their past four matches and have only scored in one of those games.

New York are on a six-game winless streak since beating New England in Week Two and are the second lowest scorers in MLS ahead of Montreal Impact, who have only played half as many games.

Images courtesy of Otto Greule Jr and Bongarts, with thanks.

MLS All-Stars: Week Eight

There were goals galore in MLS this weekend and our star-studded XI helped themselves to 12 as well as the odd assist here and there.

Here is our team of the week....

Goalkeeper – Joe Bendik (Toronto FC)

It was a hard-fought 90 minutes for the Toronto players as they maintained Orlando City’s winless run at the Citrus Bowl to four home games in their first season.

Jones was a threat going forward

Kaka and co had plenty of the ball and Bendik had to be alert to keep out Kevin Molino as well as veteran midfielder Eric Avila on two occasions to secure the points.

Right Back – Joevin Jones (Chicago Fire)

Although ordinarily a left back we had to get Jones in, his attacking threat from full back was a real plus for Fire going forward but he didn’t shirk his defensive duties either.

He marauded forward at every opportunity, especially when Chicago had the extra man, while ensuring that New York City were restricted to very little in front of goal.

Centre Back – Bobby Boswell (D.C. United)

D.C. United hadn’t scored at BC Place since 2011 and it was up to their captain to end that with his 9^th minute equaliser, heading home Michael Farfan’s cross.

With third choice goalkeeper Travis Worra coming on as a substitute and playing his first MLS match, Boswell organised his troops and ensured their debutant had little to do.

Left Back – Chris Tierney (New England Revolution)

The adventurous full back set the tone for his side’s 4-0 mauling of Real Salt Lake, netting the first goal with a curling right-footed shot into the top corner.

As well as beating two defenders to create space for his goal, he showed his defensive capabilities to help his side record their fourth clean sheet of the season.

Right Midfielder – Giles Barnes (Houston Dynamo)

It wasn’t quite the perfect night for the former Derby County man as his loose back pass led to one of Sporting Kansas City’s goals but he was still a standout performer.

Barnes scored in either half, the first was a sliced half volley that left the goalkeeper no chance and his drive from the edge of the area into the bottom corner was even better.

Feilhaber equalised twice for Kansas

Centre Midfielder – Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City)

MLS’ leading provider turned goal scorer this week, firing in a 23-yard thunderbolt to rescue a point for his side in their topsy-turvy 4-4 draw against Houston Dynamo.

As well as snatching a point he had also levelled the match at 3-3 in the 80^th minute, coolly slotting home a penalty after Jermaine Taylor was punished for a hand ball.

Centre Midfielder – Scott Caldwell (New England Revolution)

The defensive midfielder turned in a superb display in the engine room, combining with Revolution’s potent attack as much as possible and keeping the pressure on.

He also set-up Charlie Davies with a perfect cross and capped his performance off with a goal of his own, blasting home his first in MLS from close range.

Left Midfielder – Ethan Finlay (Columbus Crew)

The Crew winger finally showed the type of form MLS fans had come to expect after his 2014 campaign, scoring twice to open this season’s account and setting up another.

First he found striker Kei Kamara with a pinpoint cross, before redirecting the ball goal wards for his first and then calmly turning home Kamara’s cut back to finish off the rout.

Altidore bagged a brace

Right Forward – Jozy Altidore (Toronto FC)

The USMNT striker ended his side’s run of four straight defeats with two clinical finishes that put Orlando City to the sword and showed Altidore at his best.

For the first he used his power to brush past Seb Hines and fire in off the post before bringing down Benoit Cheyrou’s long pass and forcing home. 

Centre Forward – Fabian Espindola (D.C. United)

Returning from a six-match suspension, the Argentine hit the ground running and drew the foul that saw Supporter Shield leaders Vancouver Whitecaps reduced to 10 men.

Despite not making a scoring return his all-round play lit up BC Place and he inspired his side to a win that has sent them top of the Eastern Conference – not a bad comeback.  

Left Forward – David Accam (Chicago Fire)

Chicago’s DP stole the show against a subpar NYCFC, netting his first for the franchise and drawing the foul that reduced the visitors to 10 men in a superb display of attacking prowess.

Accam scored the game’s only goal, stealing in to pinch the ball from on loan goalkeeper Ryan Meara and pass home, before being hauled down by Andrew Jacobson when clean through.

Images courtesy of Thearon W. Henderson, Brent Flanders and Bongarts, with thanks

MLS 360

Benny Feilhaber’s stoppage-time rocket secured a point for Sporting Kansas City in a thrilling 4-4 draw at Houston Dynamo.

Barnes hit twice for Houston

Krisztian Nemeth gave Kansas the lead before Giles Barnes struck twice, the first a dipping volley, either side of Will Bruin’s glancing header.

Barnes’ terrible backpass let Dom Dwyer in to make it 3-2 before Jermaine Taylor was wrongly dismissed for handling Nemeth’s shot and Feilhaber levelled from the penalty spot.

Raul Rodriguez’ header looked to have won it for Owen Coyle’s side but Feilhaber struck deep into added time for 10-man Kansas City.

New England Revolution moved top of the Eastern Conference as Chris Tierney’s curling effort set them on their way to a 4-0 victory over Real Salt Lake.

Juan Agudelo tapped in, Charlie Davies headed home and Scott Caldwell slotted his first MLS goal as Real Salt Lake slipped to back-to-back defeats.

Ethan Finley and Kei Kamara starred as Columbus Crew swept past Philadelphia Union 4-1.

Kamara is in MVP form

Kamara opened the scoring, Finley’s side-footed volley made it two and Justin Meram gave Crew a 3-0 half-time lead, running 40 yards before beating John McCarthy.

Rookie Erik Ayuk pulled one back for Union but Finlay ended the contest in the 73^rd minute with his second of the season.

Goals from Bobby Boswell and Chris Rolfe saw DC United beat Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1, who had Matias Laba sent off after Pedro Morales’ volley gave them lead.

New York Red Bulls remain unbeaten as the ball fortuitously deflected off Felipe to cancel out Bradford Jamieson’s stylish opener and earn a 1-1 draw with LA Galaxy.

Dempsey is the all-time top scorer
in Seattle v Portland games

Jozy Altidore scored both goals in Toronto’s 2-0 win at Orlando City, who are still hunting their first home MLS victory.

Colorado Rapids drew 1-1 against Dallas as Nick LaBrocca cancelled out Mauro Diaz’s opener after Blas Perez saw red for an off the ball incident.

David Accam grabbed his first Chicago Fire goal in a 1-0 win over New York City, who saw Andrew Jacobson dismissed for a last-man challenge on the Ghanaian.

Seattle Sounders made it three straight wins over Portland Timbers as Clint Dempsey tapped in after Adam Kwarasey’s fumble to claim a 1-0 victory.

 Images courtesy of Bob Levey, Jamie Sabau and Erik Drost, with thanks.

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week Eight

Is MLS the best league in North America? Well after last-place Montreal Impact's exciting Champions League draw in midweek it must be.

Surely...

Anyway here are our MLS predictions as the domestic action returns...

Shipp has three assists already

Chicago Fire vs New York City – Toyota Park

Fire haven’t played since beating Toronto 3-2 on April 4, when Harry Shipp recorded his second and third assists of the season – Shipp has scored or set up four of Chicago’s five goals.

City are now winless in five matches after losing 0-1 at home to Portland Timbers on Sunday, leaving David Villa’s side with just one victory from their first seven games.

Villa is an injury doubt, having missed out against Portland and failed to train on Wednesday, so Fire could prolong City’s misery here.

Verdict: 3-1

Colorado Rapids vs FC Dallas – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Two weeks after Rapids secured their first win (and scored their first goals) of 2015 with a 4-0 demolition job in Dallas, the teams meet again in Colorado.

Rapids couldn’t build on that stunning victory, losing 3-1 to Seattle Sounders last weekend, but will be hopeful of another win over the Texans.

Dallas halted their recent slide as the fastest goal in the franchise’s history, from Fabian Castillo after 29 seconds, kick-started a 3-2 victory over Toronto to end a three-game winless run.

Verdict: 1-1

New England Revolution vs Real Salt Lake – Gillette Stadium

Revolution are now five unbeaten after losing their first two games of the season, although they did concede their first goal in 250 minutes in the 2-1 win at Philadelphia on Sunday.

Real suffered their first defeat of 2015, falling 1-0 to Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday evening and failed to score for a second consecutive game.

Revs will be thinking this weekend is a huge opportunity to beat RSL for the first time in seven games, a run stretching back to 2009.

Verdict: 2-0

Columbus Crew vs Philadelphia Union – Mapfre Stadium

Kamara's goals have been matching his celebrations

Kei Kamara’s fourth goal of the season helped Crew to a 3-0 home win over Orlando City on Saturday and tied him for second in the MLS goalscoring charts.

After losing 2-1 at home to New England Revolution, Union have both the worst defence and the worst win ratio in the overall MLS this season, with just one victory in eight games. 

Crew have never lost to Union in Columbus, winning five out of six home meetings, and won all three games against the franchise in 2014.

Verdict: 3-0 

Houston Dynamo vs Sporting Kansas City – BBVA Compass Stadium

Dynamo drew 1-1 at D.C. United last time out, while Sporting’s four-game unbeaten run ended with a 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy.

After both shifting from East to West for this season, these two sides will continue a rivalry born from three consecutive meetings in the MLS Cup Playoffs from 2011-13.

Each team won away from home in the two meetings last year, but we think the rivals will be hard to separate this time.

Verdict: 0-0

Vancouver Whitecaps vs D.C. United – BC Place

The last goal scored at BC Place was in 2011

MLS’ top side Whitecaps returned to winning ways with a 1-0 win at Real Salt Lake last weekend after two games without a victory.

United are one of three franchises tied on 11 points at the top of the Eastern Conference, after extending their undefeated run to four games thanks to a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo.

D.C. have not defeated Whitecaps since 2011 and there hasn’t been a goal scored between the two sides at BC Place since the same year, so this could be another tight one. 

Verdict: 1-0

New York Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy – Red Bull Arena (Live on Sky Sports 5 – Sunday 10pm)

New York made it five unbeaten with last week’s win over San Jose to match the longest undefeated start to a season in franchise history and remain MLS’ only unbeaten team.

Galaxy won for the second match running after ending a four-game winless streak, beating Kansas City deep in injury-time thanks to Omar Gonzalez.

But the 2014 MLS Cup winners have only beaten Red Bulls once since 2010 and with Robbie Keane a big injury doubt it will be tough for them again in this mouth-watering clash.

Verdict: 2-1

Orlando City vs Toronto FC – Citrus Bowl (Live on Sky Sports 5 – Monday 12am)

Orlando lost 3-0 at Columbus Crew last weekend, and Kaka’s side are yet to win at the Citrus Bowl this season after suffering two successive injury-time defeats at home.

Can Giovinco maintain his scoring run?

Toronto lost a fourth game in a row in a 3-2 defeat at Dallas, but DP Sebastian Giovinco has three goals in two matches and has been involved in each of TFC’s last four goals.

In this first ever meeting between the two franchises, the result may well come down to which of the star players can be a match winner on the day.

Verdict: 1-1

Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers – CenturyLink Field

Sounders beat Colorado Rapids 3-1 last weekend, while Timbers won their second match in their last three outings with a 1-0 win at New York City.

These two sides share one of the most prominent rivalries in MLS, and this will be the 89th time they have met over their long histories.

The franchises shared 16 goals in three meetings in 2014, but Portland have never won in Seattle in regular season play, and we don’t think that’s about to change.

Verdict: 3-1

Images courtesy of Thearon W. Henderson, fourfourcrew.com Jeff Vinnick and Jamie Sabau, with thanks

MLS Stat Attack: Week 8

After Montreal Impact ground out a 1-1 draw in their CONCACAF Champions League final first leg, attention turns back to league action.

We’re down to our final undefeated team but with New York Red Bulls facing MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy, will that stat remain come Monday?

Here are all the numbers you need ahead of the action….

Vancouver celebrate their last goal home against United

0: The last two meetings between Vancouver Whitecaps and D.C. United in British Columbia have ended scoreless, this fixture has not seen a goal since 2011. 

3: Houston Dynamo and Sporting Kansas City met for three consecutive seasons in the play-offs from 2011-13, 2011 and 2013 were in the Eastern Conference but both now play in the Western.

4: D.C. United have scored four goals from outside the box this season, only two other teams have done so more than once.

5: New York Red Bulls are the only remaining undefeated team and their five-match unbeaten start to the season equalled their franchise record.

6: Toronto FC’s visit to Orlando City’s Citrus Bowl will be their sixth consecutive game on the road in their seven-match start away from home.

RSL's US star Beckerman will hope to maintain that run

7: Real Salt Lake have a seven match unbeaten run against this week’s opponents New England Revolution – they have not suffered defeat since 2009. 

8: Philadelphia Union have lost more points from winning positions than any other team after last weekend’s turnaround against New England Revolution.

11: Portland Timbers have lost just 11 away MLS games under Caleb Porter since 2013, three fewer than any other franchise in that time.

16: The fiercely contested Pacific Northwest derby between Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers produced 16 goals in just three meetings in 2014.

20: Kaka has created 20 goal scoring opportunities for team mates in 2015, more than any other Major League player. 

Kaka pointing the way for MLS creators

29: Fabian Castillo’s opener for FC Dallas after 29 seconds was the fastest franchise goal and the 16^th-fastest in MLS history.

86: New York City FC have conceded three of their six goals against in the 86^th minute or later this season.

206: FC Dallas’ game against Toronto FC was delayed in the 42^nd minute because of a lightning strike and it was 206 minutes until the game resumed.

Overall MLS Stats:

Supporters’ Shield Leaders: Vancouver Whitecaps

Most Goals: Octavio Rivero (Vancouver Whitecaps) - 5

Most Assists: Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City) - 5

Most Cleansheets: Clint Irwin (Colorado Rapids) & David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps) - 4

Most Yellow Cards: 4 players - 5

Most Red Cards: 19 players - 1

Images courtesy of , with thanks

Throwback Thursday: Robbie Rogers

At 27 years old, Robbie Rogers has dropped out of university, moved to Holland, won the MLS Cup twice, represented his country and come out of retirement.

Despite this he is best known for being the first footballer to come out as gay in Britain since 1990, and the first to play in MLS.

After playing in Columbus and moving to Europe twice, Rogers has returned home to California and is now focusing on playing football again.

With La Galaxy starting to find form in 2015, we take a look back at a career that will be remembered for ever...

Rogers made headlines around the world after coming out

Factfile:

Full Name: Robert Hampton Rogers

Date of Birth: 12/05/1987

Nationality: American 

Height: 1.78m

Clubs: Heerenveen, Columbus Crew, Leeds United, Stevenage, LA Galaxy

Club Appearances: 210*

Club Goals: 20*

International Appearances: 18*

International Goals: 2*

Domestic Honours:

MLS Cup 2008, 2014

Supporters’ Shield 2008, 2009

MLS Best XI 2008

The Early Years:

Rogers played one season of college soccer for the University of Maryland scoring seven and assisting five to be named in the ACC All-Conference Freshman team.

Heerenveen, best known for finding Alfonso Alves, were alerted and the winger signed a two year contract in 2006 following a successful trial.

Rogers stated that the chance to play professionally in Europe was an opportunity he could not pass up but he failed to make a first-team appearance in Holland.

In February 2007 he left the club by mutual consent and signed with Columbus Crew after returning to the USA.

Rogers in his first MLS season with Crew

All-Conquering Crew:

Aged 20, Rogers scored three times in ten appearances during his first MLS season, including a brace in a 3-2 win over DC United.

2008 was a breakthrough year for the youngster; he played regularly for a Crew side that won the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield.

After being named in the MLS Best XI for the previous season, Rogers form dropped despite Columbus going on to win a second Supporters’ Shield in 2009.

The winger continued to be a key player for Crew in 2010 and after leading the team for assists in 2011 he turned down a new contract with the club.

Coming Out:

Rogers joined Leeds United in January 2012 shortly after making the last of his 18 international appearances to date.

He make his debut on February 12 but was substituted after just ten minutes due to a head injury and would make just three more appearances for the club.

After a brief loan spell with Stevenage, Rogers left Leeds by mutual consent in January 2013 before announcing he was gay on February 15.

The US international played nine times for Stevenage

Rogers was the first British based player to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990; sadly his announcement coincided with his retirement at just 25.

Return To Football:

On May 1 2013, Rogers began training with LA Galaxy and said he had been convinced to return when speaking at an LGBT youth event in Portland.

He agreed terms with the club three weeks later following the trade of his MLS rights from Chicago Fire in exchange for striker Mike Magee.

When he made his debut in a 4-0 win over Seattle Sounders, Rogers became the first openly gay man to play in a top North American professional sports league.

Since signing with the club, Rogers has reverted to left back, a position he originally struggled with, and was part of Galaxy’s 2014 MLS Cup winning side.

Rogers playing in Galaxy's 2-1 aet MLS Cup final victory

What’s Next...:

At 27 Rogers is now in the prime of his career and is showing signs of finally coming to terms with his new role as a left back.

The MLS Cup holders struggled at the start of 2015 but, after winning back-to-back games, they now lie third in the Western Conference.

On a personal level, Bruce Arena has given Rogers a huge degree of freedom on Galaxy’s left and he will hope to score a first MLS goal in four years.

If he can, and he continues to produce the cavalier performances of recent weeks, the former winger could earn a first international cap since 2011. 

Images courtesy of Greg Hernandez, inmediahk, Greg Bartram and Victor Decolongon, with thanks.