Top 5 MLS Rookies 2015

In 2014 Tesho Akindele made his FC Dallas debut on April 12 and scored his first goal on May 21 on the way to being named MLS’ Rookie of the Year.

This season 19 rookies have made their MLS debut, including 14 of the first round picks in the 2015 SuperDraft.

In comparison only 13 of the 2014 SuperDraft’s first round picks saw any playing time last season, and only 26 rookies featured in MLS.

Shelton in action for NYCFC

Here we look at the top five rookies of 2015 to date...

5) Khiry Shelton (New York City FC)

Forward – 2^nd overall pick

After scoring 10 and assisting 12 in his senior year at college, big things were expected of Shelton and he hasn’t disappointed. Remarkably, he has appeared in 11 of New York City’s 12 matches this season. After impressing with a series of pacy, direct displays off the bench he has started six of his side’s last seven matches. In the other match he came off the bench to score the stoppage-time equaliser, his first MLS goal, against Chicago Fire. Shelton is not the finished article, and needs to improve his decision making in the final third, but a big future awaits the US Under-23 international.

4) Fatai Alashe (San Jose Earthquakes)

Defensive Midfielder – 4^th overall pick

Alashe made the perfect start to his professional career by scoring the first goal at San Jose’s brand new Avaya Stadium. That was the midfielder’s second start and his side’s second win after a 16-match winless streak dating back to last season. Alashe scored 14 times and made 15 assists in 85 appearances for Michigan State and has also made 11 appearances for Portland Timbers Under-23s. With nine starts already this year, he has become an integral part of Dominic Kinnear’s side, which currently sits fourth in the Western Conference, and look’s set for a long career in MLS.

Dia (Right) battles ex-Leeds striker Mike Grella for the ball

3) Amadou Dia (Sporting Kansas City)

Defender – 20^th overall pick

After starting both of Sporting Kansas City’s first two games of the season, Dia had to wait until his side’s 4-2 victory over New England Revolution for his third start of the season. Rookies Saad Abdul-Salaam and Connor Hallisey also ended the game for Sporting KC, but Dia has been the pick of this years crop. Born in France, the left back made 70 appearances in a four year college career and has made a seamless transition to MLS. He made his fifth start and ninth appearance against FC Dallas, where he helped shutout one of the league’s most prolific attacks. The most impressive defender of this year’s rookies.

2) Matt Polster (Chicago Fire)

Defensive Midfielder – 7^th overall pick

After starting all 79 games he played in his four-year college career with SIU Edwardsville, Polster made just one substitute appearance for Chicago before earning a starting spot. Fire have endured a difficult start to the season, but Polster has produced a number of impressive displays in holding midfield, in particular for his precise passing and defensive awareness. He has earned comparisons to Wil Trapp and US legend John Harkes, the first American to play in the Premier League. Likely to move on to better things.

Larin has scored four times to justify his No.1 Draft pick

1) Cyle Larin (Orlando City)

Forward – 1^st overall pick

In 2007 Maurice Edu became the first No. 1 SuperDraft pick to become Rookie of the Year – in 2015 Larin might just become the second. The 20-year-old had to wait until April 12 for his first start but promptly scored in a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers and now has four goals in seven starts for Orlando. Larin looks to be purpose built to be a striker; he’s lightning quick, strong and his finishing has improved in recent weeks. He was the star in Orlando’s 4-0 demolition of LA Galaxy – he ran the Galaxy defence ragged from start to finish and topped off a brilliant display with his third goal in as many games. The best of an impressive rookie bunch so far.

Disagree? Let us know who you think should have made the list in the comments section below.

Images courtesy of Elsa, Jamie Squire and Alex Menendez, with thanks.

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 13

Seattle Sounders are the new MLS leaders and there are now six franchises separated by just three points in the running for Supporters’ Shield glory.

Montreal Impact have lifted themselves off the foot of the overall table in what has been a slow-starting domestic season after their Champions League exploits.

As the 2015 table really begins to take shape, here are our predictions for another bumper weekend of MLS action.

Sporting Kansas City vs FC Dallas – Sporting Park

Sporting are unbeaten in five games and have lost just once in 10 matches since March 21 after an impressive defensive display earned a point at Seattle Sounders.

A first loss since April 10 saw Dallas begin a five-game road swing with a 2-1 defeat at Montreal Impact on Saturday, ending their undefeated run.

Wondo is the latest 100 Club member

Dallas secured a 3-1 home win over KC in the sides’ first meeting this season but we’re backing them to gain revenge this time around.

Verdict: 2-1

Toronto FC vs San Jose Earthquakes – BMO Field (Live on Sky Sports 1 - Saturday 10pm)

Sebastian Giovinco’s stunning strike capped a fine individual performance as Toronto recorded their first league win at BMO this season – his fifth goal already. 

Chris Wondolowski became the ninth member of the 100 Goal Club as his penalty ensured San Jose drew 1-1 with Orlando City on Sunday.

Earthquakes are unbeaten in five matches but Toronto’s form has picked up since late April – the Reds have lost just one of their last five games.

Verdict: 1-1

Vancouver Whitecaps vs Real Salt Lake – BC Place

Whitecaps’ slide continued as a 1-0 defeat in Colorado saw them lose back-to-back games for the first time this season, slipping to third in the Western Conference.

Salt Lake saw Javier Morales and Joao Plata return from injury but still lost at LA Galaxy to leave them with just two wins from their last nine matches.

These franchises are also meeting for the second time this season and we think the Canadian Championship finalists will make it back-to-back wins against Real.

Verdict: 2-0

New York City FC vs Houston Dynamo – Yankee Stadium

City’s winless run is now at 10 matches after a 2-0 defeat at head coach Jason Kreis’ former club Real Salt Lake last weekend.

Dynamo have been one of MLS’ most inconsistent performers in 2015 and a planned friendly against Manchester City was cancelled due to flooding on Thursday.

NYC have fallen to the bottom of the Eastern Conference and are MLS’ joint-lowest scorers, and we think Houston’s prolific strike partnership will add to their misery.

Verdict: 0-2

Orlando City SC vs Columbus Crew SC – Citrus Bowl

Kaka will be looking to add to his five goals already

Orlando couldn’t capitalise on their stunning 4-0 win over LA Galaxy as Kaká’s fifth goal of the season could only earn a 1-1 draw with San Jose Earthquakes.

Kei Kamara’s third brace of the season earned a 2-2 draw for Crew against Chicago Fire last time out – the striker leads the MLS Golden Boot standings.

Columbus cruised to a 3-0 home victory against Orlando last month but we think the Lions pose a sterner test this time and claim a second home win.

Verdict: 2-1

DC United vs Philadelphia Union – RFK Stadium

Since United’s eight-match unbeaten run was ended earlier this month they haven’t won in three, but they remain top of the Eastern Conference.

Union secured consecutive wins for the first time this season last Sunday, but they have conceded six more goals than any other MLS side in 2015.

Philadelphia secured a stoppage time win over DC just two weeks ago, but United’s home advantage should see them triumph in the second meeting this season.

Verdict: 3-0 

Chicago Fire vs Montreal Impact – Toyota Park

Fire salvaged a point at Columbus last Friday but are now four without victory, after they had won three in a row from the end of March until late April.

Impact claimed a second consecutive win after losing their first five, Ignacio Piatti starring in a 2-1 victory against high-fliers Dallas on Saturday.

The visiting team has never won a match between these two franchises and Impact are yet to score away from home in MLS in 2015 from three attempts.

Doyle made his Rapids debut in the week 

Verdict: 0-0

Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

After ending their MLS-record home winless streak last weekend, Rapids lost 1-0 to Seattle in midweek as DP striker Kevin Doyle made his first start for the franchise.

Portland also played in the week, beating Eastern Conference table-toppers DC United to move three points clear of Colorado at the foot of the Western Conference.

Timbers have never beaten Rapids in Colorado and with these sides currently the two lowest scorers in the Western Conference it should be a tight affair. 

Verdict: 1-0

Seattle Sounders vs New York Red Bulls – CenturyLink Field (Live on Sky Sports 5 - Sunday 10pm)

Seattle’s midweek win over Colorado moved them to the top of both the Western Conference and the Supporters’ Shield standings for the first time in 2015.

Red Bulls’ form has slipped in recent weeks – after going seven unbeaten to start 2015 they have one win in six and have failed to score in back-to-back matches.

Sounders are MLS’ joint-top scorers and have conceded just nine goals, the fewest of any side, meaning the formbook and the statistics only point to one outcome.

Verdict: 4-1

New England Revolution vs LA Galaxy – Gillette Stadium

Substitute Alan Gordon scored in second-half stoppage time to move to four goals for the season and give Galaxy a 1-0 win against Houston Dynamo last weekend.

Revs striker Charlie Davies has five goals in his last seven games, as his side recovered from their first loss in nine games with a draw against DC United.

This is a mouth-watering rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final, won 2-1 in extra time by Galaxy, and we’re predicting a high-scoring home win.

Verdict: 3-2

Images courtesy of Ronald Martinez, Alex Menendez and Bongarts, with thanks

Stat-Attack: MLS Week 13

Seattle Sounders sit a top the MLS overall standings heading into Week 13, and New York City find themselves at the foot of the table for the first time after back-to-back wins for Montreal Impact.

Here are all the facts and figures you need to know ahead of the weekend's fixtures...

Seattle are looking good to defend the Supporters' Shield title

0 – The visiting team has never won in matches between Chicago Fire and Montreal Impact – Fire are at home this weekend.

1 – Seattle Sounders lead the Supporters’ Shield race for the first time this season after their 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids in midweek – they are one point ahead of DC United.

2 – Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 defeat to Colorado last weekend saw them fall to back-to-back defeats for the first time in 2015.

3 – DC United top the Eastern Conference despite having failed to win any of their last three matches, losing two and drawing one.

4 – Real Salt Lake have conceded four penalties this season, more than any other MLS side.

Giovinco scored the winner for Toronto
last time out, his fifth goal of the season

6 – Alan Gordon’s stoppage-time winner against Houston Dynamo was his sixth added-time goal in the past four MLS seasons.

7 – Chris Wondolowski has scored more goals than the rest of the San Jose Earthquakes squad put together this season; he has scored seven of his their 13 goals so far.

8 – Sebastian Giovinco has scored a goal and/or made an assist in eight of Toronto’s 10 games this season.

10 – Expansion side New York City FC find themselves bottom overall following their 10-match winless streak.

11 – Colorado’s 1-0 win at home to Portland Timbers ended their MLS-record 11-game home winless run.

32 – New England Revolution played 32 minutes of their 1-1 draw against DC United with nine men following red cards for Chris Tierney and Lee Nguyen.

100 – Wondolowski became the second fastest, and ninth all-time, player to score 100 MLS goals when scoring from the penalty spot against Orlando City.

Kamara has scored 3 braces this campaign

300 – Nat Borchers became the 29^th man to reach 300 MLS appearances in Portland Timbers 1-0 loss at Toronto FC; Chicago Fire’s Jon Busch also reached the landmark last week.

350 – Brad Davis is one step ahead though and made his 350^th MLS appearance in Houston Dynamo’s 1-0 loss to LA Galaxy – he is sixth on the all-time appearance list.

Overall MLS Stats:

Supporters’ Shield Leaders: Seattle Sounders

Most Goals: Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew) – 9

Most Assists: Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City) – 7

Most Cleansheets: Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders) – 7

Most Yellows: 9 players – 5

Most Reds: Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake) – 2 

Images courtesy of Al's view and Jamie Sabau, with thanks.

Throwback Thursday: Eddie Johnson

This week player safety was supposed to be one of the hottest topics in world soccer as the FIFA medical conference was to take centre stage.

But with the developments in Switzerland in recent days, that has sadly been overshadowed with stories of corruption and false play in the news instead.

USA international Eddie Johnson, now plying his trade with D.C. United, has not played this season after it was rumoured doctors found he has a heart condition.

Johnson in his Fulham days

So we’ve decided to take a look back at the career of the former Fulham striker and we hope he is able to resume his career soon.

Factfile:

Full name: Edward Abraham Johnson

Date of Birth: 31/03/1984

Nationality: American

Height: 1.83m

Clubs: FC Dallas (Dallas Burn), Kansas City Wizards, Fulham, Cardiff City, Aris, Preston North End,

Seattle Sounders, D.C. United

Club Appearances: 328*

Club Goals: 90*

International Appearances: 63*

International Goals: 19*

Honours: CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007 & 2013

The Early Years:

Johnson was one of the youngest players to be inducted into the Project-40 scheme, now called Generation Adidas, when he was signed by FC Dallas in 2001.

The project was set up to improve America’s brightest talents because franchises did not have their own youth academies to nurture young player, but that is beginning to change.

In his early years in Texas, the striker struggled for playing time and even when he was on the field he was very inconsistent.

But following his 2004 breakthrough season Benfica offered what would have been an MLS-record $5 million transfer fee, but Johnson and MLS turned down the move.

The striker has won two Gold Cups

Coming Of Age:

After an incredibly prolific few years with the USMNT youth sides, Johnson scored on his full international bow against El Salvador in October 2004.

And by February 2006 he was on the move to Kansas City Wizards as Dallas faced salary cap trouble and a reported move to Reading failed to materialise.

He struggled to adapt to his new surroundings and saw his form drop for club and country in his first season with the Wizards.

After playing twice in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, Johnson returned to his best and became the first player ever to score back to back hat-tricks in MLS.

Overseas Adventure:

His return to form was capped with a 2007 Gold Cup winner’s medal and after rejecting the overtures of Derby County that summer, he did eventually move on.

Johnson joined Fulham the following January and made six appearances in his debut season, but failed to win a regular place and was sent out on loan.

First he had a season long spell with Cardiff City in the Championship but failed to find his scoring touch their either, netting twice in 33 games.

Fulham continued to send the striker out on loan and spells with Greek side Aris and Preston North End followed, before he permanently left Craven Cottage.

Return To MLS:

After falling out of international consciousness, including not being selected for the 2010 World Cup, Johnson decided a move back to MLS was in his best interests.

After briefly training with Mexican side Puebla, the striker joined Seattle Sounders in February 2012 and made a strong comeback to MLS with 14 goals in total.

He was voted MLS' Comeback Player of the Year in 2012

He followed that up by helping the Sounders progress to the Champions League semi-finals in 2013 and winning his second Gold Cup with the USA that summer.

But after openly making pleas for an improved contract, he was traded to D.C. United ahead of last season and went on to score nine goals in all competitions. 

What’s Next?

Johnson is taking an indefinite break from soccer with an unspecified medical issue that may mean he will not play again for DC, or any franchise for that matter.

Both United and the player have not commented on his absence, but according to Washington Post sources the problem is with his heart.

He is the Washington-based franchise’s highest paid player but after a promising start to 2014 he faded towards the end of last season.

At the moment however, his primary concern is dealing with the health issues that he faces and any hopes of a return to soccer remain a distant option.

Images courtesy of Hamish Blair, Stephen Dunn and Otto Greule Jr, with thanks

5 Things We Learnt: MLS Week 12

In the week Robbie Keane made his much needed return from injury and Didier Drogba announced his interest in playing in Major League Soccer, here are the five things we learnt this week...

Keane assisted Galaxy's winner on his return from injury

1) Keane is still Galaxy’s MVP

It won’t surprise anyone that Robbie Keane’s return to the LA Galaxy side heralded a return to winning ways for Bruce Arena’s team. Last season’s MLS MVP is the key player for Galaxy, even more so now that Landon Donovan has retired. He produced a wonderful delivery to find Alan Gordon for yet another late winner, and his fitness record could define LA’s 2015 season. Steven Gerrard’s July arrival will help fill a gaping hole in the Galaxy midfield but until then, all eyes will be on Keane.

2) Schmid solving cup woes

With Seattle Sounders set to face Portland Timbers in the fourth round of the US Open Cup, Sounders’ boss Sigi Schmid has suggested the competition be reformatted. Schmid, who has won the Cup five times, believes that a move from the current regional system to match the set up of England’s FA Cup would improve the standard of the competition. Certainly the lure of Cascadian rivals meeting in the finals could attract big crowds, and Don Garber won’t be adverse to an all-New York semi-final – it might just be something to think about...

Drogba has been linked with NYCFC

3) Big names arriving?

MLS has taken big steps since David Beckham’s arrival in 2007 and now some of world football’s biggest names have announced their intentions to coach in the USA. In the past fortnight AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta and former Premier League manager Michael Laudrup have signalled their interest in a move to MLS. With stars like Andrea Pirlo and Didier Drogba also announcing an interest, it is clear that the league is making steps towards its goal of competing with the best in the world by 2020.

4) New kid on the block in Kansas

Last season Dom Dwyer set Sporting Park alight, but this time round Peter Vermes’ star have a new star and his name is Krisztian Nemeth. The Hungarian international has five goals from eight starts since arriving in the close season and was the difference as Sporting KC ended New England Revolution’s nine-game unbeaten run last Wednesday. The former Liverpool striker couldn’t make the breakthrough in England but is making a huge impact on MLS. A star of the future.

5) League more even than ever

A third of the way through MLS 2015’s regular season, seven points separate the top 12 teams in the overall standings - further back the next six teams are divided by just three points. DC United are the latest side to sit on top of the overall standings in the most competitive season to date. Last weekend only two of the top ten ranked teams won, continuing a pattern of upsets that has run throughout the season. New York City aside, the fight for play-off positions looks set to run until the final day, and everyone is in contention.

Images courtesy of Bay Area Bias and Bongarts, with thanks.

All-Stars: MLS Week 12

With reflection on the Premier League’s standout players already in full flow, see who makes our MLS team of the week this time around.

Goalkeeper – Clint Irwin (Colorado Rapids)

Colorado picked up their first home win of the season against Vancouver Whitecaps and Irwin was instrumental in that, continually keeping the visitors at bay.

He was involved in a bizarre incident with Kianz Froese, who was booked for diving, and produced a string of saves to keep a clean sheet.  

Farrell was superb as Revolution went down to nine men

Right Back – Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution)

Down to nine men for the last 30 minutes, the Revolution defence stood strong to grind out a result in their Eastern Conference clash with D.C. United.

Farrell was central to that with his heroic display and denied DC a shot on target until the 80^th minute, though that did result in their equaliser. 

Centre Back – Jamison Olave (Real Salt Lake)

The colossal Salt Lake defender has been a recurring inclusion in our teams of the week, such has been his consistency during the first third of the season.

It was the same again this week, he controlled his back four against New York City and looked composed in everything he did – even grabbing an assist.

Centre Back – Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City)

Besler and his fellow defenders put in a determined display to stop Clint Dempsey breaking the MLS record for goal involvement in consecutive matches.

Seattle Sounders have a habit of scoring late winners this season but Besler made sure concentration remained high and Sporting recorded a clean sheet.

Left Back – Fabio Alves (Philadelphia Union)

Union pulled off a shock result against New York Red Bulls and Alves was integral at both ends of the fields in a superb display.

Maidana starred for Union

Not only did he held keep the Red Bulls attacking players at bay with some brilliant defending, he also set-up C.J. Sapong with an inch perfect cross.

Right Midfield – Cristian Maidana (Philadelphia Union)

With Alves providing the attacking threat down one wing, it was Maidana who offered the width on the right flank and also turned in a rounded performance.

Maidana created the first goal, when Vincent Nogueira back heeled his goal bound effort into the net, and the winger balanced it well with his defensive duties.

Centre Midfield – Lucas Pittinari (Colorado Rapids)

The Rapids new signing picked up his first goal in MLS to seal his side’s win and the defensive midfielder almost doubled his tally in the same game.

He met Gabriel Torres ingenious flick to score the goal’s only game and was close to adding another on 70 minutes but his header whistled over the bar.

Left Midfield – Ignacio Piatti (Montreal Impact)

Impact seem to have found their feet in MLS and Piatti has been a big part of that, again proving invaluable in their win against FC Dallas.

The Argentine scored his second goal of the season from the spot to open the scoring before playing a one-two to assist Jack McInerney’s curling effort.  

Striker – Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew)

The league’s joint-highest scorer ahead of the weekend is now out on his own, recording his third brace of the season to make it nine goals in 11 matches.

He opened the scoring early on, finishing off a good team move from close range before heading home from Kevan George’s centre in an impressive display.

Keane's return has an immediate impact on LA Galaxy

Striker – Robbie Keane (LA Galaxy)

After missing the last seven weeks through injury, the 2014 MVP made a brilliant comeback as ignited a Galaxy attack that had look devoid of ideas.

He helped LA end their five-match winless run too, crossing for Alan Gordon to head home a 93rd-minute winner and seal all three points against Houston Dynamo. 

Striker –Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC)

Giovinco ran the show as Toronto picked up their first home win of the season, grabbing the winner with a sumptuous effort with the outside of his boot.

It wasn’t just the goal, his link-up play with former Swansea City striker Luke Moore tore Portland Timbers apart and the little Italian was back to his very best.

Images courtesy of Jim Rogash, Gene Sweeney Jr. and bay area bias, with thanks

Three Good, Three Bad: MLS Week 12

A third of the way through MLS’s regular season the league is tighter than ever – FC Dallas were the latest to make a break for the lead until they met Montreal, 20^th overall.

New England’s nine-match unbeaten run ended in Kansas but who are the real winners and losers from MLS Week 12?

Giovinco is the key man for Toronto

Flying High...

1) Giovinco’s Genius

It isn’t surprising that Sebastian Giovinco is tearing up MLS, but Toronto fans will be thanking their lucky stars he is playing for them. The Italian international produced another splendid game-winning goal to beat Portland Timbers this weekend and Greg Vanney is rightly looking to get the ball to Giovinco at every opportunity. The forward now has five goals this season and must be in line to become the MLS newcomer of the year!

2) Montreal making an Impact

After coming within 45 minutes of being the first Canadian to lift the CONCACAF Champions League, Montreal suffered in MLS. However, the Canadians have now won back-to-back games to lift themselves of the foot of the overall standings despite having played five games fewer than New York City. Frank Klopas’ team have at least three games in hand on every other side and could cause waves with the counter-attacking style that was too hot for FC Dallas.

3) Wonderful Wondo

We praised him last week, but you can’t leave out a man who has now hit 100 MLS goals! Six years ago it looked like Chris Wondolowski’s career was destined for obscurity but he is now one of the nine most prolific marksman in league history. It’s some story and the San Jose hitman is not done yet – if he reaches double figures this campaign, an inevitability, he will become the first man in history to score 10 goals in six consecutive MLS seasons.

He has hit the century mark. Congrats to Chris Wondolowski on recording his 100th MLS career goal! 1-1! #SJvORL pic.twitter.com/o3BozjLkb6

— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) May 25, 2015

In the pits...

Nguyen saw red in NE's 1-1 draw with DC

1) Nguyen’s Nine-man New England

Lee Nguyen looked to be returning to his best form in recent weeks but he let his teammates down in a big way when he received a reckless red against DC United. Coming just six minutes after Chris Tierney had already been dismissed, the playmaker left his side with nine men for 32 minutes. The fact that they still managed to claim a point only means Nguyen owes the squad more when he returns. Tierney’s challenge was reckless but Nguyen was foolish.

2) Red Bulls Rage no more

How big a loss would Thierry Henry be for New York Red Bulls? A big one. Okay, so no surprises there but after a strong start, we are beginning to see, the Red Bulls just don’t have the key to open up resolute defences without him. Not only did Henry produce the moments of magic to open the door for New York, he also attracted the attentions of at least two opponents. Without his fear factor, New York have failed to score in their past two games, Bradley Wright-Phillips’ goals are down and sides now believe they can keep the Red Bulls at bay.

3) Problems in Portland

When Portland terrorised LA Galaxy in their 2-2 draw early in the season, many predicted the side had turned a corner and would threaten the league’s top sides in 2015. They produced a similarly impressive performance to sweep aside Dallas in early April but since then the Timbers have struggled to produce consistent performances. Fanendo Adi and Darlington Nagbe have had their moments but 2015 is quickly becoming a case of what might have been for Portland.

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

MLS 360

Chris Wondolowski’s penalty-kick made him the ninth man to score 100 MLS goals and earned a 1-1 draw against 10-man Orlando City.

Wondo joined the 100 club!

Brek Shea saw red in the 51^st minute but Kaka gave Orlando the lead from the penalty spot before Wondolowski’s strike extended the Quakes’ unbeaten run to five games.

In Week 12’s opening match Sporting Kansas City beat New England Revolution 4-2 thanks to a brace from their top-scorer Krisztian Nemeth.

Revolution took the lead through Juan Agudelo before Dom Dwyer spun Jermaine Jones to fire home the equaliser.

Nemeth scored either side of Benny Feilhaber’s penalty: Scott Caldwell notched a consolation for New England, who saw their nine-match unbeaten run come to an end.

The goals dried up when Kansas travelled to second-placed Seattle Sounders as the sides drew 0-0, completing a good week for Sporting KC.

New England also drew their second game of the week, 1-1 with DC United, despite playing 32 minutes with nine men.

It's never over until it's over with Gordo

Charlie Davies put New England ahead before Chris Tierney and Lee Nguyen saw red within six minutes of eachother enabling Jairo Arrieta to tap DC level.

LA Galaxy saw Oscar Sorto sent off late on but ended their five-match winless streak with a 1-0 win against Houston Dynamo thanks to Alan Gordon’s stoppage-time header.

Kei Kamara’s third brace of the season wasn’t enough for Columbus Crew to beat Chicago Fire- David Accam and substitute Jason Johnson earned a 2-2 draw for the visitors.

Giovinco is becoming
a key man for Toronto

Ignacio Piatti’s penalty and Jack McInerney’s strike saw Montreal Impact move off the foot of the Eastern Conference by beating FC Dallas 2-1 – Matt Hedges’ netted for Dallas.

New York City took their place as John Stertzer’s first MLS goal and Alvaro Saborio’s header condemned them to a 2-0 loss at Real Salt Lake.

New York Red Bulls also slipped up as Vincent Nogueira and substitute C.J.Sapong scored in a 2-0 away win for Philadelphia Union.

Sebastian Giovinco’s left-footed strike helped Toronto claim a first home win, beating Portland Timbers 1-0.

Colorado Rapids won at home for the first time since July 2014 – Lucas Pittinari scored the only goal in a 1-0 success against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Images courtesy of Ronald Martinez, Harry How and Jamie Sabau, with thanks.

Who should you support in MLS?

With the Premier League season coming to an end and only Copa America to get you through until pre season, why not turn your attention to MLS?

It always means more when you have a team to support, so we’ve done the hard work for you and matched each club up to their MLS counterparts.

Harry Shipp is the latest Fire prospect

Arsenal – Chicago Fire

Famed for their extensive player development system, Fire look to bring through young players but have suffered somewhat of a trophy drought in recent seasons.

Their debut season, 1998, began with a MLS Cup and US Open Cup double and more trophies followed in the early 2000s but nothing since 2006. 

Aston Villa – Real Salt Lake

Salt Lake enjoyed their most successful spell under the guidance of current New York City boss Jason Kreis and will hope his departure doesn’t signal a decline.

More importantly the Spanish word ‘Real’ translates as Royal and with Prince William, and his son George, Villa fans their might be another royal connection.

Burnley – Orlando City

The expansion side have struggled so far this season but did spring a surprise when they beat giants and reigning champions LA Galaxy at home.

Like Burnley goals have been hard to come by, but unlike their English counterparts Orlando have a World Cup winner in Kaka to turn to.

David Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007

Chelsea – LA Galaxy

Galaxy announced their ambition to change the face of MLS when David Beckham joined in 2007 and forced the league’s other big-hitters to adapt their transfer policy.

LA have always been one of MLS’ more successful franchises but have now found a way of sustaining that

success, winning three of the last four MLS Cups.

Crystal Palace – Portland Timbers

Portland’s main supporters group, the Timbers Army, are known for their loud, enthusiastic support and the raucous atmosphere they create home and away.

Selhurst Park has that formidable reputation in the Premier League and Providence Park is no different, having sold out every home game to date.

Everton – Columbus Crew

Everton’s Goodison Park was the first purpose-built soccer stadium in the world, while Crew’s Mapfre Stadium was the first soccer-specific stadium ever built in MLS.

Columbus may not be one of MLS’ biggest names but they have certainly had recent on field successes and are a club heading in the right direction.

Hull City – Sporting Kansas City

While rebranding is a no-go area in England, Hull fans have made their views on the issue clear this season, it’s much more common in the USA.

Although not the only MLS franchise to go through the process, Sporting had one of the most high-profile name changes after 15 years as the Kansas City Wizards.

Owen Coyle is in charge of Houston Dynamo

Leicester City – Houston Dynamo

Dynamo Diesel is an orange-haired fox and was chosen as the Houston mascot in 2007, so naturally any Leicester fan will want to keep supporting the Foxes!

Managed by former Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle, Houston made a big impression when first entering MLS back in 2006 but have not built on that early dominance. 

Liverpool – New England Revolution

New England hold the distinction of being MLS’ only founder member to have every league game in its history televised – a rich history they are proud of.

But they have never been able to turn that support into ultimate success, finishing as runners-up in the MLS Cup final on five occasions.

Manchester City – New York City

Newcomers on the block with money to spend, superstars in the line-up and an ambition to take over MLS in the coming years – sound familiar?

David Villa was the Robinho style announcement signing and with Frank Lampard on the way, there could be more big names set to arrive in the Big Apple.

D.C. United dominated the early years in MLS

Manchester United – D.C. United

United dominated MLS in the early years and hold the joint record for the most Supporters’ Shield titles, as well as playing in red and black!

They are second only to LA Galaxy for MLS Cup triumphs and were the first club to win both the MLS Cup and MLS Supporters' Shield consecutively.

Newcastle United – Seattle Sounders

Seattle have led MLS attendances since their inaugural season, averaging crowds of almost double any other franchise in the country such is the passion of their supporters.

Sounders also enjoy boasting big name signings and have been much more successful than Newcastle in recent seasons – hopefully they’ll cheer up the disillusioned Geordies.

Queens Park Rangers – Toronto

Toronto have spent big since their 2007 introduction to MLS but their big-name signings have failed to delivered and the policy is yet to reap reward.

Jermain Defoe came and went among others and to make matters worse, the Canadian side have a history of struggling on the road – sound familiar?

Carl Robinson has revamped Vancouver 

Southampton – Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver have taken MLS by storm after entering the league in 2011, becoming the first Canadian side to reach the play-offs on more than one occasion.

Former Wales international Carl Robinson was an unproven manager but has changed the franchise’s transfer policy and blooded several promising youngsters in their impressive start to 2015. 

Stoke City – FC Dallas

Dallas are an emerging force in MLS with a recent tradition to be proud of on the pitch and also a growing reputation off the field.

Playing in red and white, the franchise have several supporters groups that claim: “Their mission is simple: To promote the sport. Increase the love for their club.”

Sunderland – Philadelphia Union

Despite being one of the ten largest metropolitan areas in the USA Philadelphia was not represented when MLS kicked off in 1996, only joining the league in 2008.

It was a supporters group that convinced the league that there was a passionate soccer following in the city and several rivalries have developed – including Seattle Sounders!

Swansea City – Montreal Impact

Montreal came across the border to take the cup competitions by storm in MLS, winning the Canadian Championship in two of their first three seasons.

They also had a whirlwind adventure on the continent and became the first Canadian outfit to reach the

CONCACAF Champions League final earlier this season.

New York Red Bulls have flattered to deceive in MLS

Tottenham Hotspur – New York Red Bulls

One of the founder members of MLS, Red Bulls have had a raft of big names and played some eye-catching soccer but have consistently underachieved.

Their only trophy to date was the 2013 Supporters’ Shield and despite regularly progressing to the post season play-offs, they still flatter to deceive.  

West Bromwich Albion – Colorado Rapids

Rapids are one of MLS’ understated and smaller franchises but upset the odds when they won the 2010 MLS Cup – their only trophy to date.

They compete with Real Salt Lake for the Rocky Mountain Cup, one of MLS’ few geographical rivalries, the equivalent of a midlands derby with Aston Villa perhaps?

West Ham United – San Jose Earthquakes

Earthquakes boast a rich heritage with the likes of George Best turning out for them when the franchise was formed the first time around in the 1970s.

The MLS San Jose have had a troubled time, the franchise was replaced by Houston Dynamo before being reformed but remain a big name Stateside.

Images courtesy of Thearon W. Henderson, Gregg DeGuire, Victor Decolongon, Simon Bruty, Rosie Tulips and Steve Dykes, with thanks

Previews and Predictions: MLS Week 12

MLS continues to throw up surprises, with Montreal Impact and Orlando City recording their first win and first home win of the season respectively last week.

Yet again we’ve tried to guess what’s going to happen in this topsy-turvy season, so here are our predictions for this weekend’s fixtures.

Kamara should fire Crew to a win

Columbus Crew SC vs Chicago Fire – Mapfre Stadium

Crew are still winless away from home this season, but they have won their last three at home and scored 10 goals in the process.

Fire are without a win in three games after a 2-2 draw with New York City, in which Jeff Larentowicz scored from the spot for the second consecutive match. 

The combination of MLS’ joint-highest scorer, Kei Kamara, and midfielder Ethan Findley, who has five assists in 2015, should propel Crew to victory here.

Verdict: 3-1

LA Galaxy vs Houston Dynamo – StubHub Center

Galaxy’s winless away streak was extended to 13 games after a humiliating 4-0 loss at Orlando City and they are still missing a host of first team players.

Dynamo come into the match boasting their first back-to-back wins of 2015 and Giles Barnes has now scored six goals this season, more than half Galaxy’s entire tally.

This is the franchises’ second meeting at StubHub Center this season after a 1-1 draw on March 21, and Galaxy haven’t beaten Houston in MLS since 2011.

Verdict: 1-1

Toronto FC vs Portland Timbers – BMO Field (Live on Sky Sports 3 – Saturday 10pm)

Michael Bradley’s first goal of the season secured a draw against Eastern high-fliers New England Revolution last weekend as Jozy Altidore went off injured.

This is Timbers’ third consecutive away trip but there is a bad omen for them – the visiting team has never won when these sides have met.

Both franchises have only won three times this season but we’re backing Toronto to make that four with their first home win of the campaign.

Verdict: 2-0

New England Revolution vs D.C. United – Gillette Stadium

New England lost for the first time in 10 games in midweek, with Juan Agudelo’s fourth goal of the season not enough to prevent a 4-2 defeat.

Agudelo in action for USMNT vs Mexico

United also had a mammoth unbeaten run ended in their last match, their eight-game streak finished by a stoppage-time winner for Philadelphia Union on Sunday.

Revolution are currently on a club-record 16-game unbeaten run at home and in this top of the Eastern Conference clash we think that streak will continue.

Verdict: 3-2

Montreal Impact vs FC Dallas – Stade Saputo

Montreal finally kick-started their stunted MLS campaign with a first win of the season last weekend, comprehensively dispatching Real Salt Lake 4-1 at home.

Dallas have never lost to Impact in MLS and are unbeaten in five this season, a run that sees the Texans top of the Western Conference.

Montreal will be looking to climb the table after last weekend’s breakthrough, but will find it a tough ask against one of the season’s early pacesetters.

Verdict: 1-3

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

Rapids’ match was postponed due to stormy weather last weekend and they are without a win in five games, having drawn their last four.

Whitecaps lost at home to Seattle last weekend but secured their Canadian Championship final berth with a dramatic, late 2-1 second-leg win at Edmonton in midweek.

Vancouver have only won once in Colorado but will be confident of victory having lost just once in six games on the road in all competitions this season.

Verdict: 1-2

Seattle Sounders vs Sporting Kansas City – CenturyLink Field

Clint Dempsey grabbed an assist as Seattle won 2-0 in Vancouver to keep up his record of scoring or assisting in all of his games this season.

The American has seven goals and five assists in eight matches and is perhaps the main reason for Sounders’ lofty position in a fiercely-competitive Western Conference.

Sporting recorded a superb win over New England in midweek but have not beaten Seattle in eight MLS games since 2009 and that run should continue.

Kreis returns to Rio Tinto Stadium with NYC

Verdict: 3-0

Real Salt Lake vs New York City FC – Rio Tinto Stadium

Real Salt Lake have just one win in their last seven games after becoming Montreal’s first MLS victims of the season last weekend.

NYC ended their four-game losing streak thanks to Khiry Shelton’s first senior goal against Chicago Fire but they are still without a win in nine matches.

The only meeting between the two franchises this season sees City boss Jason Kreis return to the side he guided to MLS Cup glory in 2009. 

Verdict: 1-1

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

Eastern Conference third-placed side Red Bulls failed to score for the first time this year in a goalless draw with Dallas last Friday.

Zach Pfeffer ended Union’s 296 minute goal drought to snatch a 1-0 victory over D.C. United on Sunday, a result that ended Philadelphia’s four-game losing slide.

Red Bulls’ top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips will look to exploit MLS’ worst defence and end a run of just one win in five matches for the New Yorkers.

Verdict: 2-0

San Jose Earthquakes vs Orlando City SC – Avaya Stadium

San Jose captain Chris Wondolowski will become the ninth player in history to have scored 100 MLS goals if he finds the net this weekend.

Orlando secured a first-ever MLS home win with a superb 4-0 victory over LA Galaxy, with Kaká scoring for the first time since April 12.

That victory was the biggest ever for an MLS expansion team against the defending champions, and with San Jose unbeaten in four this is tough to call.

Verdict: 2-2

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

Stat-Attack: MLS Week 12

As the Premier League season comes to an end, turn your attention to MLS and here are all the key numbers ahead of Week 12...

1 – LA Galaxy have lost just one game in each of the last three MLS seasons by three goals or more (so don’t expect another mauling this weekend)

Giles Barnes has scored one in three since September

3 – Houston Dynamo’s Giles Barnes hasn't made more than three MLS appearances since September 2014 without scoring a goal 

4 – Orlando City became only the fourth expansion side to defeat the reigning MLS Cup holders with their victory against LA Galaxy

4-5 – Jozy Altidore was forced off with a hamstring strain in Toronto’s last game and the USMNT striker has been ruled out for the next four to five weeks

7 – Colorado Rapids have drawn seven of their ten matches so far this season, that’s two more than any other team

8 – Eight of the last ten penalties Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando has faced have not been scored (25 of the 68 he has faced in total have missed)

9 – The longest unbeaten run of the season ended in midweek as New England Revolution suffered defeat against Sporting Kansas City

10 – Seattle Sounders’ Clint Dempsey has assisted or scored in each of his last 10 regular season games and is one away from matching the MLS record 

Dempsey could match an MLS record

14 – New England Revolution’s 14-match MLS unbeaten home run is a franchise record, their last defeat at the Gillette Stadium in all competitions came on 30 July 2014

82 – Seattle Sounders stopper Stefan Frei has saved 82% of the shots he has faced this season, six % more than any other goalkeeper

99 – Chris Wondolowski needs one goal against Orlando City to become the ninth member of MLS’ 100 Club (but he’s still got some way to go before catching Landon Donovan’s record of 144)

Overall MLS Stats:
Supporters' Shield Leaders: FC Dallas

Most Goals: Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) & Kei Kamara (Columbus Crew) – 7

Most Assists: Benny Feilhaber (Sporting Kansas City) – 7

Most Cleansheets: David Ousted (Vancouver Whitecaps) – 6

Most Yellow: Six players – 5

Most Reds: 29 players – 1

Images courtesy of Bob Levey and Otto Greule Jr, with thanks

Three Good, Three Bad: MLS Week 11

Week 11 was a week of firsts as Montreal claimed their first win of the season and Orlando City cruised to their first home win against MLS Cup holders LA Galaxy.

But who will be on cloud nine and who will be despairing after another thrilling MLS weekend...

Wondo could be the second fastest man to 100 MLS goals

Flying High...

1) Wondo on the brink

On Saturday Chris Wondolowski moved to within one goal of joining the elite MLS 100 club. He will almost certainly become the eighth man to reach the landmark. Not bad for a man who scored seven league goals in his first six MLS seasons. Oh and did we mention Wondo is on track to become the first man in history to reach 10 goals in six consecutive MLS seasons? Belgium is becoming a distant memory...

2) Orlando have lift off

They had to wait until their fifth home game of the season, but Adrian Heath’s side burst into life at the Citrus Bowl in splendid style as they thumped LA Galaxy 4-0. There were positive’s all over the field for Orlando – the defence limited Galaxy to one shot on target, Darwin Ceren was exceptional in midfield and Cyle Larin was outstanding upfront. The number one SuperDraft pick is quickly becoming a candidate for Rookie of the Year.

3) 25 and counting

It wasn’t quite the breathtaking move Arsenal produced to allow Jack Wilshere to tap home against Norwich in 2013. It lacked some of the fluidity of Esteban Cambiasso’s World Cup masterpiece for Argentina. However, let us all bow down to Seattle Sounders for showing MLS teams the power of possession. The 25 pass sequence that saw Chad Barrett produce an excellent left-footed finish was the longest unbroken sequence in the league this season.

. @CBarrett19 = class. #VANvSEA https://t.co/FLLY3UtRTT

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 17, 2015

In the Pits...

1) Chicago’s Fire burning out

Frank Yallop will already have been thinking about a job well done with his side 2-0 up against a ten-man expansion side just before half-time. However, as we all know, you can never say never in MLS; Chicago relaxed, became sloppy in possession and ultimately paid the price as Khiry Shelton’s first professional goal earned New York City a well-deserved point. You cannot throw away two-goals leads away from home and hope to make the play-offs.

Gerrard's arrival can't come fast
enough for LA Galaxy

2) Whitecaps Wobbling

Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps have been brilliant in the early stages of the season but they are showing the first signs of wobbling. Vancouver took 16 points from their first eight matches. Since then they have taken four points from their next four matches and suffered home defeats to Seattle and DC United. Their next three games are Colorado, RSL and Montreal, all of whom are struggling – they could define their season.

3) In a Galaxy far, far away...

Images of Landon Donovan lifting the MLS Cup in his final appearance for LA Galaxy must seem a long way away for Galaxy fans. Their side are known for starting slowly, but the sheer ineptitude of their recent performances is a real cause for concern, and Bruce Arena publicly criticised his side following their 4-0 humbling at Orlando. The major problem comes in midfield where Mika Varynen is failing to fill a Steven Gerrard-sized void.

Images courtesy of Ronald Martinez and Bongarts, with thanks.