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We already know the British tabloids can be over the top and insensitive when it comes to issues they don't understand, but perhaps no one in the American soccer community knows that better than US national team and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard.
The World Cup veteran and national team fixture since 2007 has gone from being called "disabled" and "retarded" by the British press when he moved to Manchester United in 2003 to something of a club legend and cult hero for current club Everton, all in the space of a decade.
Not only has Howard learned to cope with the Tourette's syndrome that accompanied him his entire life, but he's now raising awareness among children. The message? Tourette's hasn't defined Howard, and nor should it define them.
In the April-May issue of Neurology Now, Howard spoke at length about his life with Tourette's from his childhood struggles to life in the spotlight as a Manchester United and Everton star.
Said Howard of being a little boy with TS: “From the age of 9 to 15, it was just this chaos of different tics, and they were pretty strong. I would just begin to figure out how a tic worked with my body, and, bam, six months or a year later, a new tic would come.”
“On the field I wasn't Tim who had TS or Tim who had tics. I was Tim who scored goals or scored baskets or hit home runs.”
These days, Howard keep the goals out, but you can't help but admire him for pressing on and passing his message onto others with similar challenges.
Howard isn't the only professional athlete who thrived despite the sometimes nasty disorder. Former Major League Baseball player Jim Eisenreich had a 15-year career in the big leagues, while former NBA player Chris Jackson, who Howard himself cites as a role model in his early years with TS, was a first-round draft pick in 1990 and enjoyed a 15-year career in America, Europe and Asia.
Statistics are often overlooked in soccer, and we here at MLSsoccer.com think that's too bad.
So each Monday, we'll be bringing you five of the most telling stats following the previous weekend's round of games. They might be about the individual game itself, a team's recent run of results or an individual player lighting it up. This week, we've got all three.
Here's five key stats from Week 11:
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25 players have scored 3 or more goals in MLS 2013 so far. Five of the 25 – exactly one-fifth – are Portland Timbers players. [Mike Donovan, @TheMikeDonovan]
The five players are Ryan Johnson, Will Johnson, Diego Valeri, Rodney Wallace and Darlington Nagbe. The New York Red Bulls come in a close second with four players (Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, Fabián Espíndola and Jámison Olave). To make up for those two hogging all the three-goal scorers, Chivas USA, Seattle, Vancouver, Colorado, D.C. United, Chicago and New England have a combined zero. Ouch.
- With Sunday night's victory against the Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City have now handed MLS opponents their first loss at a new stadium at six different stadiums: BBVA Compass Stadium, BMO Field, Qwest Field, Rio Tinto Stadium, Robertson Stadium (Houston Dynamo) and Spartan Stadium (San Jose Earthquakes). [Sporting Kansas City]
Quite rude of them to crash house parties in such a manner, really.
- Jack McInerney's game-winning goal against the Chicago Fire on Saturday was his 15th goal in 30 appearances since John Hackworth took over as Philadelphia Union head coach for Peter Nowak last June. [Philadelphia Union]
Jack Mac has done everything in his power to earn a US national team call-up for this summer's Gold Cup. It would be more than a mild shock if his early season form doesn't translate to his first senior team cap. Are you paying attention, Jurgen?
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Following their 3-2 road loss to the Montreal Impact on Saturday, Real Salt Lake have yet to win in Canada in the club's history, moving to 0-6-4 in 10 matches across all competitions north of the border. [Real Salt Lake]
The math is in their favor, though; only one Canadian team resides in the Western Conference, so they'll avoid Toronto FC and Montreal for a second (and/or third) time in the regular season as well as the playoffs, barring an MLS Cup meeting.
- The San Jose Earthquakes have won just one of their past eight games, a stretch that includes three losses. During their Supporters' Shield-winning 2012 campaign, the fewest games they won during an eight-game stretch was four, and that run was without a loss.
For context's sake, the 2012 stretch came during the final eight games of the season with the Supporters' Shield already won and San Jose resting starters for the playoffs. Granted, it's still early in the season, but the Earthquakes are well behind their 2012 pace of 1.94 ppg (1.17 so far in 2013), which is a difference of 26 points over a 34-game season.
Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments below.
In case you haven't heard, Sporting Kansas City ended the Houston Dynamo's 36-game home unbeaten streak with a 1-0 victory at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sunday night. The 73rd-minute goal, which came courtesy of Sporting KC defender Aurélien Collin, ended the Dynamo's MLS record streak that spanned 22 months of play in all competitions.
Immediately after the game, a clever little bug in the Sporting KC communications department took to Twitter to gloat about ending the Dynamo's reign of terror in H-Town.
Sorry about your streak @houstondynamo. It was fun while it lasted.
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) May 13, 2013
The "streak" also pertains, coincidentally, to a another streak of five matchups, dating back to September 10, 2011, the last time Sporting defeated the Dynamo. That particular stretch included a 2012 regular-season loss, two draws and a pair of playoff eliminations in back-to-back years at Sporting Park. Sporting did manage to defeat the Dynamo, 1-0, in the second leg of the 2012 Eastern Conference semifinals, but were knocked out 2-1 on aggregate.
Houston, however, had the last Twitter laugh of the night, just as they did in the 2011 and 2012 playoffs.
@sportingkc Heh. #ForeverOrange twitter.com/HoustonDynamo/…
— HoustonDynamo (@HoustonDynamo) May 13, 2013
In Friday's entry, I made the point that Portland have climbed toward the top of the standings by both dominating the ball, and by doing so upfield. They lead the league (comfortably) in passing completion percentage in the opposition half.
As many pointed out, both on Twitter and in the comments section, Vancouver were second in that same metric. And the 'Caps are nowhere near the top of the standings.
Here's the difference, though:
| Team | Passes Opp Half |
| Real Salt Lake | 3,255 |
| Portland Timbers | 3,180 |
| New York Red Bulls | 3,147 |
| Sporting Kansas City | 3,090 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2,683 |
| Columbus Crew | 2,603 |
| Houston Dynamo | 2,541 |
| Colorado Rapids | 2,459 |
| D.C. United | 2,352 |
| LA Galaxy | 2,343 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 2,303 |
| Seattle Sounders | 2,199 |
| New England Revolution | 2,185 |
| Toronto FC | 2,167 |
| FC Dallas | 2,087 |
| Philadelphia Union | 2,022 |
| Montreal Impact | 1,987 |
| Chivas USA | 1,899 |
| Chicago Fire | 1,893 |
So, there's your context. The Timbers are defending from the front, holding the ball as far up the pitch as possible, for as long as possible.
And it's working.
Sometimes, supporters groups' tifo displays are designed to look really cool, to recognize a player's career-long contributions to the club or even to intimidate that day's opponent with a massive pregame display that covers the entire end of a 70,000-seat stadium.
And other times, the displays transcend the sport of soccer altogether, making a statement about life in general.
On the same day a match in Italy – one that happened to involve United States national team midfielder Michael Bradley's club team, AS Roma – had to be momentarily halted because of racist chants aimed at opposing AC Milan players, the Timbers Army chose to spend their Sunday afternoon taking a stand against another sensitive social issue in the sports world: homophobia. The 5,000-person section used roughly 4,500 colored cards to create the display, according to Timbers Army 107 Independent Supporters Trust board member Abram Goldman-Armstrong in an e-mail exchange with MLSsoccer.com on Monday.
READ: Robbie Rogers' revelation opens doors, but also leaves questions
The display spanned six sections at JELD-WEN Field and featured a banner in the center reading simply "Pride, Not Prejudice." The Timbers went on to put three goals past the Chivas USA defense, picking up yet another impressive home victory to extend their unbeaten run to nine games.
The anti-homophobia tifo from @timbersarmy was brilliant. Any video capturing it from yesterday? twitpic.com/cqbztb
— Eric Beard (@BeardEric) May 13, 2013
It just so happens you can check out video of the Timbers Army tifo here and here. This is what the organization itself had to say:
"The Timbers Army has had a 'zero-tolerance for intolerance' policy since its inception in 2001,'" Goldman-Armstrong told MLSsoccer.com. "Our display in honor of the International Day Against Homophobia demonstrates our commitment to making certain all people are welcome at the beautiful game, on the pitch and off of it.
READ: Gordon will use aftermath of homophobic slur incident "for the good"
"As the language San Jose's Alan Gordon used to attack captain Will Johnson shows, homophobia is still a real issue in North American sports. As supporters, we must do our best to show that there is no room for such bigotry in our sport. Sunday's display is an indication of that sentiment."
The Timbers Army will be the first of many independent supporters groups across MLS to lend their support to the "Pride, Not Prejudice" cause this week, as many groups have agreed to unveil their own unique stands against homophobia prior to their club's home game that falls closest to the 2013 International Day Against Homophobia on May 17.
Ça y est, c’est terminé : Houston n’est plus invincible au BBVA Compass Stadium. Kansas City lui a infligé sa première défaite dans son stade inauguré l’an dernier. Fier de ses hommes, Peter Vermes a aussi démontré beaucoup de respect pour un adversaire qui ne semble pas avoir été dérangé par les célébrations des vainqueurs pour le moins démonstratives.
Texans qui pleurent, Texans qui rient : Dallas poursuit sa course en tête mais a peiné pour vaincre la lanterne rouge DC United, émergeant grâce au but que Je-Vaughn Watson avait promis d’inscrire pour la fête des mères.
Autre gagnant du week-end, Montréal a transpiré jusqu’au bout pour battre Salt Lake. Auteur du but d’ouverture contre son camp, Matteo Ferrari s’est bien repris en marquant le but de la victoire québécoise dans les arrêts de jeu.
L’équipe en forme du moment est toutefois Portland, invaincue depuis la deuxième journée, qui a cette fois écarté Chivas USA. Au milieu d’une constellation offensive emmenée par Diego Valeri, Rodney Wallace a encore réussi à se démarquer.
On peut considérer le partage de New York à New England comme une contre-performance, mais c’est un déplacement qui lui réussit mal puisqu’il n’y a pas gagné depuis onze ans. Autre ténor qui a perdu des plumes : le LA Galaxy, orphelin de Keane, a manqué d’agressivité offensive et s’est incliné à Vancouver dont la dernière victoire remontait au 9 mars.
Notons également le retour en forme de Seattle qui, pour son cinquième match consécutif sans défaite, a infligé une correction à San José, et le nouveau but de Jack McInerney, toujours en tête du classement des buteurs, qui a permis à Philadelphie de s’imposer à Chicago.
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LES RÉSULTATS Chicago - Philadelphie Montréal - Salt Lake Seattle - San José Vancouver - LA Galaxy New England - New York Columbus - Colorado Dallas - DC United Portland - Chivas USA Houston - Kansas City |
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Classement général Cliquez sur un résultat pour voir le résumé vidéo |
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You've probably noticed that the Portland Timbers are pretty tough to beat. They're one of only two teams in the league with just a single loss, and it's not because they're bunkering.
On the contrary, they'll holding the ball higher up the pitch, and defending from the front better than anyone in the leauge:
| Team | Passing Accuracy in Opp Half: 2013 | Passing Accuracy in Opp Half: 2012 |
| Portland Timbers | 74.1 | 69.86 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 72.48 | 68.55 |
| Sporting Kansas City | 71.7 | 69.81 |
| Real Salt Lake | 70.92 | 73.21 |
| New York Red Bulls | 70.74 | 72.21 |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 70.35 | 69.28 |
| LA Galaxy | 69.25 | 70.82 |
| D.C. United | 69 | 68.47 |
| Montreal Impact | 68 | 70.31 |
| Colorado Rapids | 67.51 | 72.11 |
| Columbus Crew | 67.14 | 69.18 |
| Philadelphia Union | 65.85 | 69.87 |
| Houston Dynamo | 64.8 | 74.13 |
| Toronto FC | 64.63 | 65.15 |
| FC Dallas | 64.25 | 64.45 |
| Chicago Fire | 64 | 71.68 |
| New England Revolution | 63.26 | 67.6 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 62.64 | 69.92 |
| Chivas USA | 60.31 | 75.42 |
That's what coach Caleb Porter has instilled from Day 1: Defend the ball, not the goal. And his team has taken to it with aplomb thus far.
If you want to understand what "Porterball" really is, that's where you need to start.
P.S. We'll get to that outrageous 2012 number for Chivas USA at a later date. Statistics, remember, can often be damned, dirty lies.
En algunos países el día de las madres se ha celebrado el viernes, mientras que en otros se hará el domingo. Lo que importa al final es que este fin de semana, mamá tiene un espacio primordial en nuestro fin de semana.
Por ello, ¿qué mejor que compartir con ella la pasión del fútbol?
Varios clubes de la MLS estarán celebrando el día de las madres con ofertas y eventos especiales en cada uno de sus estadios, y algunos con promociones que van más allá de este día; porque como debe ser, a las madres debemos festejarlas a diario.
MAMÁS CHIVISTAS
Aunque Chivas USA juega de visitante contra Portland Timbers esta semana, todas las madres chivistas que acompañen a sus hijos el próximo 19 de mayo al partido como locales ante Real Salt Lake, entrarán gratis al Home Depot Center.
MAMÁS DE LA PANDILLA
Columbus Crew recibirá a Colorado Rapids este sábado, y las mamás serán quienes más empujen a la pandilla en casa. El paquete Moms Rock que están ofreciendo en Columbus incluye cuatro boletos al partido, así como una foto en la cancha antes del partido y, además ¡una pizza! Como si fuera poco, las mamás podrán cumplir su sueño (obviamente) de cobrar un tiro penal después del encuentro.
MAMÁS NARANJAS
En Texas, varias mamás tendrán la oportunidad de conocer a dos de los jugadores del Houston Dynamo. Comprando el paquete de cuatro tiquetes que está ofreciendo el equipo naranja, los hijos que registren prontamente a sus mamás (cupos limitados) podrán conocer a Tally Hall y a Mike Chabala. Además, los primeros cinco mil aficionados que entren al BBVA Compass el domingo, para el partido ante Sporting Kansas City, recibirán una bufanda del equipo.
MÈRES DE MONTRÉAL
Montreal Impact también se une a la celebración, y antes del partido vs Real Salt Lake regalarán bufandas especialmente diseñadas para mujer, por la compra de cuatro tiquetes al partido.
Incluso, hay algunos que se le quieren adelantar al día del padre.
Sea como sea, a disfrutar este fin de semana con sus mamás. Quienes no puedan asistir a los partidos en cada una de estas ciudades, recuerden que todos los encuentros serán transmitidos gratuitamente por MLS LIVE. ¡Regístrense ahora!
Find out what MLS clubs have been up to in their communities by checking out the weekly club highlights:
Supporters group president steps down at the end of the year, calls time "a dynamic experience"
Stand Together: Portland Timbers help open new futsal court in Cully neighborhood
Dallas Beer Guardians 3v3 Tournament This Saturday
Union launch successful opening of its 50/50 Raffle Saturday against the Sounders
Philadelphia Union to host second Union Day in Northeast Philadelphia
Coca-Cola Hero of the Match: Staff Sargeant Erik Gallion
Portland Timbers named MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Month
Chicago Fire take part in historic hearings related to LGBT athletes
Nielsen speaks at Visitation Athletic Banquet
#1Crest1Club: Spring 2013 Campaign
Soccer Community to Honor Volunteer Soccer Referee Ricardo Portillo
The Montreal Impact public practices return in 2013
#ChipotlePartyWithKei as told on Twitter
Landon Donovan, Cozmo & Kevin Ryder from KROQ visit children at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Stand Alone: Atticus attends Timbers Game
For more community news from around the League, visit the MLS WORKS news section.
Quelle semaine riche en MLS : après les 6 rencontres de mercredi soir, il y en aura 9 au programme ce week-end. Et vous aurez tout le loisir de suivre celles de votre choix, puisque sept d’entre elles seront diffusées gratuitement sur MLS Live.
La plus disproportionnée sur le papier oppose le premier du classement général, Dallas, dont les bons résultats contribuent à la popularité, au dernier, DC United, dont la défense a multiplié les cadeaux ces derniers temps. L’autre club texan jouera aussi à domicile : Houston, actuel dauphin de son voisin d’État, a fait le plein de confiance avant de recevoir Kansas City.
À New England, New York tentera de remporter sa cinquième victoire consécutive, probablement sans ses attaquants français Henry et Luyindula. Deux des autres clubs en embuscade, Montréal et Salt Lake, s’affronteront au stade Saputo. Les Québécois continueront de faire tourner leur effectif pour tenter de battre un Nick Rimando en toute grande forme.
En forme également, Portland se mesurera à Chivas USA devant les caméras d’Unimas alors que l’autre équipe de Los Angeles, le LA Galaxy en attente du retour de Roy Keane, ira à Vancouver. À suivre sur vos écrans TV : la visite de Philadelphie, qui mise sur la formation des jeunes, à Chicago (TSN2, NBCSN) et l’éternel choc entre Seattle et San José (Univision Deportes).
LE PROGRAMME COMPLET
Samedi 11 mai
13h30 : Chicago - Philadelphie
14h00 : Montréal - Salt Lake
16h00 : Seattle - San José
19h00 : Vancouver - LA Galaxy
19h30 : New England - New York
19h30 : Columbus - Colorado
20h30 : Dallas - DC United
Dimanche 12 mai
17h00 : Portland - Chivas USA
20h00 : Houston - Kansas City
Classement général
Toutes les heures HE (heure de New York et Montréal)
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