Dempsey Hat Trick Headlines Big USMNT Day in MLS

by Roderick MacNeil

Clint Dempsey says hello to the fans at Providence Park (mikerussellfoto.com)

In the blink of an eye, Clint Dempsey is now the leading goalscorer in Major League Soccer.

And he wasn’t the only USMNT player with a big day on Saturday, as Michael Bradley and Maurice Edu both got in on the scoring action as well.

Dempsey scored three times and earned Man of the Match honors as he led the Seattle Sounders’ stunning comeback to earn a 4:4 away draw against the Portland Timbers.

The first goal developed quickly off a Portland turnover in its own end. Kenny Cooper intercepted a pass with a volley straight to Osvaldo Alonso’s head, who directed the ball to the feet of Obafemi Martins. With one touch to control and a quick turn, Martins found an open Dempsey at the top of the box. Dempsey slotted it home with a simple touch inside the post to tie the game at 2:2.

The Sounders found themselves down 4:2 late in the second half when substitute Lamar Neagle chipped a cross into the box. Martins got a kung-fu flick-on the ball that Dempsey corralled with his chest and poked home to draw Seattle within 4:3 in the 85th minutes.

Less than a minute later, USMNT teammate DeAndre Yedlin was taken down in the box and awarded a penalty. Dempsey smooth-talked teammate Gonzalo Pineda (Seattle’s designated PK-taker for the day) into letting him attempt to complete the hat trick. Dempsey struck it cleanly and tied the game in the 87th minute.

There’s been much consternation in recent months surrounding the alleged “poor form” of the USMNT captain. With yesterday’s performance, Dempsey will hope to quiet much of that discussion. As he continues to develop a successful strike partnership with Martins in Seattle, the goals just may start to come in bunches.

With the draw, Seattle holds steady at 5th place in the Western Conference with 7 points through 5 matches (2-2-1). Seattle next plays on Saturday, April 12 at league-leading FC Dallas.

Dempsey’s three goals can be seen at 3:22, 7:26 and 8:19 of the following video highlights clip:

USMNT Captain Michael Bradley got into the act as well with Toronto FC. Following up his dominant performance on Wednesday night vs. Mexico, Bradley scored what would prove to be the game-winning goal for TFC in a 2:0 win at Columbus.

Bradley was on the receiving end of a perfectly weighted through-ball from Mark Bloom. He one-timed a low blast from an extremely narrow angle just outside the six-yard box, somehow finding a lane across goal to sneak it inside the far post. Replays showed that the Columbus keeper had the angle covered, but got beaten through the wickets on an attemped kick save.

The win propelled Toronto FC into second place in the Eastern Conference. Both Columbus and Toronto are at 9 points through 4 matches (3-1-0), with the Crew just ahead on goal differential. Toronto FC next plays at home on Saturday, April 12 vs. the Colorado Rapids.

Here’s Bradley’s 11th minute goal:

Meanwhile in Bridgeview, Illinois, Maurice Edu followed up his first USMNT appearance in over a year with another solid performance with the Philadelphia Union. Edu got the Union on the scoreboard in the latter stages of the first half with his first goal since returning to MLS after six seasons in Europe. The 32nd minute strike tied the match at 1:1 at the time, with the game ultimately ending in a 2:2 draw against the Chicago Fire.

Edu picked up a deflection at the top of the six-yard box, and ended up with one of the easier goal-scoring opportunities he’ll see this season. Chicago defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado went to ground behind Edu as the deflection fell to Edu’s feet. A wholly disinterested Bakary Soumare stood and watched Edu turn and line up a well-placed volley past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.

The draw kept Philadelphia steady in 5th place in the Eastern Conference with 6 points through 5 matches (1-1-3). The Union continue to get results, having only lost once, but have been unable to close out wins. Philadelphia next plays at home on Saturday, April 12 vs. Real Salt Lake.

Here’s a look at Edu’s first goal of 2014:

USMNT Weekend Roundup: At Home & Abroad

by Roderick MacNeil

Nick Rimando watches yet another huge save steered wide of goal.

Let’s take a quick look at the most notable performances (or lack thereof) by USMNT players, both present and future, from the past weekend:

Major League Soccer

Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake) – Rimando was spectacular in RSL’s 1-0 season-opening win over the LA Galaxy. He made 9 saves, including a 93rd minute penalty kick stop off the foot of Robbie Keane. Rimando was named to the MLS Team of the Week, in addition to Week 1 Player of the Week honors. Here’s his top saves from this weekend, including the game-saving exclamation point:

Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew) – In Parkhurst’s MLS return he was instrumental in the Crew’s 3-0 win over D.C. United. He helped keep Eddie Johnson in check as Columbus held DC to one shot on goal.

Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union) – Edu was named to MLS Team of the Week in central midfield in his Union debut. His flick-on header led to an assist on Jack McInerney’s goal as Philly earned a surprise point (and nearly three) in a 1-1 draw at Portland. Edu hopes to earn a USMNT call-up for the April 2 match vs. Mexico.

DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders) – The second year phenom was impressive in earning Man of the Match honors in Seattle’s 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City. Yedlin completed two successful long through balls, equaling the number he had in all of 2013. He remains a long shot candidate for the USMNT World Cup roster.

Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders) – Dempsey looked sharp and played with a chip on his now-healthy shoulder in his first match back from Europe. The USMNT captain figured prominently and assisted on the winning goal. His smoothly fielded pass from Ozzie Alonso and distribution back wide to Sean Okoli set up the initial crossing opportunity. Dempsey then headed a rebound off the crossbar and scissor-kicked his own rebound ahead to Chad Barrett, who stabbed home a dramatic winner for the Sounders. It marked the fifth Seattle  stoppage time victory over Kansas City since 2010.

Will Bruin (Houston Dynamo) – Bruin earned his first two national team caps in 2013, and got off to a big start in his effort to stay on Jurgen Klinsmann’s radar for the next cycle. Bruin notched two goals in the game’s first 13 minutes to jump start the Dynamo to a 4-0 rout over the New England Revolution.

Liga MX

Jose Torres (Tigres UANL) – “Gringo” Torres scored his first goal since joining Tigres of Liga MX. Torres’ 82nd minute tally capped a 3-0 victory over Cruz Azul. He hopes to make a late run to earn a spot on the World Cup roster, and may see an opening given the recent shortcomings of Sacha Kljestan and Brek Shea. Here’s a video clip of the goal (jump to 1:02 of the video):

Joe Corona (Tijuana) – Corona made an impressive return to Tijuana’s starting lineup, having not been featured since early January.  It’s noteworthy that he also took all the Xolos’ set pieces. Corona is seeking to make the most of his playing time, hoping to earn a USMNT call-up next month and find his way onto the World Cup roster.

Alejandro Guido (Tijuana) – The 19-year-old United States U-20 player made his Liga MX debut for Tijuana, entering in the 84th minute of a 2-0 win over CD Guadalajara. Guido has excelled for the Xolos’ U-20 team with three goals in six starts.

Europe

Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar) – Johannsson scored again. And again. Same old, same old. The USMNT striker now has 24 goals in all competitions and shows no signs of slowing down. He’ll be a dangerous weapon at the World Cup this summer.

Jozy Altidore (Sunderland) – Notable due to his absence, yet again. Altidore was not in the 18-man game day roster for Sunderland’s FA Cup quarterfinal loss to Hull City. Manager Gus Poyet later explained that Altidore had picked up an unspecified “knock” in training.

Brek Shea (Barnsley/Stoke City) – Shea’s loan spell at Barnsley came to a grinding halt Monday when he was sent back to parent club Stoke City. This came on the heels of a regrettable incident in which Shea made an obscene gesture ( involving a certain centrally located digit) toward Barnsley supporters. Couple with his underwhelming performances, Barnsley had seen enough. He has not been formally recalled by Stoke, so Barnsley will continue to pay Shea’s salary.

2014 MLS Eastern Conference Preview & Projections

by Roderick MacNeil

Graham Zusi and Sporting Kansas City may have plenty more to celebrate in 2014. (Peter G. Aiken/US Presswire)

It was a busy and exciting offseason around the Eastern Conference. The addition of six new Designated Players to the conference could see a massive power shift from 2013, with all six joining teams that finished near the bottom of the table a year ago. The teams that occupied the top of the standings last fall all return as formidable as we last saw them, and several upstart challengers look to make bigger strides as the new campaign begins. Here’s our look at each Eastern Conference team, in projected order of finish.

1. Sporting Kansas City

The defending MLS Cup champions made very few significant changes to the team that hoisted a trophy last year. They return as favorites in the East with a deep roster a few questions marks. New starting goalkeeper Eric Kronberg, the longest tenured SKC player, will have big gloves to fill for the retired Jimmy Nielsen. Kronberg has played less than 400 MLS minutes in 8 previous seasons. His teammates are familiar with him in training, but it needs to translate to trust when the games count. SKC will miss Graham Zusi and Matt Besler at various times with the USMNT, but this team has plenty of depth to not bat an eye during their absences.

2. New York Red Bulls

New York took a huge step forward in 2013, winning the first trophy in the team’s history. Much like their Eastern rivals SKC, there were few major changes with the Red Bulls. Thierry Henry looks as motivated as ever and Tim Cahill has been unstoppable, as both continue to defy the effects of aging. If New York’s key players can remain injury-free, they’ll be a force at the top of the East again could watch its silverware collection start to multiply.

3. Toronto FC

Expectations have never been higher in Toronto. They broke the bank with the high profile signings of Jermain Defoe and Michael Bradley, found a way to fit Brazilian national team goalkeeper Julio Cesar under the salary cap, and brought back Canadian national team captain and former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario. The X-factor for TFC could be the less-prolific DP signing, Gilberto. If he’s able to take pressure away from Defoe and provide a consisting second scoring threat, the Reds could be deadly up top. This team may take some time to gel, but there’s too much talent to fail.

4. Philadelphia Union

The Union team that takes the field in 2014 is unrecognizable from the one we saw last fall. All eyes will be on a completely revamped midfield featuring three major new signings. Former USMNT stalwart Maurice Edu and Argentinian Christian Maidana enter as Designated Players, joined by former Sochaux midfielder Vincent Nogueira. They’ll attempt to reignite Jack McInerney’s lost scoring touch. Opposing defenses seemed to figure out McInerney after his hot 2013 start. The talent on this roster is much improved, but it remains to be seen how it fits together and where the goals will come from. With all the new talent in the midfield, it’s hard to imagine they don’t figure that out before long.

5. D.C. United

You can’t accuse D.C. United of being passive this offseason. There are wholesale changes all over the pitch. Most of the new faces join from elsewhere in MLS. Most notably, the acquisition of USMNT forward Eddie Johnson from Seattle, who is now signed as a Designated Player. EJ will score his share of goals and should be complemented nicely up top by Fabian Espindola. The tale will be told on the all-new back line, where veteran newcomers Sean Franklin, Bobby Boswell and Jeff Parke, along with Spanish import Cristian Fernandez, will attempt to find cohesion in DC. It may take some time for all the new pieces to fit, but there’s nowhere to go but up for a team that had a -37 goal differential a year ago.

6. Houston Dynamo

There are few steadier presences in recent MLS history than the Dynamo. Head coach Dominic Kinnear again quietly led his team into the Eastern Conference finals, to follow up on its two consecutive MLS Cup appearances. Most of the same offensive pieces return, but attention will focus on a rebuilt central defense where Eric Brunner steps in for the departed Bobby Boswell. Depth at midfield remains a concern, as Houston stands to missing Boniek Garcia (Honduras) and Brad Davis (USA) at various times due to national team duty. It’ll be challenging for the Dynamo to return to the playoffs, yet they always seem to find a way.

7. New England Revolution

A promising young collection of talent emerged in Foxboro last year, led by Diego Fagundez and Kelyn Rowe, and that group should continue to mature and improve. The catalyst for New England’s surprising run to the playoffs, however, was short-termer Juan Agudelo, who is now off plying his trade in Holland. Agudelo was a game changer who will prove difficult to replace. The Revs are hopeful that Teal Bunbury thrives in his new surroundings, and optimistic Saer Sene can return to form from his horrific 2013 injury, but it may be striker-by-committee at Gillette. Will it be enough to hold off much improved Eastern foes in Toronto, Philly and DC? I’m skeptical.

8. Chicago Fire

Everything changed for the Fire last season after the acquisition of hometown boy Mike Magee, even if the team’s resurgence fell short of a playoff spot. Magee’s 21 goals – one shy of the Golden Boot – aren’t likely to be repeated in 2014, however. He’ll continue to be a threat, but there are too many questions elsewhere. Jalil Anibaba and the promising Austin Berry (2012 ROY) have departed from the back line, replaced by Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Lovel Palmer. It’s a different look, but is it better? The wildcard for Chicago may be former USA U-20 star, Benji Joya, who arrived via MLS’s lottery system after spending two seasons with Santos Laguna of Liga MX. Joya’s spark in the midfield could be a different maker, as he’s impressed in preseason. However, there are still too many questions to view this as a likely playoff team.

9. Columbus Crew

The hiring of new head coach Greg Berhalter marks the start of a new era in Columbus. The central defense for the Crew, which in 2013 was merely adequate, has been substantially upgraded with the additions of USMNT defender Michael Parkhurst and Costa Rican national team defender Giancarlo Gonzalez. The lingering concern is where the goals will come from. The offense still revolves around the dynamic playmaking of Federico Higuain, but there isn’t consistent help. Teams have drawn their way into the playoffs before, and the Crew might be good enough to pull off the feat. Most likely, we won’t see this team emerge until 2015.

10. Montreal Impact

All is not well in Quebec. The Impact set the league on fire to start 2013, remaining among the favorites for the Supporters Shield during the first half of the season. Then the bottom fell out as Montreal won 1 of its last 8 and was fortunate to back into the playoffs on the final day. Age and a lack of depth were two huge concerns, and they continue to be as 2014 begins. The only notable acquisition was forward Santiago Gonzalez, who will attempt to share the offensive load with Marco DiVaio. But a back line that is both inexperienced and injury-prone hasn’t been addressed. New head coach Frank Klopas will have his hands full sorting this mess out.

We’ll have the Western Conference preview later in the day, as well as  some trophy and award projections.

2014 MLS Kit Leaks: Eastern Conference

by Roderick MacNeil

Next week Major League Soccer will hold its newly annual “Jersey Week.” In a series of events hosted around the United States and Canada, MLS teams will officially unveil their new kits for the 2014 season. This year 17 of 19 teams will be introducing at least one new jersey.

As is typically the case before the official releases, images of the new kits have surfaced. 16 of the 17 new kits have been leaked already, with Sporting Kansas City’s new secondary jersey the only one not yet uncovered. The source of these leaks has a pretty solid track record of not being duped. Today we’ll start with a look at the Eastern Conference selection. Click on each one for a full-size image:

Chicago Fire 2014 Primary Kit

Columbus Crew 2014 Primary Kit

Houston Dynamo 2014 Secondary Kit

Montreal Impact 2014 Primary Kit

New England Revolution 2014 Primary Kit

New York Red Bulls 2014 Secondary Kit

Philadelphia Union 2014 Primary Kit

Toronto FC 2014 Secondary Kit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One new Eastern Conference kit has already been formally revealed, and that’s because DC United introduced a new jersey sponsor. Gone is the familiar “VW” Volkswagen logo, and entering is Leidos, a government contractor based in the Washington, DC area:

We’ll take a look at the Western Conference leaked kits in our next installment.

Thoughts on the new looks?

Philadelphia Acquires Center Back Austin Berry from Chicago

by Roderick MacNeil

Former MLS ROY Austin Berry will call Chester, PA home in 2014.

In a surprising move on Monday, the Chicago Fire sent 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year Austin Berry to the Philadelphia Union in exchange for allocation money. The trade comes just a day after reports surfaced that Berry’s Chicago teammate, League MVP Mike Magee, was holding out for a new deal. The Fire are known to be very tight against the salary cap, and this move would permit the team to rework and increase Magee’s contract. The allocation money also likely creates enough cap flexibility to complete a rumored loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Grant Ward.

Berry has by no means disappointed in Chicago. But with the Fire in a difficult position with Magee’s situation and finding themselves with their greatest depth at center back, Berry simply stood out as the most attractive trading commodity. Chicago acquired center backs Jhon Kennedy Hurtado and Patrick Ianni from Seattle during the offseason, joining incumbent CB Bakary Soumare. While the team may have preferred to keep Berry, none of the other three were going to fetch the Fire that much needed allocation money.

Berry will strengthen the back line behind a greatly revamped Philadelphia midfield. This winter saw the Union sign three new Designated Players, including USMNT defensive midfielder Maurice Edu, Argentinian left winger Cristian Maidana, and attacking midfielder Vincent Nogueira from Ligue 1’s Sochaux. Berry projects as an immediate starter alongside Amobi Okugo, upgrading a position that previously had been considered the weakest area on the field for the Union.

Philadelphia opens the 2014 MLS season on Saturday, March 8 at the Portland Timbers.