Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: Key Issues That Will Shape MLS Game

The final spot in the MLS Conference finals will be decided Monday night under the bright lights at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The Sounders and FC Dallas drew 1-1 at Toyota Stadium in the first leg Sunday. By scoring an away goal, Seattle has the upper hand in the Conference semifinal series.  That advantage could be taken away if FC Dallas nets an away goal of their own in the Emerald City.  Here is a look at the six key issues that will decide the second leg of this Western Conference semifinal clash.Begin Slideshow

New York Red Bulls Erase Ghosts of Past Postseason Failures with Series Win

After years of countless playoff failures, the New York Red Bulls were able to advance out of the conference semifinal round of the MLS Cup playoffs.  Mike Petke's side did lose 2-1 on the day to D.C. United, but it advanced on aggregate thanks to two goals in the first leg a week ago.  Although New York did see Roy Miller commit a hideous high challenge to earn a red card in the 79th minute, which reminded many of mistakes made in the past, the Red Bulls were able to fight off their past postseason demons.  There was also the late goal scored by Sean Franklin, but that came too late in the match to concern the Red Bulls due to the away goal they earned in the 57th minute. The win handed the Red Bulls a spot in their first conference final since 2008, when they beat Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final.  The player who handed New York a comfortable cushion on aggregate was Peguy Luyindula, who cashed in on a terrific cross from Thierry Henry. It was Henry who was supposed to come to New York and bring the franchise to the promised land. But it was not until ...

LA Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: Key Issues That Will Shape MLS Semifinal Game

After 90 minutes of scoreless play, Real Salt Lake and the LA Galaxy will enter the second leg of their Western Conference semifinal with everything to play for.  RSL desperately tried to sneak out an advantage at home in the first leg, but LA 'keeper Jaime Penedo was too good in between the pipes at Rio Tinto Stadium.  Although they didn't score, Jeff Cassar's side did hold the Galaxy to zero goals, which is crucial given the institution of away goals for this season.  With so much left to play for at StubHub Center Sunday night, we opted to take a look at some of the key issues surrounding the star-studded affair. Begin Slideshow

D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls: Keys to 2nd Leg Semi

The New York Red Bulls won 2-0 in the first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinal against D.C. United at home on Sunday afternoon. The second leg will take place at RFK Stadium as first-seed D.C. tries to avoid early elimination from the MLS playoffs, like New York last season when they won the Supporters' Shield. Here are the keys to the game on Saturday.Begin Slideshow

New England Revolution vs. Columbus Crew: Key Issues That Will Shape MLS Game

After putting on an impressive road showing at Crew Stadium, the New England Revolution carry four away goals into the second leg of their MLS Eastern Conference semifinal with Columbus.  Jay Heaps' side put together one of the most complete performances of the season in the first leg, but now the Crew have to finish the job at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  The Crew's task may seem impossible, but they still have hope after scoring twice at home in the first leg. Here's a look at the key issues that will shape Sunday's second leg in Massachusetts. Begin Slideshow

Here Is the Jersey That Kaka and Friends Will Wear for Orlando City in the MLS

Orlando City will enter the MLS in 2015 with Brazilian superstar Kaka their marquee signing.  The club has now finally revealed the kit they will wear for their inaugural season.  It's very purple. Want to see our new kit in action? Check out our launch video featuring @TyTurner02 http://t.co/pAhuOARNJU — Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) November 5, 2014 Early indications are the fans are happy with the new shirt, with feedback mostly positive.  I want the Orlando city kit!!! — R.2 (@YoungRapta) November 5, 2014 Digging the inaugural Orlando City kit. I love the fact that they added the former USL team logo to the inside of the jersey as a tribute. — Brand Glover (@brandglover) November 5, 2014 Digging the inaugural Orlando City kit. I love the fact that they added the former USL team logo to the inside of the jersey as a tribute. — Brand Glover (@brandglover) November 5, 2014 Good job, Orlando...we guess. [Twitter: @OrlandoCitySC] Read more MLS news on BleacherReport.com

MLS Cup Playoffs 2014: Schedule and Predictions for Conference Semifinal Battles

Halfway through the conference semifinals in the MLS Cup Playoffs, it seems like we could be set for a few upsets.Each matchup features a two-legged battle with an aggregate score, which means everyone is still alive after the first set of matches. However, one No. 1 seed is currently facing a two-goal deficit while the other could only draw in the first contest.If these teams do not come back with strong performances in the second leg, fans could be in for a surprise this postseason.Here is a look at what to watch for in each match, with predictions for which teams will battle in the conference finals. Eastern ConferenceAfter a 2-0 defeat at the hands of New York Red Bulls, D.C. United are in serious trouble. The team with the most points in the Eastern Conference could be headed out of the playoffs in the first round.Bradley Wright-Phillips continued his campaign as the top scorer in the league this season, putting himself in rare territory, as Paul Carr of ESPN FC noted:Meanwhile, the two goals in the first match were set up by the legendary Thierry Henry, which impressed Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated:However, it is important to note New York had ...

Promotion, Relegation and Socialism: Why Pro/Rel Is a Bad Fit for MLS

Recently, United States Mens National Team manager Jurgen Klinsmann stirred the pot when he openly questioned the competitiveness of MLS. Speaking to reporters in a press conference, Klinsmann highlighted the lack of a promotion-relegation system as contributing to the lesser competition: I’m a deep believer in (the) promotion-relegation system. So it’s not up to me to say there should be MLS and the second division should be NASL, and there should be promotion-relegation. I just wish that we had a system in place where all the young players and all the players in general know that there’s a next higher level and there’s a lower level. If I play a bad season, then the lower level is waiting for me. If I play a very, very good season, then there’s the chance to go up and play at one point whatever you describe then as the highest level. Some critics, including Mike DeCourcy of the Sporting News, defended the MLS and accused Klinsmann of "Eurosnobbery." It's an ironic criticism considering MLS is modeled on the same principles as European socialism.  American sports leagues—including MLS—employ the opposite of the pro/rel model: Instead of demoting the dregs, they are rewarded with high draft picks. And the results ...

Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas: Lessons Learned from the First Leg

The Seattle Sounders managed to escape Toyota Stadium with a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday night. Osvaldo Alonso's header erased a Michel penalty, giving Seattle a slight advantage heading into the second leg at CenturyLink Field. Here are five things we learned from the first leg.Begin Slideshow

5 Things We Learned from MLS 1st-Round Playoff Matches

Major League Soccer opened up the 2014 playoffs this week, first with two midweek play-in matches and then with a full slate of semifinal tilts on the weekend. The defending champions, Sporting KC, are shockingly already out, while teams like the Columbus Crew and D.C. United have already put themselves in big holes. Read about all the action in this week's edition of "5 Things We Learned."Begin Slideshow