Here are the Top 15 soccer stories we’re following today.
1. USA HANG ON, BEAT WORLD NO. 2 GERMANY AT PACKED RFK
There probably isn’t a better way to celebrate U.S. Soccer’s centennial, than a win against powerhouse Germany, in the nation's capital, in front of a sellout crowd. In a terrific match, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore helped the US race into a 4-1 lead. But two late goals from Germany ensured a tense finale, but Jurgen Klinsmann’s side held on for the historic 4-3 win. Watch the highlights here.
2. HOW DID THE US NEARLY BLOW A 4-1 LEAD?
Yes it was a terrific win, but admit it, you were pretty nervous for those last 10 minutes weren’t you? It’s OK. We all were. But how did the US nearly blow that 4-1 lead? Defensive lapses nearly cost them. See which players rated better than others and do you think Omar Gonzalez and Matt Besler should start against Jamaica on Friday?
3. ALTIDORE, DEMPSEY STEAL THE SHOW
Going forward the US looked confident, assured and deadly at RFK. That was thanks to Altidore and Dempsey. Jozy’s opening goal was word class, and then Deuce added two stunners of his own. Klinsmann is a fan: “Having a player like Clint Dempsey is a privilege, and if I look back, I think this is one of the best players in US history.” While SI.com’s Grant Wahl also agreed with Klinsi’s glowing praise of the USA’s forward line.
4. HOWLER FROM GERMAN 'KEEPER TER-STEGEN, BUT WAS DE LUNA’S WORSE?
The USMNT got a lovely birthday gift from German ‘keeper Marc André ter-Stegen on Sunday. Watch on in disbelief as he lets this back pass roll post him and into the net to give the US an early 2-0 lead. Poor guy. But here’s a question, was Chivas USA defender Mario de Luna’s horrendous headed own-goal against Seattle even worse? Let us know what you think.
5. USWNT BEATS CANADA 3-0, AS LEROUX GOAL CELEBRATION ANGERS SOME
Sydney Leroux’s 93rd-minute goal was labeled “way too American” by Canadian broadcasters, as the Candian-born USWNT striker scored to silence the boos at BMO Field. Alex Morgan had already struck twice in the 3-0 win, but it was Leroux’s celebration that irked the Canadian fans who already resent Leroux for her decision to switch allegiances to the US national team. We haven’t heard the last of this one.
6. NEW ENGLAND HAMMER FIVE PAST LA
OK, we all knew the Galaxy were missing plenty of starters due to international matches. But did anyone expect this? New England beat the reigning MLS champs 5-0 at Gillete Stadium, with Diego Fagundez stealing the show with two goals. Revs head coach Jay Heaps is staying grounded: “Like I said, there’s really good stuff we did, but there’s things we have to get better at and we can’t let a game get so wide open when we have a two-goal lead.”
7. BECKHAM "EXCITED" ABOUT MLS IN MIAMI
David Beckham isn’t having much of rest after his retirement. Over the past few days, the former LA Galaxy star has been in the US, meeting with potential investors for an MLS franchise in Miami. Becks has been courtside at Heat games while also touring FIU and Sun Life Stadium, with Bolivian billionaire Marcelo Claure. The race for expansion in the Southeast is on.
8. MONTREAL BEAT SPORTING, STAY TOP AFTER ROWDY MATCH
Despite being down to 10 men late, Montreal held on to claim victory over Sporting KC at Sporting Park. A fiery game saw Impact head coach Marco Schällibaum sent to the stands, that has happened on both his trips to KC. Montreal’s assistant coach Mauro Biello said that SKC head coach Peter Vermes refused to shake his hand at the final whistle, reportedly saying, “[Expletive] off, you guys are classless.” Wow.
9. SOUNDERS WIN ... BUT GOAL HERO MARTINS SEES RED
Seattle bounced back from their midweek US Open Cup exit by beating a beleaguered Chivas USA side 2-0 on Saturday. Obafemi Martins scored the opener but was then sent off for barging into Gabriel Farfan. Martins will now miss the Cascadia clash with Vancouver. Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid declined to comment. “Nobody cares what my opinion is,” Schmid said. “The league doesn’t care what my opinion is, the referee doesn’t care what my opinion is.”
10. CHICAGO DOWN D.C. AS MAGEE SCORES AGAIN
Two games, two goals. Life back home in Chicago is going pretty well for Mike Magee. The former LA Galaxy forward added a late goal to give the Fire a 2-0 win over D.C. United, with Frank Klopas adamant Magee will have a huge impact: “He's a quality player who I think is going to make our team a lot better." While Ben Olsen, whose United team are winless in 11, is urging unity. “We have to stay together and try and get out of this situation.”
11. ORLANDO STADIUM PLAN “FAST-TRACKED,” AS BATTLE WITH MIAMI BEGINS
This report surfaced over the weekend, which seems very promising for a potential MLS franchise in Orlando. The Scoring Third picked up the story, as Orlando City President Phil Rawlins revealed that the Orange County mayor, Teresa Jacobs, wants to "fast-track" the county's funding approval process for a new soccer-specific stadium. Will they beat Beckham and Miami?
12. DONOVAN, BOCA, GOOCH MAKE GOLD CUP ROSTER
After what seems like an eternity ago now, Klinsmann announced the preliminary USMNT Gold Cup roster on Friday afternoon. Donovan, Oguhci Onyewu and Carlos Bocanegra all made the squad. While the list released to the press caused quite a stir, with plenty of the players’ full names drawing comments from the press. Brekken, Seamus and Bradley Ray?
13. KEANE SCORES TWICE, ENGLAND TIE BRAZIL, ISRAEL BEAT HONDURAS
The LA Galaxy obviously missed their talismanic captain on Sunday, as he was halfway around the world scoring twice for Ireland in a 4-0 win over Georgia. While other international friendlies took place on Sunday, as England were pinned back by Brazil at the Maracanã in a 2-2 tie that had some wonder goals from Wayne Rooney, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Paulinho. While in Queens, Israel beat Honduras 2-0, with Citi Field decked out in blue and white for Israel's first game in the US in more than 35 years.
14. USA IMPRESS AT TOULON
Preparing for the U-20 World Cup in troubled Turkey, Tab Ramos' U-20 side beat Congo over the weekend in Toulon for their first win of the prestigious youth tournament. The US youngsters recorded a 1-0 win in Nice, with Santos Laguna forward Daniel Cuevas scoring the winner. Next up is the Korea Republic on Wednesday.
15. MOURINHO ANNOUNCES CHELSEA RETURN
One of the worst-kept secrets is out. We have it straight from the horses mouth: José Mourinho will be the new manager of Chelsea. "I'm going to London on Monday and at the end of the week I will be the manager of Chelsea," Mourinho said. "I feel the people there love me and in life you have to look for that. Life is beautiful and short and you must look for what you think is best for you." Words of wisdom from the special one.
MLSsoccer.com Musts
MLS Goal Timeline: Watch all the goals from the weekend action
Landon Donovan cites referees overturned call as turning point in huge loss to New England
USMNT coaches encourage "gifted" Altidore to stay hungry after display against Germany
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