25Feb/130
10 Players to Watch in the 2013 MLS Season
The 18th season of Major League Soccer is set to kick off this Saturday with a full slate of weekend action. With an offseason full of transfers, each team’s fanbase is wondering how their team will fare with their new squad. Here are 10 players whose performances will have a great deal to do with their team’s success.Begin Slideshow25Jan/130
MLS: A Crazy Week of Transfers and Trades
It’s been a busy week for Major League Soccer with plenty of trades, transfers and rumors to spice up the offseason. The players involved include some of MLS’ biggest names in Landon Donovan, Freddy Adu, Brek Shea and Juan Agudelo as well as one of world football's biggest names in Frank Lampard. Here’s a breakdown of the all the latest news.Begin Slideshow28Dec/120
MLS: Houston Dynamo President Organizes ‘Soccer Night in Newtown’
Once the initial shock of the tragic events two weeks ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut wore off, many Americans began wondering what they could do to help. Chris Canetti, President of MLS’ Houston Dynamo, is doing his part by organizing an event called “Soccer Night in Newtown." Canetti, who is a 1992 graduate of nearby Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut and whose hometown is Guilford, Connecticut, hopes the January 7 event will serve two purposes.First, according to an interview he gave to Fox 26 in Houston, Canetti wants the event to provide a night of fun and diversion for the people of Newtown. It'll be fan-festival type of event, taking photos, signing autographs. The idea is to give kids a chance to come out, have some fun, have some memories and take a diversion from the difficult realities that they're facing right now.The second purpose, according to the Fox 26 story, is to raise money to help both the survivors and victims' families. “Canetti said the Dynamo franchise has also established a charitable auction with proceeds going to the United Way Sandy Hook fund, which is helping pay for counselors and funerals and things like that.” ...18Dec/120
Why MLS Signing Mix Diskerud Would Be a Watershed Moment for the League
Last Thursday, reports emerged that the Portland Timbers were preparing to sign young USMNT prospect Mix Diskerud.Diskerud, at 22 years old, has already made three appearances with the senior national team and has some impressive highlights with the team. In his first cap, earned in a November 2010 away friendly against South Africa, Diskerud showed an incredible amount of composure on the ball in assisting Juan Agudelo’s game-winner in the 85th minute of the game.Then, in only his third cap for the national team, Diskerud scored the game-tying goal in last month’s 2-2 away draw with Russia.Diskerud, who’s contract with Norway’s Rosenborg expires at the end of this month, also has familiarity with incoming Portland Timbers manager Caleb Porter, having played for Porter with the U.S. U-23s this past spring. Regardless of whether or not the move is a good one for Diskerud or the USMNT, if Diskerud does sign with Major League Soccer, the move will represent a potentially historic moment in the league’s history. Traditionally, MLS essentially has four types of American players. First, there are the young up-and-comers just starting to get their feet wet in professional football. These are players who are looking to use the ...13Dec/120
10 Stars Who Can Lead MLS into the Future Without David Beckham
With David Beckham’s exit from Major League Soccer, the rumor mill has once again begun to whirl with speculation as to which international star the league will bring in next. And while Kaka is the leading rumor, MLS may be unlikely to take another flyer at an aging international after the mixed results it has received from Thierry Henry and the outrageous disaster that was the Rafa Marquez era in New York. So, here are 10 potential MLS stars who could be ready to step into the spotlight for the league.Begin Slideshow13Dec/120
Why MLS Needs Landon Donovan More Than Ever Now That David Beckham Is Gone
With David Beckham’s time in Major League Soccer now done and dusted, the perennial offseason chatter about who will be the next big MLS designated player is in full swing. But Landon Donovan, the most accomplished player in MLS, may not be leaving the league to join another club overseas like Beckham.He may just decide to leave the game altogether. Even though he is still only 30 years old and in a good run of form, MLS and USMNT legend Landon Donovan has talked repeatedly about retiring this offseason. The fact of the matter is, no matter what high-profile designated players MLS may or may not bring in this offseason, Donovan is still arguably the most important player in the league.The current list of MLS DP’s is as follows: Julian de Guzman, Landon Donovan, Thierry Henry, Alvaro Fernandez, Rafael Marquez, Fredy Montero, David Ferreira, Alvaro Saborio, Eric Hassli, Fabian Castillo, Diega Chara, Torsten Frings, Danny Koevermans, Robbie Keane, Mauro Rosales, Hamdi Salihi, Kris Boyd, Freddy Adu, Shalrie Joseph, Javier Morales, Osvaldo Minda, Marco Di Vaio, Jerry Bengsten, Oscar Boniek Garcia, Barry Robson, Kenny Miller, Tim Cahill, Federico Higuain and Christian Tiffert. Other than Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and possily Thierry ...5Dec/120
8 International Star Players Whom MLS Should Target Next
With David Beckham leaving Major League Soccer, the question has been repeatedly asked—who will be the next big player MLS brings over? While Beckham’s legacy has been thoroughly debated, there is no doubt that he transcends the game—not only here in America, but worldwide.So, replacing him may be impossible. The trick is to find players in the last year of their contracts (it is very unlikely MLS would shell out a substantive transfer fee) who are still viable AND can draw in the crowds. While there are very few, if any, players MLS could attract who are as popular as Beckham has been, here are eight players who can still get it done on the pitch and bring people to the games.Begin Slideshow4Dec/120
MLS Playoffs 2012: Highs and Lows
The MLS playoffs were absolutely fantastic this year with plot line after plot line in each series. Both conferences featured some outstanding play in both the conference semifinals and finals, and the MLS Cup final on Saturday was a terrific game as well. Here are some of the highs and lows from this year’s playoff run.Begin Slideshow2Dec/120
MLS Cup 2012: 4 Thoughts from the Los Angeles Galaxy’s Win
The L.A. Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-1 to win the 2012 MLS Cup on Saturday afternoon. On the strength of goals from Omar Gonzalez, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane, the Galaxy were able to overcome a 1-0 halftime deficit with three unanswered goals in the second half and secure their second straight championship. Here are four thoughts from L.A.’s win.Begin Slideshow1Dec/120