Here are the Top 15 soccer stories we’re following today.
1. BELGIUM PUT ON A CLINIC, SMASH FOUR PAST USMNT
The US national team was holding its own at halftime in Cleveland last night, then the wheels fell off. What was a 1-1 deadlock at the half became a 4-2 final score, as Belgium’s mix of athleticism and skill proved too much for the USA’s backline. Christian Beneteke scored twice, while Marouane Felliani and Romelu Lukaku scored one each, with a Geoff Cameron header and Clint Dempsey penalty making the score more respectable.
2. KLINSMANN: “I’D RATHER PLAY BEGLIUM 10 TIMES THAN EL SALVADOR 100 TIMES”
Despite the loss, head coach Jurgen Klinsmann said he learned plenty about his team, citing that is the reason behind playing the likes of Belgium, Italy, Germany and Russia: “When you lose them it’s not such a big pleasure, but I’d rather play Belgium 10 more times than El Salvador for the 100th time, because that’s where you learn.”
3. PLAYER RATINGS: WERE THE FIRST 60 MINUTES REALLY THAT BAD?
As the US dug themselves a huge hole to climb out of, was it a case of Klinsmann’s team really being that bad? Or were Belgium just really good? Either way, defensive errors cost the US, which is reflected in these ratings. Tim Howard is the only player to come out of this with any credit. Do you agree?
4. OFFICIAL: CHELÍS OUT AT CHIVAS
Late last night the news broke that some may have been expecting for a while: José Luis Sánchez Solá is no longer the manager of Chivas USA. The two parties agreed to mutually part company. So what next for Chivas?
5. REACTION TO CHELÍS' DEPARTURE
Chelís leaving is huge news, after Chivas USA put so much faith in his policies and tactics. But the Mexican manager had a 3-7-2 record as USA Today points out, with the team saying Sánchez Solá had "not always followed the patterns of respect and conduct implemented by Major League Soccer, as well as by Chivas USA." Meanwhile, Soccer America takes a look at Chelís' brash nature. The Mexican coach once said "I'm paying for my excess of stupidity." Boy, the media will miss his remarks.
6. SOUNDERS SHOCKED BY ROWDIES, OUT OF OPEN CUP
The biggest shock of Round 3 of the US Open Cup occurred as the Seattle Sounders – who’ve made the final for the last four years straight – lost to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. The NASL side clinched a 1-0 win after a 75th-minute goal from Georgi Hristov. Party time down in Tampa Bay. Not for Seattle’s players. “They should be pissed off,” Sigi Schmid said. “There were a lot of opportunities out there for players to stand up and make a case for themselves. We fell short.”
7. RAILHAWKS BEAT LA GALAXY AGAIN, PORTLAND HAMMER HAMMERHEADS
Bruce Arena didn’t show up to coach LA against the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday … and neither did his team. Carolina defeated LA 2-0, to knock the reigning MLS Cup champs out of the Open Cup for the second season in a row. While the Portland Timbers shone, with Frédéric Piquionne scoring four times in the first half in a 5-1 win over Wilmington. And Mike Magee scored on his debut for Chicago in their 2-0 win over the Charlotte Eagles.
8. ROUND FOUR SET, AS 12 MLS TEAMS REMAIN
Here is the draw for the fourth round of the Open Cup, with 12 MLS teams left in the last 16. All matches are set for June 12 as clashes between Sporting KC hosting USL PRO affiliate Orlando City, a Texas Derby between FC Dallas and Houston, plus D.C. United against the Philadelphia Union highlight the round.
9. MONTREAL WIN CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP, GET CCL SPOT
The Montreal Impact scored a dramatic late equalizer to win the Voyageurs Cup last night in Vancouver. Hassoun Camara’s header tied it up at 2-2, with Montreal winning the title and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League on away goals. “I knew it was coming right at me,” Camara said. "[Justin Mapp] struck it so well. I absolutely had to make it. I was focused on putting it on frame.” Congrats Montreal. Vancouver were not happy with Camara's heroics, at all.
10. AS ROMA TO BE MLS ALL-STAR GAME OPPONENTS?
Last night during half time of the US vs. Belgium game, Taylor Twellman revealed reports that Michael Bradley’s Roma side would be the opposition for the MLS All-Stars at Sporting Park on July 31. Stay tuned to MLSsoccer.com throughout the day for more on that report, and a press conference live from KC.
11. CHIVAS YOUNGSTERS STEALING THE SHOW FOR US AND MEXICO
Chivas USA may not be having a good time of things right now, but their youth products are certainly shinning brightly. Marky Delgado captained the US U-18 team to second place in the Lisbon International Tournament, chipping in with a goal and putting in some great displays. While in the Toulon Tournament, Julio Morales scored the opening goal for El Tri as they defeated Nigeria 2-0.
12. USMNT TO PLAY BOSNIA IN FRIENDLY THIS AUGUST?
According to this report from Bosnia, Jurgen Klinsmann and his troops will head over to Europe once more, this time to play Bosnia and Herzegovina. This will give the US a game in between the Gold Cup and the two crucial Word Cup qualifiers with Costa Rica and Mexico.
13. BIG NAMES GATHER IN NYC TO CHAT ABOUT IMPACT OF NEW YORK CITY FC
This really is a great listen, as Luke Lohr from MLS Reserves chats with Rob Stone, Alexi Lalas and Jimmy Conrad about what NYCFC will bring to the city, the league and more. If a bit of banter gets you going in the morning, this is for you.
14. HUGHES IN AT STOKE, PELLEGRINI HAS “VERBAL” AGREEMENT WITH CITY
Stoke City have announced that Mark Hughes is their new manager, with the former Manchester City, Blackburn and QPR manager given a three-year deal. What does that mean for Cameron, Brek Shea and Maurice Edu? Will shall see. Also, Manuel Pellegrini had this to say on Spanish TV: "I have a verbal agreement with [City] and I hope it is carried out."
15. YANKEES AND MLS ARE … STRANGE BEDFELLOWS?
ESPN took this tongue-in-cheek look at the Yankees involvement in the ownership of New York City FC. It made us chuckle, as Jim Caple previews what will happen at NYCFC between now and their debut in 2015. Classic stuff.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
Anatomy of a Goal: Colorado Rapids show how traingles can create goals
DaMarcus Beasley: Young guys "will have to push me out of the lineup again"
Mike Magee scores first Fire goal in Open Cup win, partnership blossoming with Rolfe
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