The Seattle Sounders have the final chance to break the MLS dry spell and become the first team to win in Mexico in an official competition tonight. They could also revive their fortunes in the CONCACAF Champions League when they face Monterrey down south (8 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel).
In the late Champions League match, Real Salt Lake want to wrap up a berth in the quarterfinal round of the CONCACAF Champions League as soon as possible. Manager Jason Kreis says his squad will be going “full-bore” for a win in Panama tonight against Árabe Unido (11 p.m. ET, Fox Soccer Channel).
Argentine Dario Sala is relishing his opportunity to start in goal for FC Dallas as the Hoops continue their push for the Supporters' Shield. On Wednesday night (8:30 p.m. ET), they host the New England Revolution, who have not fared well on the road and will seek to avoid giving up the dreaded early goal.
In the other MLS league match on Wednesday night, the Kansas City Wizards host the Houston Dynamo (8:30 p.m. ET). The Wizards’ rise to postseason contender may have been made easier with Houston's Brian Ching getting relegated to the bench with a knee injury. The Dynamo have astonishingly only won a single game from the last 15 in league play.
In the meantime, the build-up continues for the LA-NY matchup on Friday night. USA Today has published a “Tale of the Tape” ahead of the ESPN2 Game of the Week at the Home Depot Center.
Just three days away from the big match, Red Bulls midfielder Rafa Márquez received news of a fine issued by the Mexican federation after a party which followed the most recent Mexico vs. Colombia match. Several players were impacted by the disciplinary action including some with suspensions. (SPANISH)
It was learned on Tuesday that Thierry Henry will not be part of the big match on Friday and he will remain in New York to rest the knee and be at 100 percent for the postseason.
We know where the Frenchman will be watching Friday night’s match. The purchase of his NY apartment was big enough to make The Wall Street Journal.
A former Galaxy player, Alecko Eskandarian, who had a famous goal-scoring celebration involving a can of Red Bull, has started on a new path after concussions sidelined him from the game.
The Crew know something about bouncing back. After suffering consecutive heavy defeats in league play, Columbus “left their heart” on the field against Mexicans Santos Laguna in a 1-0 victory in the CONCACAF Champions League on Tuesday night. However, the match brought about some serious injury concerns for the club.
The 0-0 result obtained by Toronto FC in the Champions League on Tuesday night may have been even more massive given it came in Mexico against Cruz Azul. TFC are still alive on two fronts: for the MLS Cup title and the CONCACAF title.
Meanwhile media in Toronto continue with the discussion on ticket prices for TFC matches.
At the Portland Timbers stadium groundbreaking on Tuesday, it was ironically pointed out by MLS Commissioner Don Garber that Timbers fans have the Seattle Sounders to thank for their MLS team. Here’s local TV coverage of the event.
Both the Sounders and Timbers have a long tradition in their respective cities and Seattle is remembering its magical 1980 NASL team, which won more games than any team in the history of the league.
Lastly, the outgoing commissioner of Women’s Professional Soccer says the WPS may need more help from Major League Soccer in the future.
MLSsoccer.com Must-Reads:
RSL's Andy Williams tweeting on the Utah wildfire
Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson can't save Fulham
Commissioner and Timbers break ground on new stadium in Portland
Rafa Márquez ready and fit for Friday match vs. LA
