7Mar/110
New York Cosmos: Can Pele, Eric Cantona and Cobi Jones Restart a Revolution?
In the late 1970s, it was Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia who were helping the New York Cosmos become the hottest sports ticket in North America. Giants Stadium would regularly sell out its 77,000 tickets, celebrities would flock to the games, fans in opposing cites turned out in droves and uttering the simple words, "I'm with the Cosmos" could get you past any velvet rope in Manhattan. The New York Cosmos were not only the flagship team of the North American Soccer League, but they transcended the sport internationally and domestically before it all came crashing down in 1985. But now, the Cosmos are back. They do not have a team or a stadium yet, but they do have famous names once again to represent the famous white and green uniforms. Pele is returning to the organization as Honorary President, and Manchester United legend Eric Cantona, who has turned down numerous opportunities to return to soccer since his retirement in 1997, joins the club as the Director of Soccer. Working alongside Cantona as part of the soccer personnel structure is American Cobi Jones, a veteran of over 300 MLS games and 164 caps for the US National team. A structure is in place ...1Mar/110
Major League Soccer: The 25 Greatest Goals of All Time (with Video)
Major League Soccer kicks off its 16th season in less than three weeks, so it seems appropriate to look back on the last fifteen years and pick out the greatest 25 goals.The league has seen plenty of exciting goalscorers throughout it's history, including domestic stars (McBride, Donovan, Mathis, Twellman, Wynalda, Chinn, Dempsey) and foreign (Moreno, Ruiz, Angel, Henry, Etcheverry, Djorkaeff).These stars of the league and a few surprise candidates have contributed many spectacular goals throughout the years.Here, we count down the top 25 shots, volleys, bicycle kicks and chips since the league's inception in 1996.Begin Slideshow13Jan/110
MLS Superdraft: New York Red Bulls Raise Eyebrows by Taking John Rooney
Wayne Rooney is one of the most famous, talented and controversial characters in world football. Entering the peak of his career with Manchester United and England, we are unlikely to see him move to Major League Soccer anytime soon. One Rooney that is coming to America, however, is his younger brother John, who was drafted in the second round (25th overall) of the MLS Superdraft by the New York Red Bulls. The midfielder/forward had declared his interest in coming to the United States after trials with Derby County and Huddersfield Town came to nothing. Prior to that, he spent two seasons at Macclesfield Town scoring 3 goals in 41 appearances. John will be joining the Red Bulls alongside fellow 2011 draftees Corey Hertzog (first round, 13th overall), Tyler Lassiter (second round, 30th overall) and Billy Cortes (third round, 38th overall). The selection of pacey forward Hertzog in particular should delight fans. The Penn State alum was the 2010 NCAA leader in goals (20), points (46) and points per game (2.09). But it is not just his stats and performances that will endear him to Red Bull's supporters. His availability in the draft was due to his decision to turn down ...30Oct/100
New York Red Bulls: How They Went From Worst To First in the East
This time last year, the New York Red Bulls ended their season with a resounding 5-0 victory over Toronto FC in their final game at Giants Stadium. That result, however, was a complete anomaly in what was a disastrous season for the Red Bulls, who finished with a league-worst 21 points from 30 games.Fast forward 12 months, and the Red Bulls ended the season with a 2-0 victory over New England, which ensured the team first place in the Eastern Conference heading into the playoffs.Not since 2000 has the team headed into the playoffs with such anticipation from the fans, and thanks to a couple of key midseason additions, they are arguably the league's leading franchise in commercial impact on the sport in the United States.As the team prepares to face San Jose in the first round of the playoffs, let's study some of the key reasons that jolted the biggest turnaround in MLS history (ironically, the 2000 New York franchise is the team they are tied with)!Begin Slideshow4Aug/100
Red Bulls Discuss Rafa Marquez’ Impact On MLS (With Video)
Harrison, NJ—For the second time in three weeks, media from around the world descended upon Red Bull Arena to be introduced to a new Designated Player for the New York Red Bulls. Two weeks ago Thierry Henry became possibly the greatest DP signing the league had seen. Many could argue that their newest addition, Mexican national team captain Rafael Marquez, could be even bigger. You could read it in the body language from the dignitaries speaking at the press conference (Red Bull’s Global Soccer Director Dietmar Beiersdorfer, Red Bull New York’s GM Eric Soler, Head Coach Hans Backe & MLS Commissioner Don Garber) and hear the excitement in their voices—this signing is hugely significant, not only to the Red Bulls on the field, but to the franchise and Major League Soccer in general off the field too. Of course at the introductory press conference, attention was mainly focused towards Marquez the player and person. Coach Backe discussed his experience of working with Rafa before as he spent 11 months as an assistant coach with the Mexican national team. He stated how Marquez will operate as a defensive midfield player for the Red Bulls (despite most of his career ...3Aug/100
Top 10 MLS Stars Due for a Move To a European Side
As a new influx of stars make their way from Europe to the MLS and help to raise its credibility around the rest of the world, it's no longer one-way traffic in terms of MLS/Europe transfers. Over the last few years, a growing number of U.S. and foreign players have made their name in the MLS and gone on to pursue careers throughout Europe. But who are in the next crop ready for a move? Don't be surprised if it's any of these guys.... Begin Slideshow27Jul/100