The Philadelphia Union are the new leaders in the Eastern Conference this morning thanks to the Carlos Ruiz goal that’s still being talked about today. Refreshing to hear the Guatemalan admit that: “I never know when I shoot with my left what's going to happen and where the ball is going.”
The Union’s 2-1 win against the Chicago Fire came without last year’s No. 1 SuperDraft pick Danny Mwanga, who sat out to rest injuries. Believe it or not, he says, “Being up in the suites is motivating.”
There were no goals in Sunday’s action. Real Salt Lake were thrilled to come out of the lightning delayed match in Frisco, Texas, with a scoreless tie against FC Dallas after losing on every single previous trip before Sunday. The “nightmare” is over for manager Jason Kreis.
How did RSL survive a nearly two-hour lightning delay? Fun and games in the locker, including one in which the loser “gets kicked in the butt.”
The shutout run by FC Dallas has now reached 399 minutes and goalkeeper Kevin Hartman arguably has the least to do with the defensive success.
The defending MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids feel they left two points on the table on Sunday, playing Toronto FC to the second 0-0 tie in league action on Sunday. With his team struggling to score goals, Rapids manager Gary Smith was unhappy that a penalty kick was not awarded to his team in the first half and he does not mince words.
Also on Sunday, a US-based fan of Ajax Amsterdam got the chance to see his Dutch club play D.C. United at RFK Stadium. But you would probably agree that the upper thigh is perhaps an odd place for two Ajax tattoos? Not odd enough to show them off on Dutch TV. (VIDEO)
In case you missed DC’s goal in the 2-1 loss, here it is in this video clip which includes video of Charlie Davies bouncing with the supporters during the match. (VIDEO)
It turns out that Davies may need until June to recover from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the match against the Eredivisie champs.
Interesting to hear the Seattle Sounders change their tune. One week after criticizing the Portland Timbers for looking to score on set pieces, Sounders manager Sigi Schmid made it a point of emphasis going into the Sporting KC match, which was won a dead ball play: “Before the game we talked about how we wanted to get goals off corners and free kicks.”
Speaking of the Sounders, reports out of Poland indicate that the club’s newest addition may come from Real Madrid in the form of goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek. (POLISH)
Consolation for Sporting, who inch closer to the opening of LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in June: the latest photos of the venue, which is nearly ready for its debut. (PHOTOS)
Despite suffering a second consecutive shutout loss, 1-0 loss at Portland on a “really dumb mistake,” the Columbus Crew feel like they didn’t deserve to lose the match. They next host Chivas USA on Saturday.
The Timbers are the only MLS team to hold a perfect record at home and the locals are feeling so good about it that even one reporter writes: “The Timbers will likely extend the run to six games on Sunday when they host D.C. United.” That article is sure to receive more than a few clicks from DC.
Chivas USA were motivated by the chance to beat the LA Galaxy in the Superclásico on Saturday night but it didn’t work out. Heath Pearce says that the Goats were “a bit naïve to think we were going to go out there and jôgo bonito.”
What is sure to be a subject of heated argument is David Beckham’s trip to participate in the Gary Neville testimonial match against Juventus on Tuesday. One Los Angeles columnist appeared to take it especially to heart.
As we await the announcement of the USA Gold Cup roster this morning, one player expected to be on the squad, Brad Guzan, talks about life in the EPL and what his future holds.
The American player getting the most plaudits in overseas action is San Diego’s Joe Corona, who led Tijuana to promotion to the Mexican Primera División over the weekend.
Lastly, a video from an American high school soccer field. Two teammates collide to distract their opponents and it helps them score a goal. (VIDEO)
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
The Monday Postgame: Late heroics avoid apocalyptic endings
Watch: The best goals and saves from Saturday’s MLS action
Guatemalan national team calls on two MLS players
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