The question being debated this Monday morning: What kind of sanction should be handed down for the Marcos Mondaini tackle that resulted in the long-term injury to Real Salt Lake playmaker Javier Morales?
Real Salt Lake captain Kyle Beckerman says he’s “sure” that Mondaini will be handed similar discipline to the nine-game suspension issued to Colorado’s Brian Mullan after the challenge that put Seattle’s Steve Zakuani out of action.
RSL’s Will Johnson says that the fact that Morales is one of the best players in the league should be taken into account.
The injury to their playmaker complicates matters for a Real Salt Lake squad that hasn’t played well since March, according to manager Jason Kreis. He explains what he thinks is going on with his team.
The MLS club with the longest current undefeated streak is the Columbus Crew, which tied Seattle 1-1 on Saturday. One of the most respected defenders in MLS, Crew center back Chad Marshall, is being accused of flopping in the penalty area by his Seattle Sounders marker. The penalty kick resulted in the equalizing goal.
Another of the league’s elite center backs, LA’s Omar Gonzalez, envisions a scenario in which he would serve as butler for US national team manager Bob Bradley. He also has exclusive inside knowledge about David Beckham and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
Gonzalez had a front-row seat for the juggling act by New York Red Bulls Designated Player Thierry Henry’s as he raced down the sidelines during Saturday night’s 1-1 tie at the Home Depot Center. Here’s the video of the play in case you missed it.
It’s your chance to pick up the first ever Henry MLS trading card made available to the public. The Upper Deck collector’s set is out.
The Galaxy next get set for a cross-country trip to play the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday. It’s one of three midweek league fixtures as FC Dallas also welcome Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps host the San Jose Earthquakes. On the same day the New York Red Bulls travel to play an exhibition against the NASL’s Montreal Impact in a preview of a 2012 league meeting.
Coming off a 0-0 draw in Chicago, Whitecaps captain Terry Dunfield says his team “should get a positive result on Wednesday” when they face the Earthquakes. The confidence could be stemming from the fact that regular captain Jay DeMerit may be fit to play by then.
The New England Revolution also registered a 0-0 home draw against defending champions Colorado Rapids, the fourth time the Revs have been shut out in the last five matches. The result left them feeling they need to add creativity during the upcoming transfer window.
Another one of the 0-0 draws over the weekend took place between D.C. United and FC Dallas at RFK Stadium. It was the second consecutive positive result in a row for DC, who have given up a lone penalty kick goal over the last 180 minutes. One big difference in the improvement? A rookie playing out of position at right back.
Toronto FC’s highest-earning player, midfielder Julian de Guzman, was giving kudos to the club’s smallest player, who was critical in TFC’s 2-1 win over Houston. The Designated Player says that Joao Plata is “what the team has actually been missing.”
For those who thought they’d never see the New York Cosmos take on the New York Red Bulls: It’s already happened - twice. Check out the final results from Sunday’s action.
Today there are two MLS clubs involved in a Reserve League match as Seattle host Chivas USA.
Two Americans got on the board this weekend in overseas action. Former LA Galaxy forward Edson Buddle scored the lone goal for German side Ingolstadt on an unbelievable strike on Sunday. Meanwhile, Freddy Adu scored for Turkish side Rizespor – on a diving header – as they keep their promotion hopes alive. (VIDEO)
Clint Dempsey will look to match his compatriots’ efforts this afternoon when Fulham FC welcome Liverpool as the visitors bid to make an improbable push for a UEFA Champions League spot (3 pm ET, ESPN2 and ESPNDeportes). At the same time Juventus meet Chievo Verona in the Serie A (2:30 pm ET, Fox Soccer Channel and Fox Deportes).
Although he didn’t feature, Oguchi Onyewu’s club Twente Enschede secured a dramatic Dutch Cup triumph over Ajax on Sunday.
While the Dutch Eredivisie title will be decided next weekend, UEFA Champions League finalists Manchester United and Barcelona are just one point away from clinching their respective domestic league crowns after weekend victories. And in Mexico, it will be CD Guadalajara vs. Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul vs. Monarcas Morelia in the playoff semifinals.
Real Madrid are already thinking about next year with the signing of another up-and-coming German midfield ace.
In case you missed it, Scottish giants Rangers have a new owner, who took over the club’s shares by paying a grand total of $1.64. Here are the details.
There are no specific names being mentioned, but apparently there is another American group that is in hot pursuit of an English club.
A non-MLS market will get in on the craze that will be the World Football Challenge this summer. South Florida will host FC Barcelona vs. CD Guadalajara at Sun Life Stadium on August 6.
Finally, we’ve seen balls go through goalkeepers’ legs before but this lowlight from Rubin Kazan’s netminder deserves a category all on its own. (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls produce an MLS instant classic
Missed chances haunt D.C. United in home draw with FC Dallas
Chivas USA manager Robin Fraser comments on tackle by his player that injured star Javier Morales
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